Seedling Series

Interviews with Alumni

by Rand Snyder

Matthew Piper ‘12

Age: 25
PSC Program: Natural Resource Management and Policy
Job Title: Forestry Technician (Engine)
Agency: US Forest Service, Custer-Gallatin National Forest
Module: Engine 644
Current Location: Livingston, MT

How did you end up in this position?

After I graduated, I worked with VT State Parks for a summer, then for Lake George Land Conservancy. Last year I worked as an AmeriCorps member at a wildlife preserve in Big Sky, MT. As part of my job at the preserve, I learned how to run pumps and drive a fire truck. After that experience I was hooked, and I wanted a federal fire position. This helped build on the stuff I learned at PSC about fire. Plus, I really enjoyed the area around Big Sky, which is why I applied to and ended up in Livingston, MT!

What sort of advice can you pass on to current students regarding federal job applications through USAJOBS?
I admit, I was a bit intimidated before applying through USA Jobs. I thought It was nearly impossible to get a federal position without knowing someone, or being in a different demographic. I was wrong! I would recommend getting your USAJOBS profile and online resume dialed in before the job postings come up. It’s important to be very specific about what you have done in the past for work. Also, look for outreach documents that are posted on the national forest websites. [Interviewer’s note: Outreach notices are notices that announce upcoming job postings on USAJOBS] Don’t forget to ask for help from alumni or career services.

So what sort of preparation did you have to do for your job? What did your supervisor suggest you do before you arrived?

I believe there was lots of paperwork involved (as there likely is for most bureaucratic organizations.) I had to fill out a lot of forms! Also, I took time to get into “fire shape,” – mainly by running. My engine boss stressed that I needed to get some fire boots, and make sure that they fit and to break them in well before I arrived. He also pointed out to me the fitness standards of the crew, and that I would be required to pass the pack test when I arrived for duty.

What sort of training did the USFS provide you with?
I went to week-long basic wildland fire school for entry level firefighters. I have also taken classes on pumps (S-211), saws (S-212), and how to drive safely with trailers. I also got my government driver’s license, so I can operate government vehicles. Also, during downtime, our Fuels AFMO taught a class about fire ecology and how certain tree species require fire to reproduce as well as how fire positively affect the forest. We also received some medical refresher courses from our EMTs, focusing on splinting and other emergency medical procedures.

What kind of engine do you work on? Who do you work with?
I work on a Type 6 engine, which is based on an F-550 chassis, to give you an idea of the size. These have a limited amount of water, usually 350 gallons. Type 6 engines are designed to go off-road and get into tighter spots in the forest. I typically work with my engine crew, but in fire there really isn’t a normal day, plans can change very quickly. I work with a lot of different people and even get to work with the National Park Service on occasion.

Describe a typical day.
We usually do PT in the morning for an hour, which consists of a combination of running and Crossfit-type of workout. PT is followed by a briefing, then project work for the rest of the day. This work can consist of anything that needs to be done in the National Forest that you’re working on. It can vary from roofing, to thinning projects to reduce fire hazards or meet wildlife goals in a particular area, to helping patrol campgrounds or put up signs. But we’re always ready to respond to a fire call.

Any special projects you’re working on now?
We’re currently working on restoring a pasture, we’re cutting all trees 6 inches and under within a 15 acre area to help restore the pasture land. We pile the cut trees and will burn them later this year during a broadcast burn. Eventually, the pasture will be used to keep USFS horses.

So, have you been called to any fires yet?
I just returned from two weeks in Alaska. I went with the Custer-Gallatin Type II crew, and was on two big fires there: the Sockeye fire and the Aggie Creek fire. It was a very challenging place to fight fire, because it was wet and very difficult terrain to walk on. I’d say it was an experience in itself going to Alaska, especially since it was my first fire with the USFS. I feel very lucky to have gone to Alaska less than a month after starting work; I haven’t even been on a fire with my engine yet! [Dozens of crews consisting of hundreds of firefighters deployed from the Lower 48 in early summer 2015 to meet demand for resources due to the extraordinary fire activity occurring in Alaska]

How was the rest of your experience in Alaska?
We were spiked out for a week on the Aggie Creek fire which means we were basically unsupported, camping out in tents away from the main fire camp and eating MREs. Everyone on the crew was assigned jobs; I was responsible for supply, so I had to make sure everyone got the supplies or equipment that they needed from Supply and Logistics, from chainsaw files to bug spray. Another interesting part was the near 24 hour daylight, a lot of us slept with our sunglasses.
Most of our assignment consisted of mopup, gridding and cold trailing, which means we carefully and thoroughly checked the burned area to make sure the fire was completely was extinguished. Mopup and gridding consists of thoroughly covering a burned area, searching for “hot spots” and other areas of heat and cooling them down with water or mixing the hot dirt with cooler dirt.  Our crew also set up a hose lay, laying out trunk line and laterals around a fire to help with mopup.

