Apprentice Handbook
July 2013
Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview
Program Purpose
Academic Standards
Academic Standards
Curriculum
GI Benefits for Education
Physical Standards
Physical Standards
Expectations While at Academy
Conduct Expectations
Uniform and Gear
Facilities
Air Travel
Agreements
Mobility Agreement
Training Agreement
DOL Agreement
Term of Apprenticeship
Term of Apprenticeship
Previous Experience
Probationary Period
Wage Progression
Responsibilities of the Apprentice
Responsibilities of the Apprentice
Driver License
Drug Testing
Work Process Hours
Hardships & Complaints, Waivers, Injuries, Accommodations
Hardships
Injuries
Reasonable Accommodations
Travel and Benefits
Per Diem
Benefits
Conversion
3
Forms
12 - 14
3-4
4
5-8
8
8-9
10
10 - 11
11
11
Calculating Work Processes for Previous Credit
Supplemental Technical Training Report
Work Processes – Monthly Report
Electives
15
WFAP Completion Checklist
16
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Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
INTRODUCTION
Overview: This handbook outlines the duties and responsibilities of the apprentice. It will provide an
overview of academy standards and expectations for the apprentice.
*You must be familiar with the National Apprenticeship Standards and Operations Plan. These
documents give further explanation and expectations of the Apprenticeship Program. These documents
can also be found at www.wfap.net .
Program Purpose: The program provides a career entry firefighter with education, training, and work
experience that will allow an individual to reach journey level status, fully qualified to perform the work
at or above the level of “Firefighter 1 – Squad Boss”.
For Wildland Fire Apprenticeship Program (WFAP) information and resources, including pre-work,
prerequisites, forms, and other program information, go to www.wfap.net
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Apprentices are required to pass all Academy course material at the 70% level. All tests will be closed
book written tests except manipulative skills tests. Apprentices must pass courses identified as pass/fail
with a passing grade. Students found cheating will be removed from the Academy and the
Apprenticeship Program.
Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) is a prerequisite course for attendance at the Basic
Academy. The final exam of S-190 must be passed at 70% or greater the first day of the Basic Academy.
Apprentices who fail this exam will be removed from the academy and Apprenticeship Program. There
will be No Re-Test for S-190.
If an Apprentice fails an exam they will be allowed to retake that exam once. Failure of a retake or failure
of more than one exam per academy will result in the apprentice being removed from the academy and/or
Apprenticeship Program. Regardless of how high the score is on the retake, the minimum required
passing score will be recorded.
Students who are absent 25% or more of a course, or are absent for the course exam will receive a course
incomplete and will be required to make up the coursework in the formal academy setting. The Program
Manager will make the determination as to whether a student will receive a record of incomplete.
Removal from the academy and Program does not automatically equate to termination of employment.
Requests for waiver of academic standards must be forwarded through the AJAC to the NIJAC with
agency recommendation.
Curriculum
Basic Academy (159 hours)
 Academy Orientation
 Agency Orientation (BLM specific)
 S-190 Introduction to Fire Behavior
(Final Only)
 S-131 Advanced Firefighter
 Fire Prevention (including FI-110)
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

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

Human Performance
L-280 Followership to Leadership
I-200 Basic ICS
S-260 Incident Business Management
Wildland Fire Skills:
 Land Navigation
 After Action Review
 Weather Observations
Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook



Communications and Radio use
Tactical Decision Making
Entrapment Avoidance
Advanced Academy (158 hours)
 Academy Orientation and graduation
 Career Development
 S-234 Firing Methods and Practices
 Physical Fitness
 S-290 Intermediate Fire Behavior
 L-380 Fireline Leadership
 S-270 Basic Air Ops
 Fuels Management and Prescribed Fire
 Staff Ride
GI Benefits for Education: You must be a registered Apprentice to qualify for GI Bill benefits. The VA
will determine which Chapter you are eligible for based on type and length of service. Inform your Unit
Manager/Regional Coordinator of your interest in using education benefits, and download the
http://www.wfap.net/forms/Veterans_Education_Benefits.ppt More information can be found at
http://www.wfap.net/vets.html
PHYSICAL STANDARDS
The WFAP adheres to the physical standards listed in table 6.2 of the Fitness and Work Capacity
handbook, and highly encourages that Apprentices arrive ready to meet or exceed the minimum
standards: 25 push-ups, 45 sit-ups, 2-7 pull-ups, and 10:30 for the 1.5 mile run. During your time at
the Academy we will introduce various fitness programs and philosophies such as: Crossfit, Boot Camp,
etc, as well as traditional cardiovascular conditioning and strength training techniques. To prepare
yourself, please refer to Fitness and Work Capacity, 2009 Edition and Introduction to FireFit (pdf
downloads are also available in pre-work section, under the Apprentice tab of the WFAP website:
www.wfap.net/apprentice.
