The North Zone Fire Management program includes the Northern Hills Ranger District located in Spearfish, SD and the Bearlodge Ranger District located in Sundance, WY. Each district hosts one 10-person initial attack hand crew and multiple Type VI engines. Bearlodge hosts the zone's only Type IV engine. Northern Hills supports the zone's only Type III engine and the only Prevention Module on the Forest. Both hand crew programs operate independently but can come together to form a 20 person type 2 initial attack hand crew. The Zone also has two fuels programs consisting of a Fuels AFMO and a Fuels Tech. One of each based in Spearfish, with the other based in Sundance. Fire fighting positions will run from May through November with opportunities to work occasionally during the winter. Off-zone fire assignments may last from 14 to 21 days away from employee’s duty station. While not performing suppression and prescribed fire activities, the employees may be assigned to other resource management activities such as hazard fuels reduction, brush disposal, recreation, range, wildlife, or timber. Individuals must be able to pass the Medical Qualification Standards for arduous fitness level as condition of employment. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the Work Capacity Test (WCT) at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
