Lieutenant - Wildland

Aspen Fire Protection District•Aspen, CO

About The Position

The Lieutenant of Wildland (LT-W) provides leadership, coordination, and oversight of wildland fire management activities for the Aspen Fire Protection District (AFPD). Working under the direction of the Battalion Chief – Wildland, this position supports and advances the District’s wildland fire program through operational readiness, response preparedness, project management, contractor relations, mitigation and fuels management initiatives, community education, and comprehensive wildland training programs. The LT-W assists in ensuring AFPD’s wildland program aligns with District strategy, core values, interagency standards, and industry best practices. This position provides day-to-day leadership and coordination of wildland operations and preparedness efforts while fostering a safety-driven, professional, and people-first environment. This position will fill operational and oversight duties of the BC-W in their absence. The Lieutenant of Wildland serves as a subject-matter expert in wildland fire operations, providing guidance on tactics, training, and program implementation. The LT-W represents the District in local and regional wildland coordination efforts, supports interagency partnerships, and contributes to regional preparedness and collaboration. The LT-W is expected to exemplify AFPD’s core values, with a strong emphasis on people, safety, integrity, service, and professionalism. This position plays a critical role in shaping a resilient, prepared, and community-focused, agency connected and oriented, wildland fire program.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old
High school diploma, GED or higher from an accredited educational institution
Minimum of 5 years of firefighting and/or EMS service with increasing responsibility in fire suppression, emergency medical response or fire prevention.
Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record or be able to obtain within 30 days of employment.
Ability to successfully pass a background check commensurate with the position of public trust associated with firefighters and the fire service.
Extensive, progressive experience in wildland fire operations, management, and leadership at the local and national level.
NWCG FFT1 certification
NWCG Qualifications: FAL3
NWCG Qualifications: ICT5
NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) (or higher) or be able to obtain within 18 months of hire.
Demonstrated experience in wildland training coordination, fuels management, and interagency operations.
Valid Colorado Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or National Registry EMT certification and be able to obtain Colorado licensure within (2) months of hire
Valid BLS for Healthcare Provider card or equivalent
ICS 100, 200, and NIMS 700 & 800 certifications
Any equivalent combination of experience, training, or education which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for this position may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher from an accredited educational institution, preferably within Fire Science, Public Administration, Business or Emergency Services Agency
Burn Boss (RXB3)
Classes: S-211, S-212, S-215, S-219, S-230, S-231, S-260, S-270, S-290 and L280
Experience in WUI-focused fire districts or mountain environments.
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter I certification (or higher)
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Officer I certification (or higher) or approved equivalent.
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Instructor I certification (or higher) or approved equivalent
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Hazardous Materials Operations certification or approved equivalent
ICS 300 & 400

Responsibilities

Assist the Battalion Chief – Wildland in maintaining year-round wildland response preparedness, including staffing coordination, equipment readiness, apparatus preparation, and seasonal operational scaling.
Lead and participate in local and regional initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, patrol, and all-hazard incidents as assigned.
Serve in supervisory or assigned ICS roles on wildland and all-hazard incidents.
Support development and implementation of wildfire response plans, pre-incident planning, and evacuation coordination.
Participate in the development and management of Aspen Fire’s wildland fire crew. Including full-time employees, seasonal crew members, and others, including hiring and management.
Respond to local, regional and national wildfire assignments as qualified and assigned.
Participate in after-action reviews and support continuous improvement efforts.
Complete required incident documentation, including fire billing and assignment reporting.
Support a daily briefing program to be used during fire season that communicates fire weather, fire activity, resource status, national, state, and local situation reports, safety topics and other applicable topics. These briefings must be made available to the entirety of our operational personnel whenever possible.
Coordinate closely with the BC-W and the AFPD shift commander daily to ensure operational alignment and excellent communication.
Assist in the management and oversight of the fire department’s wildland firefighting drone program, including all applicable training, compliance, maintenance and operational aspects.
Assist with coordination and implementation of AFPD’s fuels reduction and mitigation programs, including defensible space, chipping programs, pile construction and burning, and mechanical treatments.
Support home assessments and community wildfire risk reduction initiatives.
Collect and maintain fuels moisture data and related records to support operational readiness and decision-making.
Coordinate assigned mitigation projects in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.
Ensure mitigation activities align with AFPD’s Community Risk Reduction (CRR) philosophy and District standards.
Participate in robust projects, operations, and other planning processes during months of lower fire activity, ensuring readiness and preparation.
Support delivery of public education programs related to wildfire preparedness, defensible space, evacuation readiness, and fire-adapted communities.
Participate in community meetings and outreach efforts as assigned.
Contribute to weekly or seasonal agency communications regarding wildfire conditions and preparedness.
Coordinate and manage training for the wildland division to ensure compliance with NWCG, state, and AFPD standards.
Track personnel qualifications and assist in maintaining required certifications and task books.
Lead and participate in wildland drills, simulations, and joint training exercises.
Promote best practices in wildland suppression and mitigation operations.
Supports and participates in a culture of fitness and wellness by taking personal initiative to maintain physical fitness and overall wellness appropriate to the demands of the position.
Assist in the creation and implementation of a crew fitness program specifically tailored to the needs of a wildland fire crew ensuring excellent physical fitness for all members while focusing on injury prevention and operational readiness.
Provide direct supervision and leadership to assigned personnel and fuels crews.
Lead with a people-first environment emphasizing health, safety, professionalism, accountability, and respect.
Mentor personnel and support professional growth and development.
Address performance, conduct, and wellness matters in accordance with AFPD policy and under the guidance of the Battalion Chief – Wildland.
Foster collaboration between wildland and all-hazard personnel to maintain an integrated all-hazards response model.