Forest service contracting

[Up_and_climber]

Hey everyone, I’ve been looking around and wanted to reach out to everyone on here for advice.

Im looking to contract with the forest service for a faller/faller module during the fire season. I’ve got 4ish years of commercial falling experience with mainly pondo and spruce/fir trees. I’ve got 5ish years in the fire world. Does anyone here have any experience with the VIPR application process with the forest service and mind me asking some questions?

 

[2dogs]

While my certification was valid for USFS I only contracted with Cal Fire. At that time with Cal Fire I went through the Hired Equipment specialist. It is late in the year but start making calls to the local units. You will need to meet all their requirements including insurance for your module, a vehicle, and the ability to sustain your module for a number of days. Once you are approved then keep your phone every day all day. Same goes for your falling partner.

Ask about the lists you are on and follow them every day.

 

[Up_and_climber]

While my certification was valid for USFS I only contracted with Cal Fire. At that time with Cal Fire I went through the Hired Equipment specialist. It is late in the year but start making calls to the local units. You will need to meet all their requirements including insurance for your module, a vehicle, and the ability to sustain your module for a number of days. Once you are approved then keep your phone every day all day. Same goes for your falling partner.

Ask about the lists you are on and follow them every day.

Thanks for the info. I wasn’t planning on getting into it this year, but trying to get my ducks in a row before I go into it. I was looking for some clarification on the solicitation years and whether that means I have to wait until the next set of solicitation years to be awarded a contract.

 

[Jacob J.]

You don't necessarily need to contract or have a contract if you want to start getting fire experience. You can get on as an "AD" hire, which is an emergency firefighter hiring authority available to federal wildland agencies. You would need to find some training as there's a requirement for fallers to have minimum training in fire procedures, weather, and safety before they can hit the line. Here's the current pay rates for AD hires - fallers are hired as AD-J which starts at $39.64/hr in most places.

 

[2dogs]

How much is faller module pay this year? I'd guess a bit over $2K.