Training:

The Santa Fe Hotshots are looking for tough, knowledgeable, highly motivated team players to work within the crew. Because of the physical and mental demands of the job we feel these characteristics are desirable in potential candidates. In addition to being physically fit, prospective employees must also have the ability to work, sleep, eat, and function within a tight knit unit of individuals for long periods of time with little rest in a high risk environment. It is a goal of the Santa Fe Hotshots to develop the crew into a cohesive unit, leading the group of individuals through the transformation into an individual group. If you feel you posses the drive, stamina, and self motivation to be part of an elite firefighting unit we would encourage you to contact us, come by the base, or simply apply to the announcement.

As a condition of employment each employee of the Santa Fe Hotshots will be required to complete the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous Level:
3.0 miles carrying 45lbs. in less than 45 minutes

Listed below are the National Interagency Hotshot Fitness Goals:

1.5 mile run in a time of 10:35 or LESS
40 Sit-ups in 60 seconds
25 Pushups in 60 Seconds
Chin Ups based on body weight (palms facing away from you)
>170lbs=4 chin ups
135-170lbs=5 chin ups
110-135lbs=6 chin ups
<110lbs=7 chin ups
(*these are only goals and are not a condition of employment)

Santa Fe Hotshots Crew Physical Training Records:

At the beginning of each fire season the Santa Fe Hotshots conduct an 80 hour IHC Refresher Training. The some of the refresher topics include: Ten Standard Fire Orders, Eighteen Situations that Shout Watch Out, LCES, Human Factors, SOP overview, Forest Service Introduction/Overview, Vehicle Orientation, Base Orientation, Equipment Familiarization, Work Capacity Test, Fire Line Handbook review, Incident Response Pocket Guide Review, Fire Weather Observations and Recording, Fire Shelter Drills, Radio Use, 3D Simulation Exercises, First Aid, CPR, Blood Bourne Pathogen Training, Defensive Driving, Incident Command, Fire Behavior, Land Navigation, Medical Evacuation/Litter Use, Accident Investigation Review, Superintendents Reading Program Introduction, Firing Operations, Air Operations, Urban Interface Operations, Line Construction, Mop Up, Physical Training, and several days of field scenarios and exercises.

In addition, each season the Santa Fe Hotshot may offer several NWCG “packaged” courses such as: S-131, S-200, S-211, S-212, S-215, S-216, S-230, S-232, S-234, and S-290. Other classes may be offered if there is a need established within the crew or host unit. Conducting and completing these courses is dependant upon fire assignments and crew priorities, they should not be depended on. In addition, the Santa Fe Hotshots have established a training cycle to offer these courses on a multi-year rotation.

The Santa Fe Hotshots strive to achieve a high level of professionalism through hard work and training both in the classroom and in the field. It is the policy of the Santa Fe Hotshots to establish training priorities for employees annually. This is completed through utilizing the “Individual Development Plans” and open communication with each employee. Permanent and Temporary employees alike receive the appropriate classroom and “on the job” training for their skill level. It is a goal of the Santa Fe Hotshots to have each employee trained and qualified at the next level of performance. Every effort will be made for employees possessing Position Task Books to work as Trainees on actual Wildland Fire and Prescribed Fire Assignments when opportunities exist.

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