Current Roster | Crew History | Past Crews

---

The Central Oregon Helitack Crew is a 16-person interagency initial attack crew based out of Prineville, OR. We have one regional rappel ship, but routinely host additional helicopters on site as the season dictates that can be staffed as needed with the support of boosters and qualified district personnel. The crew consists of a Foreman, Assistant Foreman, two Lead Crewmembers, two Senior Firefighters and 10 temporary seasonal employees. We also have the ability to retain positions for detailers and Wildland Firefighter Apprentices to support the needs of the local units.

The crew's primary duty is to respond to incidents within Region 6 which encompasses Oregon and Washington. Initial Attack, logistical support, mapping, LEO flights, SAR missions, Medevac and prescribed fire duties are commonplace in addition to off-forest assignments for qualified personnel. The crew is very busy from late June to mid September while the helicopter is on contract, and personnel can supplement adjoining districts assisting in fire suppression and fuels projects to extend their duties later in the year.

A great deal of emphasis is placed on physical fitness. It should go without saying that the work we perform is extremely physically demanding and requires a high level of physical conditioning. Applicants must pass the Work Capacity Test (WCT) at the arduous level consisting of a three mile pack carrying 45 pounds in 45 minutes or less. Failure to pass the WCT in the specified time will lead to dismissal.

The physical training (PT) test is administered on the first day of rookie training. The Physical Fitness Standards for the crew are as follows:

• 1.5 mile run -- 11:00 or less
• Push-ups -- 25 in one minute
• Sit-ups -- 45 in one minute
• Pull-ups -- 7
• Pack 110 pounds on level terrain for 3 miles in 90 minutes or less

(A maximum of 5 minutes will be allowed between exercises)

Physical training during the course of the season will include running, hiking and cross training to increase cardiovascular endurance; strength and muscle conditioning through weightlifting, circuit training and core exercises. We cannot stress enough the need to engage in a physical fitness program throughout the off season, and to show up to work in good shape to reduce the risk of injury and increase your chances of completing the training phase of the program.

The first three weeks of the season, starting at the end of May, will be dedicated to physical fitness, classroom and field training. This training will include annual mandatory fire related and non fire related training and refreshers, S-271 and Interagency Helicopter Training. Trainees must demonstrate competence and proficiency in all aspects of the training to qualify as a crew member. During the course of the season, other training courses may be offered to further the qualifications and career development of each individual which will be outlined on an Individual Development Plan (IDP).

No Government housing is available for employees. The average local rent is $500.00 to $750.00 per month in the Prineville area and options are plenty. Temporary crewmembers usually go in together to rent a house for the season which can offset individual costs and facilitate carpooling.

Work usually starts in early May and ends in late September or early October. Crewmembers are hired on a Not-to-Exceed (NTE) 1039 hours in 1 year basis as a GS-0462-4. Students (STEP's) are under a NTE 1 Year appointment. Wildland Firefighter Apprentice/Detail employees do not have imposed limitations which allows the helitack program manager to coordinate timeframes with their host unit.