Work dates (tour of duty)

Midewin IHC actively seeks and recruits motivated, quality crewmembers each season. The number and grade level depends on the needs of the crew for any given year. An average season starts with training and we are ready for assignments by March. Although this is earlier than some crews it is to accommodate the earlier fire seasons of the eastern and southern regions. A typical season ends near the middle of September with opportunities for detail assignments in the fall.

Selection Criteria

• A U.S. Citizen at least 18 years old.
• Pack 45 pounds for 3 miles in under 45 minutes.
• Work as a team member.
• Possess a positive attitude.

Physical conditioning and ability is the cornerstone of any hotshot crew and cannot be over emphasized. Applicants are strongly encouraged to maintain a structured physical fitness regime that builds both endurance and strength to a rigorous level. This should be started well in advance of the season and applicants must be ready to describe their training schedule as well as demonstrate their fitness on the first day of work. Every member of the Midewin IHC is expected to arrive for the first day of work in condition to participate and excel in a very difficult physical training program.

Due to mandates set forth in the Interagency Hotshot Crew Operations Guide, 80% of crewmembers are required to have at least 1 season of wildland fire experience. First year firefighters are rarely hired for the Midewin IHC, however applicants who feel they are suited for the strenuous duties involved and are in the outstanding physical conditioning required are encouraged to apply. Hotshot crewmembers often have gained experience in other disciplines in the fire organization such as engines or initial attack crews before being accepted to national type 1 crews.

Being a Hotshot requires tough, competent individuals with the strength and stamina to endure long shifts in difficult environments while staying level headed and team oriented in intense and often hazardous conditions, this means it is not to be taken lightly and is not for everyone. Competition for the limited number of slots is fierce so most applicants do not receive offers and not all applicants will be compatible with the Midewin IHC program. Those with apprehension about the 110% commitment needed to be a Hotshot are encouraged to seek employment elsewhere.

--- How to apply ---

Midewin IHC Vacancies will be filled through AVUE Digital Services, a centralized application program for the US Forest Service. Information on job postings can be found on the AVUE or USA Jobs websites.

On your AVUE application please remember to add Wilmington, IL to the locations for which you wish to be considered. Applications should be completed and into AVUE by the first of November each year to be considered for the following season.

For current information on the number and type of positions we are looking to fill or if you have other questions please contact Jerry Hoffman
(815) 423-6370 or email Jerry.