What about after Alaska?
After Alaska, my engine was sent to Billings, MT where we were on a small fire where we cold trailed and patrolled. Then we stayed in Billings for two weeks for severity.  On our last day, I got a 0400 phone call, and was told to get all my gear together and meet at the truck at 0430. We were the first engine on scene and the fire was around 50 acres mostly in grass. The Incident Commander gave us an order to dig line around the western flank of the fire and we were later joined by other responding engines from the state, county and BLM. The fire ended up being in terrain that wasn’t very accessible by engines, so most of the work was done on foot. Later, some handcrews and hotshots arrived and there was even a retardant drop by an air tanker! We had to leave later that day because we were timing out, or reaching the end of our 14 assignment. That fire, the Buffalo Road Fire eventually turned into a complex due to other fire activity nearby.

How has PSC helped to prepare you for your job?
Going to PSC, surrounded by peers that had a passion for the outdoors, helped shaped me into who I am today, and helped me get the jobs that I have applied for. Having a degree in Natural Resources has definitely given me a better understanding of forestry, ecology, wildlife and the natural world, which helps me at work and the decisions that I make.

Future plans? Winter plans?
Right now, I plan to keep working for the USFS. Most likely that would mean another season or two of fire, but I am interested in other areas like trails, developed recreation, plant surveying, timber or any other area. This winter, I am planning to return to Vermont and help my family with their maple sugaring operation. I do plan to take a little time off and travel around the west before I head home.

Favorite moment from this season?
My favorite memory from this year was driving through Denali National Park at 2200, looking for a place to sleep. We were in a jacked up yellow school bus with chainsaw tables on the side, big tire chains and cages for gear inside.  I remember the Park had this smoky haze all around,  which added to the fact that we were literally driving into the unknown- we weren’t sure what our assignment was going to be, where we were being sent, where we would sleep that night, or what would come the next day. In fire, you learn to expect the unexpected and to be ready for anything.

Glossary of Terms

AFMO– Assistant Fire Management Officer

Forestry Technician-
The backbone of the US Forest Service and other Federal land management agencies. Forestry Technicians can be hired to perform tasks ranging from trail work to firefighting to off highway vehicle patrolling to education and interpretation to research. Forestry Technicians can be seasonal or permanent positions.

GS– GS, or General Schedule, is a type of pay grade used by the US Government. GS-05 is generally granted to employees with Bachelors degree in related field or equivalent experience (except in Fire positions).  However, most employees with Bachelor’s degrees and/or experience, including both the author and editor, will start at GS-04.

MRE- Meals, Ready to Eat, US military rations used by wildland firefighters

NWCG Engine Typing- Wildland fire engines are classified by Type. There are seven types of engines, ranging from Type 1 to Type 7, increasing in capability in ascending order.  Type 1 and 2 engines are classified as “Structural Fire Engines” due to their large water capacity and high pump output and limited off road capability. Type 3 through Type 7 engines are true wildland fire engines.

NF- National Forest

Outreach– Notices posted on a special USFS site or distributed onto job boards announcing upcoming job openings

Pack Test- The Pack Test, officially termed Work Capacity Test (WCT), is an intentionally stressful test which gauges the capacity of muscular strength and aerobic endurance of the participant. There are three levels; the Arduous level is required by the U.S. Forest Service and most other agencies to fight fire in the United States.
Requirements (Arduous): 3-mile hike with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes. No jogging or running.

Type II Crew- Fire crew typically made up of 20 persons that is available to respond to incidents nationally.

Type 6 Engine- (See NWCG Engine Typing) One of the most common wildland engine types, the Type 6 engine is typically built on a pickup truck frame and carry a minimum of 150 gallons of water. The Type 6 is extremely versatile but is mostly used as an initial attack engine, responding rapidly to fire starts.

USAJobs- THE Federal employment site. US Government jobs, internships, etc. are posted here. (www.usajobs.gov)

USFS- US Forest Service, a Federal land management agency tasked with managing the nations National Forests, National Grasslands, as well as the research and development of new technologies and sciences relating to forests and their products. Additionally, the USFS is tasked with helping to manage and assist forestry at the state and private levels. USFS is part of the US Department of Agriculture.