BLM Seeks to Hire 20 Veterans for Fuels Work in Idaho
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Idaho announced today that its fire management program is seeking to hire 20 veterans to join the Idaho BLM fuels crew. The veterans will be organized into four five-member fuels crews to be stationed at the following four Idaho locations: Boise, Burley, Pocatello and Coeur d'Alene. Government housing may be available in the Burley and Pocatello areas. The veterans will be responsible for conducting fuels reduction projects and assisting in fire suppression activities as needed. Fuels reduction projects involve a variety of strategic vegetation treatments on public lands such as the removal of vegetation to promote land health and the creation of fire breaks to assist firefighters in managing wildland fires. Fuels crew personnel are often involved in a wide variety of tasks and get to see some of the most beautiful and remote areas of Idaho. The Idaho fuels management program is highly active, with an excellent track record of success, said Idaho BLM State Director Steve Ellis. "The additional assistance of the veteran crew will significantly enhance our program by allowing us to continue accomplishing our goal of managing healthy lands and improving community safety from wildfire. Similar programs in other states have provided excellent opportunities for veterans to enjoy rewarding outdoor work. Each veteran fuels position will be a Term appointment not to exceed 13 months, but it may be extended up to 4 years. The work schedule will be Long-Term Career Seasonal, which means the length of each veteran assignment will be a minimum 6 months of full-time employment per year, with the possibility of longer assignments if funding, project work and weather permit. The BLM Idaho fuels program implements a wide range of fuels reduction projects across the state. During the fire season of 2012, the program fuels reduction projects were critical in reducing wildland fire behavior and allowing firefighters to safely save homes, private property and natural resources. Questions? Contact Glen Burkhardt (208) 373-4047. Visit the BLM Idaho Wildland Firefighting Recruitment Page to see the interest announcement and to learn more about wildland firefighting positions in Idaho.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.