ELKO, Nev. (KRNV & MyNews4.com) -- Although we may be in the middle of winter, fire officials in northeast Nevada are already recruiting for the 2016 summer fire season.
The Bureau of Land Management's Elko District covers 12.5 million acres and has primary wildland fire suppression responsibility for 7.5 million acres of public lands. And the agency is looking for firefighters and dispatchers to help protect all that land during the summer fire season.
The Elko District averages more than 150 fires per season for about 100,000 acres. However, officials say the district has experienced several extreme seasons the last couple years.
So how can you apply to become a firefighter this year? To start, you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old.
Officials say applicants must meet certain physical requirements. So if you're selected for a primary firefighter position with BLM, you're required to pass a "Pack Test," which is a 3-mile walk over flat terrain carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less.
Selected applicants are also required to complete a pre-employment drug screening and physical exam.
Salary ranges from $11.17 to $24.16 an hour, depending on position and experience, with typical employment from May through September.
Officials say applications must be submitted no later than January 12th to get first consideration for most seasonal positions.
If you're interested in applying, a workshop for potential seasonal employees is being held at the Elko District BLM office on Tuesday, located at 3900 East Idaho Street Elko, NV.
You can also apply for positions online. Applications for BLM firefighting and dispatch positions nationwide must be submitted using the Office of Personnel Management's USAJOBS website at: https://www.usajobs.gov.
To learn more about employment with Fire and Aviation management, interested applicants should visit the Employment Opportunities with BLM Nevada Fire and Aviation website at: http://on.doi.gov/elkofire.