You are expected to arrive in a physical condition that allows you to perform the duties of a firefighter
and fully participate in all physical training and field exercises. The physical fitness testing standard for
the Academy is the Fitness Challenge established by the BLM National Fire Operations:
http://www.blm.gov/nifc/st/en/prog/fire/fireops/fitness_challenge.html. It’s important to show up
healthy, uninjured, and with a good pair of running shoes. If you have an injury or ailment that would
prevent you from participating in fitness activities or field exercises, inform your Regional or Unit
Manager before you show up to the Academy! If you arrive unable to fully participate you will be
sent home and will be required to complete the Academy at a later date.
The Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) is a condition of employment, and must be successfully completed
in 45:00 minutes or less prior to arrival at the Academy. Your Regional Coordinator or Unit Manager
will submit the documentation signed by a individual who is authorized to administer the test showing
you have passed at the required arduous level within the past 12 months.
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Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
EXPECTATIONS WHILE AT ACADEMY
Conduct Expectations: We have rules of behavior and standards for the Wildland Fire Training Center
and Academies. You will be expected to adhere to all the policies, as well as those of the WFTC. Don’t
expect to take any days off. This policy is firm, so don’t plan on attending any weddings, concerts,
fishing trips, etc. during the weekdays while at the Academy. The staff will cover all of the policies on
the first evening during orientation. Some of the general rules are described below.
Rules of Behavior - We expect all Apprentices to have and display self respect, respect for others, respect
for authority, and respect for the law. Possession of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia, consumption of
illegal drugs and consumption of alcohol within and adjacent to the dorms and training areas will result in
your immediate removal from the Academy and are grounds for termination. Threats or acts of violence,
possession of weapons, sexual harassment or any other type of harassment are also grounds for
termination (see below for definition of weapons). Theft, vandalism, extortion, gambling or other
unlawful acts are prohibited. There will be no smoking in any government facility or vehicle.
Dorm Standards & Restrictions - All beds will have bed covers and be made daily. All personal effects
must be stored under beds or in closets in an organized manner. All rooms will be obstruction/barrier free
to allow access in case of an emergency. All personal areas will be odor free and organized properly to
allow for air circulation. No unauthorized visitors allowed in the dorms. Cohabitation within dorms is
prohibited. All lights, water and personal property will be turned off or disconnected when not in use.
Pets are not allowed in the facilities. No personal furniture and/or fixtures are allowed without approval.
No candles, incense, kerosene or gas operated appliances, fuel containers, flammable paint or similar fire
hazards allowed in the living areas. No loud music or TV at any time. Quiet time is from 2200 - 0600
hours. Do not hang objects from light fixtures or heating/cooling ducts. No pictures/posters may be hung
on the walls. No personal heaters, hot plates, toaster ovens, electric frying pans, etc. are allowed in the
dorms.
Classrooms - It is imperative to always be on time and have your classroom materials with you. On time
is defined as sitting down in your seat, ready to learn—not walking into the classroom when class starts.
Tardiness is unacceptable and will be grounds for disciplinary action. Radios, Ipods, cell phones and
pagers may not be used during class. Cell phones can only be used outside the training center while on
breaks. Tobacco, ball caps or sunglasses are not allowed inside the training center, and all beverages
should have spill-proof caps. Classrooms will be left neat, clean and orderly, and all chairs and tables
should be returned to their proper place.
