Smoke Jumper Onboarding Checklist

Smoke Jumper Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Smoke Jumper starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Emergency Services onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Smoke Jumper, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Smoke Jumper onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Smoke Jumper Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new smoke jumper attends a comprehensive orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Safety Training: The new smoke jumper undergoes rigorous safety training to ensure they are well-prepared for the demanding nature of their job. This includes learning about fire behavior, proper use of firefighting equipment, emergency protocols, and first aid. The training is usually conducted by experienced smoke jumpers or specialized trainers.

3. Equipment Familiarization: The new smoke jumper is introduced to the various tools and equipment they will be using in the field, such as parachutes, fire shelters, chainsaws, and communication devices. They receive hands-on training on how to properly handle, maintain, and operate these tools. This task is typically performed by experienced smoke jumpers or equipment specialists.

4. Physical Fitness Assessment: Smoke jumping requires a high level of physical fitness. The new smoke jumper undergoes a physical fitness assessment to ensure they meet the necessary standards. This assessment may include endurance tests, strength exercises, and cardiovascular evaluations. It is usually conducted by a fitness instructor or medical professional.

5. Fire Behavior Analysis: The new smoke jumper learns about fire behavior and how to analyze and predict its patterns. They study factors such as weather conditions, topography, and fuel types to better understand fire dynamics. This training is typically provided by experienced smoke jumpers or fire behavior analysts.

6. Emergency Response Protocols: The new smoke jumper is trained on the company’s emergency response protocols, including evacuation procedures, communication protocols, and incident reporting. They learn how to effectively respond to various emergency situations that may arise during firefighting operations. This training is usually conducted by experienced smoke jumpers or emergency response coordinators.

7. Teamwork and Communication: Smoke jumpers often work in teams, so the new smoke jumper receives training on effective teamwork and communication skills. They learn how to collaborate with their team members, follow instructions, and communicate effectively in high-stress situations. This training may be facilitated by team leaders or experienced smoke jumpers.

8. Physical Conditioning: Smoke jumping requires a high level of physical fitness, so the new smoke jumper is provided with a physical conditioning program to maintain their strength, endurance, and agility. They may receive guidance from fitness trainers or exercise specialists to ensure they are adequately prepared for the demands of the job.

9. Navigation and Map Reading: Smoke jumpers need to be proficient in navigation and map reading to locate fire sites accurately and plan their operations. The new smoke jumper receives training on using maps, compasses, GPS devices, and other navigation tools. This training is typically provided by experienced smoke jumpers or navigation specialists.

10. Fire Suppression Techniques: The new smoke jumper learns various fire suppression techniques, including direct attack, indirect attack, and backburning. They receive hands-on training on how to effectively extinguish fires using different methods and tools. This training is usually conducted by experienced smoke jumpers or fire suppression experts.

11. Aircraft Safety and Parachute Training: Smoke jumpers are often deployed via aircraft, so the new smoke jumper undergoes training on aircraft safety procedures and parachute deployment. They learn how to properly board and exit aircraft, use safety equipment, and deploy parachutes safely. This training is typically provided by experienced smoke jumpers or aviation specialists.

12. Incident Command System (ICS): The new smoke jumper is trained on the Incident Command System, a standardized approach to managing emergency incidents. They learn about the roles and responsibilities within the ICS structure, communication protocols, and incident management procedures. This training is usually conducted by experienced smoke jumpers or ICS trainers.

13. Fire Ecology and Environmental Awareness: Smoke jumpers need to have a good understanding of fire ecology and the environmental impacts of firefighting operations. The new smoke jumper receives training on fire ecology, ecosystem management, and environmental regulations to ensure they can minimize ecological damage during firefighting operations. This training may be provided by environmental specialists or fire ecologists.

14. Psychological Resilience Training: Smoke jumping can be mentally and emotionally challenging, so the new smoke jumper undergoes psychological resilience training. They learn coping strategies, stress management techniques, and how to maintain mental well-being in high-pressure situations. This training may be facilitated by mental health professionals or experienced smoke jumpers trained in psychological resilience.

15. Continued Professional Development: The new smoke jumper is encouraged to engage in continued professional development to enhance their skills and knowledge. They may attend workshops, conferences, or specialized training programs to stay updated on the latest firefighting techniques, equipment, and industry trends. The responsibility for continued professional development lies with the individual smoke jumper, but the company may provide resources and support for this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Smoke Jumper checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Smoke Jumper up to speed and working well in your Emergency Services team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.