Location
Vegas Valley Hand Crew is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hand crew located in Las Vegas, Nevada based out of the Southern Nevada District Office (SNDO). Vegas Valley is type
d as a Type II Initial Attack Hand Crew. A hand crew consists of 20 men and women who work together as a cohesive unit to suppress wildland fires and conduct fuels projects throughout mostly the western states. However, they may be dispatched anywhere in the nation. Vegas Valley Hand Crew was established in April of 2012. The crew is unique in the fact that it is comprised of all discharged veterans, each crew member receiving a term appointment. (This is an appointment in the competitive service where there is a need for the position for more than 1 year, but not more than 4 years. Reasons for making a term appointment include: project work, extraordinary workload, possibility of contracting out certain functions, and uncertainty of future funding. Eligible for benefits, if appointment is for one year or more. For more Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) Information, please refer to www.federaljobs.net/vra.htm.
Crew Organization
Throughout 2012, Vegas Valley created a diverse team of highly motivated and skilled individuals who enjoy hard work and being out on fires away from home for sometimes up to a duration of two to three weeks. The crew travels in crew carriers and can be mobilized to wildland fires anywhere in the nation. If there is no road access to a fire, the crew travels equipped to be flown in to a fire area via helicopter. Once arriving, crew members will help assist and support fire operations. During the fire season of 2012, the crew was committed to fires for a total of 94 days. Vegas Valley was on a total of 17 fires in four states (NV, ID, WY, CO).
Crew Functions
Fire suppression duties vary from line construction and burnout to mop-up and rehabilitation. When not on fire assignments, the crew performs project work such as prescribed burning, fuels reduction, and other assorted projects as needed by the district. While on assignment, living conditions are sometimes very primitive, and daily work shifts can last in many cases up to 16 hours. Hot meals and beds are most often not an option. Crew positions are mentally and physically demanding; not everyone is suited for this job. Routine exposure to dust, smoke, poison oak, and other environmental hazards can be expected. Wildland firefighting on this crew requires strength, stamina, composure, and a positive attitude.
Physical Fitness
All crew members are expected to commence each fire season in top physical condition. Each crew member will also be encouraged to participate in the BLM Fitness Challenge, as well as be expected to pass the work capacity pack test. (45lb pack carried for three miles on flat smooth surface completed in 45 minutes.) As a crew we strive for each crew member to attain a minimum score of 200 on the BLM Fitness Challenge.
Lodging
Government quarters is an available option while residing in Las Vegas. At the Red Rock Fire Station, there is a newer barracks facility which each crew member has preference to rent at a reasonable cost if needed. For more housing information visit Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce website at www.lvchamber.com
Required Documents/How to Apply
Veterans’ Recruitment Appoint (VRA) is an excepted authority that allows Federal agencies to appoint eligible veterans without competition. If you:
- are in receipt of a campaign badge for service during a war or in a campaign or expedition; OR
- are a disabled veteran, OR
- are in receipt of an Armed Forces Service Medal for participation in a military operation, OR
- are a recently separated veteran (within the last 3 years), AND
- separated under honorable conditions (this means an honorable or general discharge), you are VRA eligible.
- Documents can be faxed to our confidential fax at 702-515-5045.
Contact Information
Bureau of Land Management
4701 North Torrey Pines Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89130
Eric Ellison, Superintendent; eellison@blm.gov or 702-515-5183
Isaiah Fischer, Foreman; ifischer@blm.gov or 702-515-5233