Dining - Meals will be available only during established meal times. Clean off tables and eating areas
when finished. Do not waste food by accepting more than you can eat. No horseplay or loud behavior
will be tolerated. Food, dishes, utensils, etc., are not to be removed from the kitchen or dining facilities.
Meals will be provided at the Training Center Cafeteria Monday through Friday. Vegetarian meals will
be made available. If you have a special dietary needs (food allergies, etc), please send an e-mail to
wfap@fs.fed.us and notify your Unit Manager or Regional Coordinator. Not all requests will be able to
be accomodated due to the constraints of the vendor contract.
Privately Owned Vehicles - Per California State Law all vehicles must be registered and insured. All
students must possess a valid Driver’s License from their state of residence. All vehicles must be parked
in designated parking areas only. Vehicles not parked in designated parking areas will be subject to
towing & removal. Adhere to the posted speed limit at all times. Vehicle use between the dorms and the
training center should be kept to a minimum.
Phones – Cell phones are permitted, except while in class. Be advised that per California State Law, it’s
illegal to use your cell phone while driving your vehicle. Dorm facilities have phones in each room.
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Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
Local, collect and credit card calls may be made from these phones. Use of government phones are
limited and will be by permission only, and only for official business. Contact your Regional or Unit
Coordinator about receiving an agency calling card. An emergency contact number will be given to you
at orientation.
Weapons Definition










Any knife with a blade that is non-folding or retractable.
Any folding knife that has an overall length (blade & handle in open position) greater than
8.5", or a blade greater than 4 inches.
Any knife that has a blade spring released by a push button or switch.
Any gun, rifle or any device that shoots projectiles, not matter how it is propelled (CO
compressed air, spring, gun powder, etc.). This includes facsimiles of guns.
Any ammunitions, propellant, projectiles, explosives, etc. are prohibited.
Any device that propels a projectile by the release of a taut string, band or cord (bows and
arrows, sling shots, etc.).
Any device associated with the martial arts (nunchucks).
Any device designed to be a weapon (blackjacks, saps, brass knuckles, etc.).
Any device that could be used to inflict pain or injury to a person or animal, or damage or
destroy any real property. Includes such items as blasting caps, firecrackers, explosives, or
tool handles.
Any other device deemed to be a weapon by a staff member.
Medical Marijuana: As per the U.S. Government employee policy: Department of Agriculture and
Department of the Interior employees are federal employees, carrying out Federal duties, usually on
Federal lands. Therefore federal law applies to Agency personnel. Title 21 U.S. code 812 classifies
marijuana as a controlled substance. 21 U.S. code 844 (a) makes possession of any controlled substance a
misdemeanor crime, punishable by as much as one year in jail, and a minimum fine of $1,000. The U.S.
Supreme Court has confirmed that the California medical marijuana law does not protect a
user/grower/possessor from Federal law. In U.S. v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers Coop., (2001), the
Supreme Court ruled: “we hold that medical necessity is not a defense to manufacturing and distributing
marijuana”, and “…nothing in our analysis, or the statute, suggests that a distinction should be drawn
between the prohibition on manufacturing and distributing and the other prohibitions of the (U.S.
code)…”
There is also Federal administrative law prohibiting marijuana use. In 1986 President Reagan signed
Executive Order 12564 “Drug-Free Federal Workplace” that states, in Section 1: Persons who use illegal
drugs are not suitable for Federal employment.”
Key considerations for employees: marijuana growing, use, or possession, regardless of whether the
grower, user, or possessor has a State authorization, is in violations of the Federal criminal law. It is
illegal. The Department’s Employee Responsibilities and Conduct regulations, prohibits employees from
engaging in criminal conduct. Employees are subject to corrective action, including removal from federal
service for any marijuana-related activity, regardless whether the activity is permitted under State law.
Uniform and Gear: The Academy stresses a professional appearance, so having a full uniform
complement is required. Additionally, your uniform must always be cleaned and pressed. There are irons
available in each dorm, and there are several dry cleaners in the area. A dirty, wrinkled, and/or
incomplete uniform is unacceptable. There will be frequent uniform inspections to ensure uniform
requirements are being adhered to.
