Wildland Firefighter Onboarding Checklist

Wildland Firefighter Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Wildland Firefighter 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 Wildland Firefighter, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Wildland Firefighter onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Wildland Firefighter Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new wildland firefighter attends an orientation session to learn about the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated trainer.

2. Safety Training: The new firefighter undergoes comprehensive safety training to understand the potential hazards and risks associated with wildland firefighting. This training covers topics such as fire behavior, personal protective equipment, emergency protocols, and safe work practices. It is usually conducted by experienced firefighters or safety officers.

3. Equipment Familiarization: The firefighter is introduced to the various tools, equipment, and vehicles used in wildland firefighting. They learn how to properly use and maintain these resources, ensuring they are ready for deployment. This task is typically performed by experienced firefighters or equipment managers.

4. Physical Fitness Assessment: Wildland firefighting requires a high level of physical fitness. The new firefighter undergoes a physical fitness assessment to determine their baseline fitness level and identify areas for improvement. This assessment is usually conducted by fitness trainers or medical professionals.

5. Fire Behavior Training: The firefighter receives training on fire behavior, including how fires spread, the different types of wildfires, and the factors that influence fire behavior. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions during firefighting operations. Experienced firefighters or fire behavior analysts typically conduct this training.

6. Incident Command System (ICS) Training: The new firefighter learns about the Incident Command System, a standardized management structure used in emergency response. They understand the roles and responsibilities of different positions within the ICS hierarchy, ensuring effective coordination during firefighting operations. This training is typically conducted by experienced firefighters or incident commanders.

7. Crew Integration: The new firefighter is integrated into their assigned crew, where they meet their crew members and learn about their roles and responsibilities. They also become familiar with crew dynamics, communication protocols, and teamwork expectations. Crew leaders or experienced crew members typically facilitate this integration process.

8. Physical Conditioning: Wildland firefighting demands physical endurance and strength. The firefighter participates in physical conditioning programs to improve their fitness level and prepare for the physical demands of the job. Fitness trainers or experienced firefighters often oversee these conditioning programs.

9. Fireline Safety Refresher: The firefighter undergoes regular fireline safety refreshers to reinforce safe practices and update their knowledge on the latest firefighting techniques. This training covers topics such as fireline construction, escape routes, communication, and situational awareness. Experienced firefighters or safety officers typically conduct these refreshers.

10. Emergency Medical Training: Wildland firefighters often provide medical assistance during emergencies. The new firefighter receives training in basic first aid, CPR, and other emergency medical procedures to ensure they can respond effectively to medical incidents. This training is typically conducted by certified medical professionals or experienced firefighters with medical training.

11. Wildland Fire Behavior Simulator: The firefighter participates in a wildland fire behavior simulator, which uses computer models and simulations to provide realistic scenarios for training purposes. This simulator helps them develop decision-making skills and understand the complexities of fire behavior. Experienced firefighters or fire behavior analysts typically oversee this training.

12. Incident Debriefing: After participating in firefighting operations, the firefighter engages in incident debriefings to reflect on their performance, identify lessons learned, and discuss areas for improvement. These debriefings are typically facilitated by experienced firefighters or incident commanders.

13. Continued Education: Wildland firefighting is a dynamic field, and ongoing education is crucial. The firefighter is encouraged to participate in workshops, seminars, and training programs to enhance their skills, stay updated on industry best practices, and pursue professional development opportunities. This task may involve self-initiative or guidance from supervisors or training coordinators.

14. Mentoring and Shadowing: The new firefighter is paired with an experienced mentor or shadowing partner who provides guidance, support, and practical knowledge. This mentorship helps the firefighter acclimate to the company culture, learn from experienced firefighters, and gain hands-on experience in the field. Mentoring is typically facilitated by senior firefighters or crew leaders.

15. Resource Management Training: The firefighter receives training on resource management, including how to effectively utilize and conserve resources during firefighting operations. This training covers topics such as logistics, supply chain management, and equipment maintenance. Experienced firefighters or resource managers typically conduct this training.

16. Incident Reporting: The firefighter learns how to accurately and promptly report incidents, injuries, and near misses. They understand the importance of documenting incidents for analysis, improvement, and compliance purposes. This task is typically performed by safety officers or designated incident reporting personnel.

17. Cultural Awareness Training: Wildland firefighters often work in diverse environments and interact with various communities. The new firefighter undergoes cultural awareness training to develop an understanding and respect for different cultures, traditions, and sensitivities. This training is typically conducted by diversity and inclusion specialists or experienced firefighters with cultural expertise.

18. Fire Investigation Training: The firefighter receives training in fire investigation techniques to understand the causes and origins of wildfires. This knowledge helps in determining if a fire was intentionally set, identifying potential fire hazards, and preventing future incidents. Experienced firefighters or fire investigators typically conduct this training.

19. Incident Management Software Training: The firefighter learns how to use incident management software and technology tools that aid in planning, tracking resources, and coordinating firefighting operations. This training ensures efficient utilization of technology for improved incident management. Experienced firefighters or technology specialists typically provide this training.

20. Psychological Resilience Training: Wildland firefighting can be mentally and emotionally challenging. The firefighter undergoes psychological resilience training to develop coping strategies, stress management techniques, and mental health awareness. This training is typically conducted by mental health professionals or peer support specialists

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Wildland Firefighter checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Wildland Firefighter 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.