Do you have wildland fire experience? Structural fire and wildland fire training exercises do not count. Have you actually been on a wildland fire as a handcrew member, engine crew, or helitack?

You need at least three months of wildland fire experience to qualify for a GS-4 hotshot crewmember position. The Flathead Hotshots typically hire people with 2-4 years of wildland fire experience. Many new hires already have some previous hotshot crew experience.

Are you in excellent physical condition? Can you run a mile and a half in 11 minutes or less, do seven pull-ups,45 sit-ups, and 25 push-ups? These are just gauges of physical conditioning, and if you can do them, it's a good start. Do you want to work harder than you've ever worked before? Can you carry a 40-pound pack for 12 hours a day while swinging a pulaski in 100-degree heat? Can you put up with long hours, getting up before the sun, and one shower a week? This is just part of what being a hotshot is all about.

Do you have a positive attitude, and are you highly motivated? Do you enjoy working with a diverse group of people? Can you find work when things are slow? Can you positively contribute to a team atmosphere? Can you work with women and men with very diverse backgrounds and experience?

If you can answer YES to all these questions truthfully, then you should submit an application. If you don't meet all the qualifications, you can still apply, but you should understand that your application will not be very competitive. If you do not have wildland fire experience, you should get it. Apply to any National Forest, National Park, Bureau of Land Management, or state agency that has wildland fire resources.

For more information on the Flathead Interagency Hotshot Crew, e-mail Superintendent Harvey Carr (dhcarr@fs.fed.us) or Assistant Superintendent and Shawn Borgen. (sborgen@fs.fed.us)

--- How to apply ---

If you intend to apply to the Flathead IHC, all applications will be processed by the Forest Service’s Nationwide Centralized Temporary Employment Program. The Temporary Employment Office web site has complete hiring information, rating qualifications and application forms.

Prospective applicants click here to be taken to the Temporary Employment Office web site.

If applicants apply to more than one crew and are hired, please notify the superintendents and/or hiring officials if you no longer wish to be considered for other positions. This is beneficial to both the applicants and superintendents. A note, postcard, or phone call can save time, paperwork and hassle on both ends. Thanks!