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Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
Your Regional Coordinator or Unit Manager is aware of the uniform & field gear requirements. It is your
responsibility to work with this individual to procure uniforms, name plates, agency badge and field gear
prior to arriving at the academy. A list of required uniform components & field gear is listed below.
Uniform Components
2 each - short sleeve uniform shirt (polo style not allowed)
1 each - long sleve uniform shirt
2 pair - dress uniform slacks (not nomex, Academy preference will be: dark green for
FS employees and Wrangler Jeans for BLM)
2 each - name plate (1 ea. for shirt and jacket)
1 each - agency badge
1 each – uniform belt (black or brown leather, not cloth or web)
1 each – agency jacket (3-season, rain, fleece or Goretex)
1 each – agency ball cap (optional)
1 pair – professional dress shoes (black or dark brown leather, no sports/skating shoes or clog
style)
Optional Uniform Components
Agency ball cap, beanie or any hat with your module or forest/district name on it are permitted outside the
classroom. Non-agency ball caps and/or hats are not allowed.
Non-agency jackets are not allowed in the training center (for example: your fire module Carhartt, forest
safety award fleece, etc). While we realize it is sometimes cold or rainy, your non-agency coat/jacket is
not part of the agency uniform. It may be worn up to the doors of the training center, but like all hats,
must be removed when you enter the academy building.
**Be aware that the weather can be unpredictable. Make sure you have the appropriate clothing
for all field exercises, whether it is warm or cold and rainy. This is the the rainy cold time of the
year for the Sacramento area. Make sure to have the season-appropriate uniform components.
Class will continue during adverse weather. Average weather will be rain.
Field Gear Requirements
1 each - helmet, safety w/chinstrap
1 pair - goggles or safety glasses
1 pair - gloves, leather
1 each - IA pack (Dalton, Eagle, FSS, Hotline, etc.)
1 each - fire shelter w/case
4-6 each - canteen, 1 qt.
1 each - headlamp w/batteries
1 each - kit, first aid, individual
1 pair - ear plugs
1 each - file, tool, 10" w/handle and guard
1 each – nomex fire shirt
1 pair – nomex fire pants
1 set - rain gear (quality rain gear – rains a lot)
1 pair – leather boots, minimum 8” height w/vibram soles
1 pair – project clothes (long sleeves and pants)
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Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
Field exercises will require nomex pants and shirt, and full field gear (IA pack, gloves, helmet, etc), and
leather 8”vibram sole fire boots.
Facilities: The Wildland Fire Training Center is located in McClellan Business Park, north of Interstate
80 off Watt Avenue. The address is: 3237 Peacekeeper Way, McClellan, CA 95652. There is unlimited
driving access to stores, restaurants, recreation and services at this location. In the business park there’s a
fitness center, gas station, restaurant and several other amenities at your disposal.
Air Travel: Those traveling by air will fly into Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Flight
itineraries must be forwarded to the wfap@fs.fed.us email address a minimum of fourteen days prior to
arrival. Be sure to include your cell phone number so we can contact you. Transportation to and from the
airport will be provided by the Academy. You will be picked up in a green Forest Service van by
Logistics who can be reached at #916.202.8346. Do not plan on departing from Sacramento
International on the last day of training prior to 1830.
AGREEMENTS
Mobility Agreement: At time of program completion, the agency may choose to place an employee at a
unit other than the one in which he/she was initially hired (agency specific).
During their apprenticeship training period, apprentices are expected to perform work such as engines,
aviation, and hotshots which may require that they be assigned work at a variety of duty stations.
Such work assignments are covered by the mobility agreement. Agency specific policy and provisions of
collective bargaining agreements governing work assignments shall apply. Federal Travel Regulations
will apply.
Training Agreement: Requirements for completion of the program and eligibility for noncompetitive
promotion to the GS-5 Senior Firefighter position:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Completion of 3000 hours of work processes (on-the-job training).
Completion of all Academy Curriculum and fulfillment of Academic Standards.
Completion of all Required Related Training.
Recommendation by the unit on which the career-related work was performed.
Certified as a fully qualified FFT1/Squad Boss and fully meet the qualification standards
for the position to which the student is to be promoted.
6. Certification by the Apprenticeship Program Manager and Department of Labor that all
program components have been completed and documented.
