Tatanka Hotshots

Overview

The Black Hills National Forest is home to the Tatanka Hotshots, a Forest Service 20-person wildland fire Hotshot Crew formed in 1999 and based in Custer, SD.

Nationally, there are 109 Interagency Hotshot Crews under the jurisdiction of the USDA Forest Service, the US Department of the Interior (USDI) Bureau of Land Management, the USDI National Park Service, and USDI Bureau of Indian Affairs.

 A Hotshot Crew is known for its productivity but is defined by its character. For 20 years, the Tatanka Hotshots have sought to be one of the best by providing the most comprehensive and efficient service. 

The Tatanka Hotshots are part of an elite group of wildland firefighters dedicated to providing dependability and excellence in an ever-changing, hostile environment. Difficult living conditions and arduous work, coupled with spontaneously traveling to the far reaches of the country create an atmosphere of camaraderie and adventure.

Tatanka Hotshots Fire Crew 2023

(courtesy photo: 2023 Tatanka Hotshots)

Applicant Information

Each season, the Tatanka Hotshots seek quality employees to fill crew member positions for duty as a wildland firefighter. The fire season typically starts in early May and ends in late October, depending upon the severity of the fire season. Crew members are hired on a Not To Exceed (NTE) 1039 hours in a 1-year basis as either a GS-462-03, a GS-462-04, or GS-462-05, depending upon experience level and education.

Those with strong character who are respectful to others and in excellent physical condition are encouraged to apply.

Keep in mind…

  • Much of the work is exhausting physical labor on a daily basis.
  • Hotshot Crew members frequently come from a background of manual labor, military, and/or extensive athletic training. 
  • A positive attitude is essential.
  • The crew works, eats, and travels together all season while sharing sleeping areas.
  • Conduct, uniform, and grooming policies are part of the standard operating procedures.
  • Personal travel on days off is restricted by the need to be available for emergency response throughout the fire season.
  • The crew is always "on call," for quick response.

While this type of organization may be too regimented for some, this structure is imperative for safety and accountability. Working as a firefighter on the Tatanka Hotshots provides excellent exposure for those interested in wildland fire and may be a starting point for entry into a career in fire or resource management with a federal land management agency.

Physical conditioning is imperative. Applicants should maintain a rigorous, structured physical training program before the season starts. Every member of the Tatanka Hotshots is expected to arrive at work on the first day in excellent physical condition and needs to be prepared to continue physical training.

How to Apply

Nondiscrimination Notice: The USDA Forest Service and the Tatanka Hotshots consider applicants without discrimination for any nonmerit reason such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age, or membership or nonmembership in an employee organization.

Duties of a Hotshot Crew Member

The primary duties involve suppression of wildland fires on assignments throughout the United States. Crew members are required to aggressively utilize all types of hand tools (to dig, chop, and cut) in order to suppress wildfires. The use of chainsaws, radios, ignition devices, and numerous other pieces of equipment may also be a requirement. Patrolling, serving as a lookout, mopping-up, and hiking long distances are also integral parts of the job.

Firefighting involves working under very hazardous conditions for long periods of time and Hotshot crews are expected to accept the most difficult and hazardous tasks. A typical shift is 16 hours and working longer without relief may occur. Firefighters often endure hot, smoky, dirty, dusty working conditions with little sleep and pre-packaged food.

Availability

The crew is required to be available for incident dispatch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the fire season. Each member of the crew is expected to be available, day or night, for every dispatch. These regulations greatly restrict the personal travel of crew members and demand a high level of personal responsibility and commitment to the crew.

Physical Training

A high level of physical fitness is necessary to maintain crew safety and efficiency.

As mandated by the Standards for Interagency Hotshot Crew Operations Guide, each crew member is required to participate in at least 1 hour of structured physical training per day, 5 days a week.

As a condition of continued hire, every member of the crew will be required to hike 3 miles with a 45-pound pack in under 45 minutes.

Formal Training

The Standards for Interagency Hotshot Crew Operations or SIHCO https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/crews/SIHCO.pdf mandates that all members of Tatanka Hotshots are required to participate in an annual training program before their first assignment each fire season. This training regimen includes both classroom and field exercises.

Accommodations 

There are 8 rooms/16 beds/2 crewmembers per dorm room available at the Tatanka Hotshots work center. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional, non-government provided housing may be available in the local communities, but availability may be limited.

 

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