Fire & Aviation Management
Carson Interagency Hotshots
Mission Statement
Provide service to the American People by
performing our mission to protect life, property and our
natural resources. In safely accomplishing our mission,
we, the Carson Hotshots, will uphold our core values of
teamwork, integrity, and respect. The results of our labor
shall always reflect our pride in workmanship and belief
in service before self.
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CARSON HOTSHOTS
The Carson Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) was established in 1975. Carson IHC is a highly skilled, professional, dedicated, 20 person team that specializes in wildland fire suppression. Hotshot crews are a national resource that can respond to all-risk emergency situations within the scope of their capabilities.
Because of their high level organization, training and skills, hotshot crews are often assigned to the most demanding tasks. Regardless of the specific assignment, the work consists of extended periods of physically demanding labor in complex situations under difficult or adverse environmental conditions.
Carson Hotshots prides itself in its excellence in hard work, professionalism, and a positive, friendly work environment. Working on the Carson Hotshots means being committed not only to the job, but also being to the lifestyle that follows. Our standards are high and we expect only the best from each team member. Come prepared, come motivated, and come in tip-top shape.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
Carson IHC places a strong emphasis on physical fitness and physical training. A Hotshot’s performance and personal safety depends on an individual’s ability to respond to rapidly changing situations in adverse conditions under extreme physical and emotional stress. As such, Carson IHC expects its employees to arrive in top physical condition, and challenges each employee to further develop their physical fitness and training programs.
FITNESS STANDARD: All IHC personnel shall meet the sponsor agency’s current Arduous Duty fitness standard for fire line personnel (Pack test). Meeting this fitness standard by the end of the Critical 80 Hour Training period will be considered a condition of continuing employment for all personnel on the crew. A medical examination will be required prior to employment.
FITNESS MEASURE: The Hotshot fitness measure is described in the “Standards For Interagency Hotshot Crew Operations.” These measurements are considered minimums, and are used to gauge the fitness level of each individual, as well as the performance of the crew as a whole. Each employee will be tested in these fitness categories on the first day of work.
- 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:
- More than 170 lbs. = 4 chin-ups
- 135-170 lbs. = 5 chin-ups
- 110- 13 5 lbs. = 6 chin-ups
- Less than 110 lbs. = 7 chin-ups
Carson IHC trains as a crew throughout the fire season. Physical training activities include but are not limited to: 3-7 mile runs, full-gear hikes over varied/rugged terrain, strength training, and flexibility training.
TRAINING
Carson IHC provides an annual 80 hours of required training prior to availability for fire assignments. This includes classroom training, field exercises, and intense physical training to emphasize and ensure crew safety awareness and effective crew operations. Furthermore, Carson IHC strives to improve the credentials and skills of its employees by providing training with simulated exercises, on-the-job trainings, as well as NWCG certified courses.
WORK CENTER/HOUSING
The Carson IHC work center and government housing facility is located approximately 3 miles from the town plaza in Taos, NM. The work center is fully equipped to provide the working needs of an IHC and is independent from any adjacent ranger districts. The housing facility has 14 beds and is available to employees on a first come first serve basis. The facility was completed in 2003, is fully furnished and overlooks the town of Taos.
The town of Taos is located at 7,000 feet on a high-desert plateau, surrounded by mountains including New Mexico’s highest mountain: Wheeler Peak at 13,161ft. Approximately 10 miles to the west lies the majestic Rio Grande Gorge. Recreation abounds in the Taos area, with spectacular hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowmobiling, white-water rafting, fishing, hunting, and OHV opportunities! Santa Fe is located 70 miles to the South and Albuquerque is 130 miles to the South. Further information regarding Taos and the surrounding area click on the following link
Taos New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Official Website
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of hire and provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Applications can be submitted via AVUE Digital services available on the internet at: www.avuedigitalservices.com
Applications for temporary appointment positions within the crew should be submitted for the following Open Continuous Announcement Numbers:
GS-0462-03 Forestry Aid (Fire)/Announcement #: TEMP-OCR-462-3-FIRE
GS-0462-04 Forestry Technician/Announcement#: TEMP-OCR-462-4-HOTSHOT
GS-0462-05 Forestry Technician/Announcement#: TEMP-OCR-462-5-HOTSHOT
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The policy of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, or disability, familial status, or political affiliation. Persons believing they have been discriminated against in any Forest Service related activity should write to: Chief, Forest Service, USDA, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Further information regarding open positions on the Carson Hotshots can be directed to the Hotshot Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent at the following contact information.
Superintendent: 575-758-6244
Assistant Superintendent: 575-758-6243
LINKS
http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/people/hotshots/IHC_index.html. List of hotshot crews and contact names/numbers.
http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/links/links_employment.html. The Forest Service has current hiring procedures through the web (Avue Digital Service).
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire. Southwest Area fire links.
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