DOL Agreement: This is the agreement between the Apprentice and the Agency, where the Agency
enrolls the Apprentice in the WFAP program. The WFAP is a registered Apprentice Training Program
with the Department of Labor.
TERM OF APPRENTICSHIP
The term of apprenticeship is 3000 (OJL) hours. The term will not exceed 4 years from the registration
date, unless granted an extension.
Previous Experience: An applicant for apprenticeship may be allowed credit for previous experience
towards the required work process hours on the job learning (OJL). The maximum credit given for
previous experience prior to entering the program will not exceed 1,500 hours on a 1 hour to 1 hour ratio.
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Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
Creditable experience can be determined using form “Calculating Work Processes for Previous Credit” on
page 16. Each month of applicable experience is equivalent to a maximum of 172 work hours (8 hours a
day, 5 days a week).
The Unit Apprenticeship Manager will review documentation of prior experience provided by the
applicant in determining credit for previous experience prior to the apprentice entering the apprenticeship
agreement.
Probationary Period: As an employee of the federal government, an Apprentice registered in this
program is still subject to the employment probationary period, or trial period, normally one-year from
date of hire, of the hiring authority used by the employing federal agency in accordance with government
wide regulations. During the employment probationary or trial period, the employee in a bargaining unit
cannot grieve his/her termination and does not have full adverse action appeal rights before OPM’s Merit
Systems Protection Board in the event their employment is terminated by the employing agency.
Wage Progression: Apprentices will be paid a progressively increasing schedule of wages during their
apprenticeship. As employees of the Federal Government, all apprentices will be paid according to the
General Schedule for salaries as established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Apprentices will enter the program at the GS-3, GS-4, or GS-5 level depending on their qualifying
specialized firefighter experience and education as per the OPM Qualification Standards for General
Schedule. The following wage progression will apply to all registered apprentices, regardless of the initial
hiring authority:
A. Progression for program entry at the GS-03 step 1 level will be:
 After 6 total months of specialized experience - promoted to GS-04
 Journeyworker level status - GS-05 (at appropriate step).
B. Progression for program entry at the GS-04 level will be:
 Qualification requirements must be met before advancement to journeyworker level. A
minimum of 12 months specialized experience at the GS-04 level must be met prior to
advancement to the GS-05 level, unless hired at the GS-05 level.
 Journeyworker level status - GS-05 (at appropriate step). Note: Promotion to the GS-05
will be attained after qualification requirements of the GS-04 and journeyworker level
requirements have been met.
C. Progression for program entry at the GS-05.
If hired at the GS-05 level, the apprentice may be placed into a journeyworker level GS-05
position at the appropriate pay step immediately upon successful completion of program
requirements.
There is no relationship between OJL hour’s worked and qualification requirements for pay grade
progression. Some non-paid status time may count toward within grade increases as per OPM regulations.
Overtime hours and non-paid status do not count towards hours for specialized experience for the
purposes of the OPM Qualification Standards for General Schedule.
Time in grade and FFT1 qualification requirements must be met before advancement to journeyworker
level. Regardless of whether the apprentice has successfully completed the program requirements and
received a Certificate of Completion.
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Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE APPRENTICE
Apprentices, having read these Standards formulated by the NIJAC and signed an Apprenticeship
Agreement agree to all the terms and conditions contained therein and agree to abide by the rules and
policies, including any amendments, serve such time, perform such manual training, and study such
subjects as the NIJAC may deem necessary to become a skilled Wildland Firefighter Specialist.
In signing the Apprenticeship Agreement, apprentices assume the following responsibilities and
obligations under the apprenticeship program:
A. Maintain employment status with the Sponsor.
B. Perform diligently and faithfully the work of the occupation and other pertinent duties assigned by the
Sponsor in accordance with the provisions of these Standards.
C. Practice safe working habits, and work in such a manner as to assure his/her personal safety and that of
fellow workers.
D. Attend and satisfactorily perform and complete required OJL hours, as documented in writing by the
supervisor overseeing the work process activity.
