White City, Ore. — Grayback Forestry is hiring for the upcoming fire season. The company is searching for 80 firefighter hopefuls to fill their seasonal team.
Grayback forestry’s been serving the region since 1979. The company does everything from prescribed burns, to even helping fight the wildfires themselves. Now, they’re looking for committed individuals to join their seasonal team.
It’s an empty classroom for now – but in just a few months, Grayback plans on filling the seats with firefighter hopefuls for the 2017 season.
“We go all over the country with fire crews and fire engines,” he said.
Grayback employs 120 people total. Each year, they look for an additional 80 employees to fulfill seasonal positions. So, you think you have what it takes to be a Grayback firefighter?
“Must be physically fit, must be at 18 years old,” he said.
Physically fit for job duties like piling brush, and cutting trees. It’s not just the work that’s tough.
“When there’s a fire call, the days are 12 to 14 hours,” he said.
Think that’s a lot of hours? That’s not all.
“Be willing to travel up to 30 days anywhere in the country,” he said.
In addition to serving Southern Oregon, Grayback contracts across the country. Last year alone, they traveled to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Grayback said fire education isn’t necessary. The company will provide the 40-hour required training to be certified.
As for what we can all expect for this fire season, Wheelock said a lot of factors come into play – but the bottom line is to be prepared.
“You can’t predict fire seasons,” he said.
If you’d like to apply to join the Grayback Forestry team, you can apply directly on their website.
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