Frazier Rappellers
|
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:
|