E. Attend and satisfactorily complete all required related instruction as provided under these Standards.
F. Maintain physical fitness standards for the occupation.
G. Maintain academic standards for all related instruction (coursework).
H. Maintain personal records of work experience and training received and submit approved OJL and
training hours to the Unit Manager by the 10th of each month.
I. The apprentice is responsible for familiarizing themselves with the provisions of these governing
documents and timely raising questions or complaints regarding their application by the Sponsor.
Driver License: An apprentice will possess and maintain the appropriate driver’s license or permit
needed to operate any vehicle which they are directed to operate, or are being trained to operate.
Drug Testing: Apprentices, who are operating Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated
commercial vehicles, will be subject to DOT drug testing requirements.
Work Process Hours (On-The-Job Learning): Each apprentice will complete and submit monthly work
process reports (for the previous month) to the Unit Apprenticeship Manager, by 10th of each month, and
will maintain a copy of the completed report.
HARDSHIPS & COMPLAINTS, WAIVERS, INJURIES, ACCOMMODATIONS
Hardships: An employee may make a request for an alternate duty station, working hours, or alternate
working conditions. Requests will be processed by the home unit.
Complaint Procedures for the Apprentice Program: Refer to National Apprenticeship Standards
Section XXV.
General Employment complaints will be dealt with via each agency’s procedures.
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Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
Waivers: The NIJAC will receive and rule on apprentice waiver requests forwarded from AJAC. NIJAC
will receive and either rule on or render opinion (as appropriate) on complaints arising from
administration of the WFAP.
The AJAC receives and renders opinions on apprentice waiver requests from apprentices, and/or units of
their agency. AJAC will also forward waiver requests, with AJAC opinion and recommendation to
NIJAC for final ruling.
Agency National Coordinator will be a point of contact for apprentice issues and waiver requests and
forward requests to AJAC.
Injuries: While at work, employees must immediately inform their supervisor upon sustaining an injury,
or upon awareness of an injury (Form CA-1 or CA-2) to allow for action. While at the Academy,
Apprentice must notify the Crew Boss who will coordinate with the home unit. The Academy will
facilitate the documentation and treatment.
Reasonable Accommodations: Apprentices will need to go through their Disability Program Manager at
the home unit for direction. The Disability Program Manager will notify the academy of the reasonable
accommodation request. This must be done prior to arrival at the academy.
TRAVEL AND BENEFITS
Per Diem: Apprentices will be awarded per diem in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations (FTR’s).
During the academy per diem will only be awarded on the weekends as meals are provided during the
week. Lodging is provided for the duration of the academy. For the purposes of Travel and Per Diem,
Apprentices are treated the same as other employees, regardless of the mobility agreement.
Benefits: Apprentices are eligible for some federal employee benefits, such as Life Insurance, Health
Insurance, Dental Insurance and a Thrift Savings Program. It is the responsibility of the apprentice to
complete forms to elect coverage for these benefits. Some of these benefits can only be applied for during
certain times such as; at the time of hire, certain life events (birth of children, marriage, etc) or any open
seasons.
CONVERSION
Upon completing all the requirements of the National Standards registered at the time of their enrollment,
an apprentice will be eligible for conversion to a GS-0462-05 Senior Firefighter. The duty station location
is subject to available positions.
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Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
CALCULATING WORK PROCESSES FOR PREVIOUS CREDIT
Apprentice Name: _____________________
(FOR COMPLETING THE DEPT. OF LABOR AGREEMENT)
Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program
Unit: __________ Date: ________
Work Process Subject Categories
Academy: ____
Hours Creditable
for
Previous
Experience
(1,500 Maximum)
Total Program
Hours
Required
(3,000 Hours)
20
40
1,400
2,800
Handcrew
Engine
Aviation
Dozer
Fuels Management
Preparedness
(240 min.)
(240 min.)
(240 min.)
(240 min.)
(240 min.)
(No Minimum)
Hours
Previous
Experience
Credit
(Block 14)**
Program
Hours
Remaining
Term
(Block 15)**
1. Wildland Fire Safety
Identify and mitigate safety hazards in the work environment, review/write Job Hazard Analysis,
conduct safety briefings during prescribed fire and Wildland fire activities.
