Umatilla National Forest

Umatilla National Forest
2517 S.W. Hailey Avenue
Pendleton, OR 97801

541-278-3716

Frazier Rappellers

Our Base Our Mission The Crew Rappelling Training Fitness Recruitment Contacts Photo Gallery

ATTENTION! Applications for the 2008 Season are due no later than January 2, 2008 Applications are available online through AVUE Digital Services. Job Announcement # GS-4 Temp DE-OCR-0462-4-HLTK GS-5 Temp DE-ORC-0462-5-HLTK

Our Base

The Frazier Rappel Base is one of five Rappel programs in the Pacific Northwest Region. Located in Oregon, 35 miles west of the city of La Grande, and 18 miles east of the town of Ukiah on Highway 244, we enjoy all the benefits of a remote base in beautiful Northeast Oregon. The Base is tucked into the edge of a very scenic Ponderosa Pine meadow in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Positioned in the center of the Umatilla National Forest, we are a Type-1 Crew that staffs a Regional Initial Attack Helicopter.

Our Mission

Our mission at the Frazier Rappel Base is to provide a highly trained and qualified aerial delivered firefighting force. We will be motivated, safe and professional in all functions of our job. We will take pride in the growth and development of our employees and the services we provide. Through our dedication to moral integrity, work ethic, training, mentorship and leadership, we will stand together as a High Performance Team now and in the years to come.

The Crew

Our crew consists of :

• 16 qualified Rappellers
• One GS-9 Base Manager
• One GS-7/8 Assistant Manager
• Three GS-6 Lead Crewmembers
• Three GS-5 Senior Rappellers
• Ten Seasonal Rappellers

We usually try and pick up 1-2 detailers each season.

Rappelling

Rappelling is a fast and effective way to get Initial Attack firefighters into remote areas. Once dispatched, we fly to the location of a wild land fire with a load of Rappellers on board. At the scene of the fire it is determined whether there is a place to land nearby or if the fire will need to be rappelled. Once the decision to rappel is made, the spotter and pilot set up the hover over the intended spot and the rappellers slide down the ropes with the help of the Sky Genie (descent device).

On the ground we fight fire like any other initial attack firefighter, building hand line, cutting saw lines and felling trees. Most often the fires are small lightning ignited fires taking 2-4 firefighters 1-3 days to put out. The crews are prepared to stay out for multiple nights, carrying everything needed such as food, water and shelter for an initial 36 hours.

Once the fire is put out, the firefighters pack up their gear and hike out. The hike is typically out of a wilderness or roadless area and is often over rough terrain, averaging 2-5 miles to the nearest pick-up road. The firefighter’s pack is a bulky 80-110 pounds of rappel gear (rope, harness & flight helmet), initial attack gear (tools, chainsaw & line pack) as well as food, water and overnight gear. Due to the standardized training that all Region 6 Rappellers go through, we have the ability to send boosters to any base in the Region on short notice. A booster is a fully qualified Rappeller from another base that is temporarily transferred to a different base or incident to increase the host crew’s size and capability.

Training

Our seasonal employees typically start in early May. Upon arrival we begin the 3-4 week pre-season Rookie Training process consisting of extensive, hands on, fire and aviation training. Pre-season training consists of the S-271 Helicopter Crewmember course, chainsaw certification, radio use and programming, map and compass proficiency, as well as survival techniques and real world scenario exercises.

Throughout these training days firefighters will be participating in a rigorous physical fitness program twice daily. The final portion of Rookie Training consists of the 5-7 day Rookie Rappel Academy in John Day, OR where trainees receive standardized training that will allow them to rappel at any base in the Region. A sharp mind and physically fit individual is a must. Upon completion of the Academy, rappellers are ready to start the season and are immediately available for dispatch.

Each spring the returning crewmembers have opportunities to participate in individual operations training such as S & I-100 and 200 level courses that meet the needs of their personal career development. Additionally we try and get our returnees through some of the Leadership Development courses that are now available. Throughout the season we are very pro-active in filling training assignments to employees with open Task Books.

Fitness

Physical fitness is an incredibly important part of a Firefighter’s job. We require that all employees meet rigorous levels of physical fitness. We test our firefighters the first day of employment.

Employees are expected to meet and exceed the following physical fitness standards:

• 1.5 mile run in 11:00 minutes or less
• 20 push-ups in 1 minute
• 5 full extension pull-ups
• 85 lbs. pack test over 2 miles in 60 minutes (flat ground)
• 85 lbs. pack test over typical ground
• Agency 45 lbs. Work Capacity Test.

Please bare in mind that these are minimums and are typically exceeded. We maintain our physical fitness throughout the season by providing time for workouts when we are not on fires. It is absolutely critical to arrive in good physical condition and maintain a workout regime during the off-season.

Recruitment

On average, we hire 3-6 new employees each season. We look for people who have at least two years experience in firefighting. Individuals that can live and work well with a diverse group of people under stressful and physically demanding situations are a must. We are always looking for people that have skills such as EMT, chainsaw experience, and IC5.

Applications are available online through AVUE Digital Services. We start our selection process in February and like to have our hiring done by March. Please note that when applying through AVUE, you must select “Ukiah, OR” in order for you to show up on our list of applicants. Please have applications submitted by December 31, 2007.

Positions on the crew are quite competitive. Filling out a high quality, thorough, and timely application is critical. Recommendations from previous employers are very important to our selection process. We highly encourage potential applicants to make personal contact with us. Doing so puts a face with your name and makes our decision process easier.

Contacts

If you would like more information or have any questions please contact the Frazier Rappell Base at (541) 427-5320. Address: P.O Box 158 Ukiah, OR 97880. Email: jconnall@fs.fed.us.

Our Leadership:

• JD Connall (Base Manager) jconnall@fs.fed.us
• Kris Schmidt (Asst. Base Manager) kwalters@fs.fed.us
• Teruko Shibata (Lead Crew) tshibata@fs.fed.us
• Joe Cochran (Lead Crew) jrcochran@fs.fed.us
• Kane Lester (Lead Crew) kglester@fs.fed.us
• Eben Babb (Senior Rappeller) ebabb@fs.fed.us
• Jason Gibbons (Senior Rappeller) jgibbons@fs.fed.us
• Chris Schram (Senior Rappeller)