Task Force Leader

About Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc.

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. ("WDS") is a Qualified Insurance Resource (QIR) operating the largest private sector wildfire service in the nation, encompassing a 22-state service area and specializing in wildfire education, loss prevention, and wildfire response services. Qualified Insurance Resources are defined as NWCG qualified or equivalent, wildland engines, tenders, hand crews, fire/liaison officers, and personnel working for or contracted by an insurance company with a mission to mitigate impacts on insured structures threatened by wildfire. WDS holds contracts with insurance companies to provide wildfire loss prevention services. WDS fields experienced, highly trained, safety-focused wildfire officers and fire personnel that hold a wide range of Federal Wildfire Incident Command position classifications necessary to meet or exceed all federal wildfire operation standards and codes including all requirements of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group ("NWCG") or equivalent. WDS is capable of providing more than 180 wildland engines and hundreds of fire personnel and support personnel. WDS has served large and small insurance clients since 2008.

WE'RE HIRING FOR THE 2026 FIRE SEASON

Our firefighters are the heartbeat of our company, and we make it a priority to take care of you and your family. As an employer of choice our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive, and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth, and development for every employee. Join our team and together we will make a difference that changes the world of wildfire.

By Joining Wildfire Defense Systems:

• You will be a part of the largest expansion of wildfire services currently occurring
• You will play an active part in shaping your career journey through our unique Grade and Step system
• You will help provide wildfire services across 22 states and Canada
• You are guaranteed a 13/13 or 10/16 schedule

As a member of the Field Services Division the Task Force Leader (TFLD) provides fire line supervision in accordance with federal Incident Command System (ICS) requirements. This position will oversee multiple WDS and Alliance (subcontractor) resources as a task force (5 or more resources) during response ready activities during fire response. It is intended that each task force will have a TFLD.

The TFLD will provide supervision and direction of any combination of WDS and Alliance resources including but not limited to engines, tenders, squads, and contract mix stations. The TFLD will report to any of the following including, but not limited to a Liaison Officer, WDS Regional Coordination and Business Manager (RCBM), Battalion Supervisor, WDS Fire Watch Commander, or other senior TFLDs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to pass a WCT (Work Capacity Test/Pack Test) at Arduous Level (Complete a 3 mile walk wearing a 45-pound pack in less than 45 minutes)
• Employees must be 21 years of age or older.
• DOT Medical Examiner's Certification (will be authorized by employer for qualified individuals)
• Current driver's license with acceptable driving record
• ICS (PMS qualified at the minimum Strike Team Leader level (TFLD preferred)
• All required NWCD certifications and Position Task Books for any prerequisite qualifications or required training
• Other documentation considered on a case-by-case basis
• TFLDs hired after 9/19/2024 must have a valid passport and be willing and able to work in both the U.S. and Canada

WHAT WDS PROVIDES TO FIELD EMPLOYEES

• Career full time seasonal positions, career full time annual positions
• Full NWCG compliant engines and tenders
• Ability to maintain and advance NWCG qualifications
• Task books can transfer to future career positions
• Daily diversity of tasks
• Work center-based locations when not deployed on fire assignments or on-call assignments
• Career advancement from FFT2-FFT1-ENGB-TFLD
• Competitive wages exceeding federal standards
• Overtime opportunities

WHAT BENEFITS ARE PROVIDED TO ELIGIBLE FIREFIGHTERS

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Access to Teladoc
• Paid time off plus 48-hours of sick leave per year
• 9-Paid company holidays
• 401(k)
• WDS contributes 3% to a Safe Harbor retirement plan with no employee match required
• Company paid life insurance ($300K for Field Operations Employees)
• Company paid AD&D ($300K for Field Operations Employees)
• Company paid short-term and long-term disability
• Voluntary life & accident insurance
• Employee assistance and wellness programs
• Employee discounts through Life Mart and Expert Voice

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Federal Law under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) requires drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles engaged in interstate commerce must be at least 21 years of age. For this reason, applicants for this position must be at least 21 years of age to be considered.

The pay range for this role is:

USD per hour(Salem, OR)