2. Wildland Fire Preparedness, Suppression, and Fuels Management
Creditable and total required experience can be gained during initial attack, extended attack, large
incidents, fire rehabilitation projects or restoration assignments as part of a handcrew, engine, aviation,
and dozer module.
Preparedness: Physical fitness conditioning, conduct fire ground proficiency drills, obtain weather
forecasts and fire intelligence, maintain the following fire equipment: tools, vehicles, pumps; facility
maintenance, etc.
Fire Suppression: The fire suppression category requires 240 hours minimum in each of the 2 of the 4
modules (Engines, Handcrews, Aviation, or Dozers), 1 of which must be either Engines or Handcrews.
Experience can be gained during initial attack, extended attack, large incidents, fire rehabilitation
projects or restoration assignments.
Fuels Management: The Fuels Management work portion requires 240 hours minimum serving in
various functions during the planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring phases of prescribe
fire and mechanical/chemical vegetation treatments.
3. Fire Business Practices
(Examples: timekeeping, record keeping, fire reports, medical forms, incident check-in, and
demobilization, etc.)
4. Review Local Plans
(Examples: fire management, prevention, pre-attack, cooperators, land use, etc.)
10
20
10
20
60
120
Prevention/Educati
on
(40 Min.)
Dispatch
(40 Min.)
1,500
3,000
5. Wildland Fire Prevention/Education, and Dispatch Functions
(Examples: initial attack, expanded, aircraft, intelligence, recorder, etc.)
Prevention/Education: Examples of activities that qualify for this category include: Fire investigation,
school presentation, issuing permits, and public contacts.
Dispatch Function: Activities include initial attack, expanded dispatch, aircraft dispatching, and
intelligence (i.e. Predictive Services).
TOTAL PROGRAM HOURS
**Use this form to calculate credit/term hours to be used on the Department of Labor Agreement (DOL) blocks
14 &15 and for determination for on-the-job training needs. Forward this form to the National Coordinator
along with original DOL Agreement.
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Apprentice Signature
Unit Manager Signature
Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
US Forest Service - Region
SUPPLEMENTAL TECHNICAL TRAINING REPORT
Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program - Wildland Firefighter Specialist - 452.687-640
Effective: 9/24/2010
Month/Year:
Name:
Academy #:
Forest/Unit:
District:
Assignment:
Required Training Courses
Previous
Total
Training
Hours
This
Months
Training
Hours
Total
Training
Hours to
Date
Date Training
Completed
Minimum
Hours
Required
1. *S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire
Behavior
0
0
6
2. *S-130 Firefighter Training
0
0
24
3. *I-100 Introduction to ICS
0
0
2
4. *New Employee Orientation
0
0
5
5. S-211 Portable Pumps & Water Use
0
0
24
6. S-212 Wildfire Powersaws, Level A
0
0
30
7. S-260 Fire Business Management
0
0
16
0
0
30
0
0
32
0
0
Must Choose ONE of the following:
- S-271, Helicopter Crewmember
- S-273, Single Engine Air Tanker
Manager
- Smokejumper Rookie Training
ELECTIVES - 120 hours required
0
0
0
TOTAL Supplemental Technical
Training Hours
0
0
0
*Identifies those courses required to be completed prior to attending Basic Academy. Note: You do not need to complete shaded areas. Totals are
calculated automatically. Updated 8/17/2010.
COMMENTS:
Apprentice:
Date:
First Line Supervisor:
Unit Apprentice Manager:
Date:
Date:
Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
WORK PROCESSES (ON-THE-JOB-TRAINING) - MONTHLY REPORT
WILDLAND FIRE FIGHTER SPECIALIST - DOT 452.687-640
Form applies to apprentices hired under the National Apprenticeship Standards registered in 2010
Month: January
Year:
2011
Forest / Unit:
Apprentice
Name:
District or
Station:
Academy #
A
B
E
F
(C + D)
(A - B - E)
TOTAL
Work
Process
Hours
EARNED
Program
Hours
Remaining
(Term)
0
0
40
Handcrew
0
0
Engine
0
0
0
0
Work Process Subject Categories
Total
Program
Hours
Required
Hours
Previous
Experience
(Credit)
C
Work
Assignment:
D
Total
Work
Process
Hours
EARNED
in
Previous
Months
Total Work
Process Hours
EARNED this
Month
1. Wildland Fire Safety
Identify and mitigate
safety hazards in the work environment, review/write Job
Hazard Analysis, conduct safety briefings during
prescribed fire and wildland fire activities.
