Are you the rugged outdoor type?

Do you like the outdoor life? Do you crave a life of adventure? Do you have what it takes to be a wildland firefighter? The Bureau of Land Management Gila District (southeastern Arizona) is recruiting applicants for seasonal employment during the 2010 fire season. To serve on a fire crew, persons must be at least 18 years of age, have a strong work ethic, be able to pass a pack test and maintain good physical fitness, be available to travel out of state for extended periods of time and be willing to contribute in a team-structured environment.

Applicants will be notified in May regarding their selection for one of the 20 positions on the crew. Recruits will receive classroom and field training that will enable them to safely and effectively tackle wildfire suppression.

The crew will be trained and ready for assignments starting later that month. While most fire duties will be in southeastern Arizona, some assignments may be out of state and last 14 consecutive days plus travel time. Emergency firefighters are hired on a call-when-needed basis and are only paid during training and fire assignments; pay is $17 per hour.

Those who think they have what it takes to be a wildland firefighter and who seek meaningful employment for several months should contact Jon Ziegler or Lathe Evans at the Gila District fire office located at the BLM Safford Field Office, 928-348-4400.