Southern Nevada Interagency Hand Crew and AD Hiring

Administratively Determined (AD) fire personnel work intermittently, depending on the needs of the sponsoring agency, the availability of the employee and the severity of the fire season. These on-call workers are not covered under government retirement and health benefits nor do they receive premium pay. AD fire personnel receive the same training and are subject to the same qualification standards as regular fire personnel. AD employees receive pay for pre-fire season training.

Opportunity for AD work exists on the Southern Nevada Hand Crew as well as on engine crews, in fire dispatch and performing fire support functions. AD employees may receive assignments both locally and nationally during fire emergencies, periods of high fire danger and during other emergencies.

The Southern Nevada Interagency Hand Crew was first formed in the summer of 2008. It is a 20-person Type 2 hand crew for fire suppression. Composed of both regular agency personnel and AD employees, the crew is normally on-call during the summer months. In addition to responding to wildland fires, the crew could accept disaster relief assignments and work on hazardous fuels reduction projects.  Crew members must be able to accept intermittent work assignments during their availability period. The hand crew is a great opportunity to gain fire suppression experience and fulfill a vital need when it is activated. In 2008, this crew responded to local fires and went on assignment to California twice.

Prospective firefighters must:

·         Be at least 18 years old prior to going on assignment

·         Be U.S. citizens

·         Be able to pass a pre-employment drug test

·         Be able to pass a physical fitness test consisting of a three mile hike over flat ground with a 45 pound pack in less than 45 minutes

Prospective members must at a minimum be NWCG Firefighter Type 2 qualified (S-130/190, L-180, I-100). However this training is usually offered through the agency. If you do not have this training and are interested in joining the crew, contact the crew coordinator to see when it will next be offered. Crew members may receive opportunities for additional training related to portable fire pumps (S-211), chain saws (S-212), and advanced firefighter training (S-131).

Crew members should have a physical fitness goal of running 1.5 miles in 11 minutes 40 seconds, and be able to complete five pull ups, 20 pushups and 30 sit-ups. Once the crew becomes active, it will undergo physical training together with the goal of maintaining these standards.

Crew members must be available to travel on assignment for extended periods of time. A typical assignment is two weeks; however, it is common to be extended for 21 or 28 day periods. Often these assignments are in remote areas away from cell phone coverage and facilities. Crew members must be capable of living in the field. Basic personnel protective equipment (PPE) will be assigned to the crew member; however, they are responsible for purchasing approved fire boots.

For more information on AD work in Southern Nevada or the Southern Nevada Interagency Hand Crew contact the BLM in Southern Nevada at 702-515-5198. This number is for AD and seasonal fire hiring information for the Southern Nevada District of the BLM only.