2. Wildland Fire
Preparedness, Suppression,
Fuels Management
*The fuels management work portion
requires 240 hours minimum. The Fire
Supression work portion requires 240
hours minimum on 2 of the 4 options
(Engines, Crews, Aviation, Dozers), 1
of which must be either Engines or
Crews.
40
Aviation
2,800
2,800
Dozer
0
0
Preparedness
0
0
Fuels
0
0
20
0
0
20
20
0
0
20
0
0
0
0
3. Fire Business Practices Examples:
timekeeping, recordkeeping, fire reports, medical forms,
incident check-in and demobilization, etc.
4. Review Local Plans Examples: fire
management, prevention, pre-attack, cooperators, land
use, etc.
5. Fire Prevention/Education & Dispatch
Both the Prevention and Dispatch work portions require
40 hours minimum. Exampes:
Prevention: fire investigation, school presentations,
issuing permits, public contacts, etc
Dispatch: initial attack, expanded, aircraft, intelligence,
recorder, etc
Totals
120
3,000
120
0
0
0
0
Comments:
Apprentice:
Date:
Supervisor:
Unit
Apprenticeship
Manager:
Date:
Date:
3,000
Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
ELECTIVES COURSES/EXERCISES
The Apprentice must successfully complete a minimum of 120 hours of Elective Courses/Exercises.
The Home Unit is responsible for providing these courses/exercises.
Elective Courses/Exercises
A-111 Flight Payment Document
A-112 Mission Planning and Flight Request Process
A-116 General Awareness Security Training
A-200 Annual Mishap Training
Aircraft Dispatcher
ATV Training (agency specific)
D-110 Dispatch Recorder
Driver Training
Engine Operator Training (BLM specific)
FI-210 Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination
First Responder Medical*
Forest Protection Officer
GPS for Fire Management
Hazardous Materials (Agency specific)
Hazardous Materials for 1st Responders
Horsemanship Skills
I-300 Intermediate ICS
M-410 Facilitative Instructor
Remote All Weather Systems (RAWS) Maintenance
RX-310 Introduction to Fire Effects
S-200 Initial Attack Incident Commander
S-203 Introduction to Incident Information
S-215 Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface
S-230 Crew Boss (Single Resource)
S-231 Engine Boss (Single Resource)
S-232 Dozer Boss (Single Resource)
S-233 Tractor/Plow Boss (Single Resource)
S-244 Field Observer
S-245 Display Processor
S-248 Status/Check-in Recorder
S-261 Applied Interagency Incident Business Management
S-273 Single Engine Air Tanker Manager
S-336 Tactical Decision Making in Wildland Fire
S-390 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Wildland Fire Detection
Hours
1
1
1
1
24
8
16
Max. 80
40
36
40
32
16
Max. 24
16
8
27
36
32
36
16
29
28 - 32
24
12 - 16
16 - 20
16
20
8
16
16
32
24 – 32
16
16
8
Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Handbook
WFAP Completion Checklist
For Regional & Unit Coordinators







2006 Standards – met minimum two year apprenticeship period (Block 16 DOL
Agreement)
2010 Standards – time limit not applicable
Submit complete Monthly Work Process Hour Reports for Program duration
A current copy of Responder Master Record (C028) IQCS report
 Certification as a fully qualified FFT1 (Position should be showing
“qualified” on IQCS report)
 Ensure required and supplemental training is documented in Training Report
Ensure the completion of all course work in basic/advanced academies
Submit final “WFAP Completion Audit” worksheet
Submit letter requesting DOL completion certificate from home unit forwarded
to WFAP Administrative Assistant @ McClellan for processing. Sample letter attached
Hard copy or electronic packages acceptable. Email address wfap@fs.fed.us.
Mail hard copies to WFAP Admin Assistant, 3237 Peacekeeper Way, Bldg #200, McClellan,
CA 95652.