Job Description:The primary intent of this program is to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire to the Rapid City community and surrounding areas. The SkillBridge candidate will integrate into the Rapid City Fire Department’s Veterans Wildfire Mitigation Crew. This crew is comprised of military veterans returning to the local workforce, tasked with implementing forest management plans designed to reduce wildfire risk to the community and maintain a sustainable, healthy landscape. Essential duties include successfully completing initial training and physical fitness requirements (including the Arduous level Work Capacity Test). After successful completion of these requirements, duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:1. Cutting and removal of trees and other flammable vegetation through the use of chainsaws, tracked loaders, all-terrain vehicles, towable chippers, and dump trucks.2. Removal of excessive vegetation through pile burning and broadcast burning operations.3. Perform routine service and maintenance requirements of assigned equipment.4. Work as an integral team member of the crew to accomplish project duties as assigned.5. Obtain and maintain associated qualifications and certifications including National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Basic Firefighter (FFT2) and Basic Faller (FAL3).6. Engage in wildfire suppression activities locally and optionally on a national level for periods up to 14 days. 7. Participate in community outreach/education events pertaining to wildfire preparedness.The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold, extreme heat, and steep terrain. The employee will be working in thick vegetation on uneven terrain. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Proper protective equipment will be provided and shall be used as necessary. This program is designed to provide the SkillBridge candidate the necessary training and experience to transition into employment opportunities including but not limited to wildland fire management, municipal fire and medical services, land/resource management, and other rewarding positions while continuing to work with military veterans.Length of Training:The initial, Basic Training will include 40 hours of classroom, online, and hands-on training and education. The candidate will have the ability to complete ongoing training through day-to-day operations by working with the program leader and other crewmembers. Daily routine includes physical fitness/ mental wellness training, operational safety review, and practical field experience. Additional classes range from 8-40+ hours and will provided based on candidate availability and proficiency. The candidate may stay with the program indefinitely, based on home unit expectations and military service requirements. The candidate will then have the opportunity to apply for employment through the city of Rapid City, not to exceed 1,560 hours within each calendar year.Timeline:Upon acceptance into the program, the candidate will complete necessary orientation and Basic Training level instruction within the first two weeks of participation.Daily, on-the-job training will be provided by the program leader and other crewmembers in classroom and hands-on field applications to improve proficiency on routine operations, including wildfire fuels mitigation work, equipment maintenance, public education, and wildfire operations.Intermediate and Advanced level trainings will be provided based on availability and candidate proficiency.Titles:Basic Training- After successful completion of this 40+hr training experience, the candidate will be certified as a nationally recognized wildland firefighter and basic tree faller/chainsaw operator through National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards.Intermediate Crewmember- At this level, the candidate will have the opportunity to become qualified as a Type 1 Firefighter (FFT1)/Type 5 Incident Commander (ICT5) and Intermediate Faller (FAL2), with all associated training and field experience. Advanced Crewmember- Within and beyond the SkillBridge timeline, the candidate will have the opportunity to pursue and achieve advanced levels of fireline leadership, skills, and qualifications including, but not limited to the following: emergency medical technician, single resource boss positions, and other nationally recognized certifications.Specific Learning Objectives: This training plan will provide initial classroom, online, and hands-on instruction for the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with basic leadership, wildfire prevention, and operational wildfire suppression. This initial training includes the following: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Incident Command ICS100, ICS200, and ICS 700; National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Wildland Fire Behavior, and L-180 Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service.After successful completion of these classes, the candidate will have the opportunity to complete the Arduous level Work Capacity Test and become a nationally recognized, certified wildland firefighter.The candidate will then have the opportunity to complete NWCG S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws class, with the ability to become qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3). Based on training and experience, progression to Intermediate (FAL2) and Advanced Faller (FAL1) is possible and encouraged.Ongoing opportunities will be available through the program, including additional training for fireline leadership and skill-specific qualifications.Type of Instructional Model: Training will include a combination of classroom, online, and hands-on instruction with practical field applications for all learning objectives.Instructor Qualification: Wildfire Mitigation Lieutenant. National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified: Taskforce Leader (TFLD), Type 4 Incident Commander (ICT4), Engine Boss (ENGB), Firing Boss (FIRB), Type 3 Burn Boss (RXB3), Advanced Faller-Trainee (FAL1t), Intermediate Faller (FAL2), Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), Firefighter Type 1/Squad Boss (FFT1), Type 2 Burn Boss-Trainee (RXB2t), South Dakota Fire Instructor, South Dakota Firefighter, Operations Lieutenant, Hazardous Materials Technician, Advanced Ropes and Water Rescue Technician, and Emergency Medical Technician.Assessments:Each formal class will include a written exam following standard guidelines. A copy of these grades will be retained by the program leader, along with copies of all achieved certificates. Periodical (quarterly) performance evaluations will be conducted with the SkillBridge candidate and program leaders. Productive feedback and discussion will be provided and documented, ensuring goals are set and being achieved. Training Outcome:Required training will include National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Wildland Fire Behavior, L-180 Human Factors In Wildland Fire, S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ICS100, ICS200, ICS700. Additional classes/training that will be offered based on availability and candidate proficiency include, but are not limited to the following: NWCG S-131 Advanced Firefighter, S-211 Portable Pumps and Water Use, S-215 Fire Operations In the Wildland Urban Interface, S-230/231 Single Resource Boss, S-290 Intermediate Fire Behavior. Candidates will also be able to open and complete NWCG Position Taskbooks associated with specific skills, with priority for Basic Faller (FAL3), Intermediate Faller (FAL2), Advanced Firefighter/Squad Boss (FFT1), Type 5 Incident Commander (ICT5) and Engine Boss (ENGB.) Incomplete Position Taskbooks may be carried with the candidate beyond the SkillBridge timeframe to be completed upon further employment opportunities.The SkillBridge candidate will gain valuable knowledge and practical skills within wildland fire management, and develop connections with the Rapid City Fire Department and cooperating agencies including state and federal partners.