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Open to workDesired start date: 2 weeks notice
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Austin Kautz
Lacey,WA
Work Preference
Summary
Dedicated firefighter driven by a deep respect for life and public service. Trained through West Thurston Regional Fire Authority with experience in emergency response and team-based operations. Known for bringing steady work ethic, accountability, and a crew-first mindset to every call. Committed to family values, continuous growth, and serving the community with integrity under pressure.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Temporary Firefighter
West Thurston Regional Fire Authority
Olympia, WA
08.2023 - Current
- Responded to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and hazardous incidents, supporting suppression, patient care, and scene operations.
- Functioned as a Volunteer/Resident and Temporary Firefighter, ensuring readiness and compliance with department standards.
- Operated effectively across multiple apparatus, including engine, tender, brush truck, and aid unit, demonstrating broad operational capability.
- Provided standby EMS coverage for high-risk events (e.g., motocross), delivering rapid assessment and patient care as needed.
- Engaged in community outreach events, promoted public safety education and strengthened community relations.
Cadre Member
Thurston County Fire Training Academy
Olympia, Washington
02.2026 - 07.2026
- Trained and mentored volunteer firefighter recruits in core fireground skills, safety procedures, and operational standards.
- Evaluated recruit performance and skill competency, delivering clear, actionable feedback to improve proficiency.
- Presented hands-on demonstration in live training environments, reinforcing best practices to safely meet tactical objectives.
- Adapted to daily staffing and training needs, supporting multiple functional areas.
- Clearly communicated recruit progress to command staff to help guide future instruction goals.
- Emphasized accountability and teamwork as being fundamental to team growth.
Arborist
Tannenbaum Trees
Rochester, WA
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Operated chainsaws and farm equipment in accordance with safety standards, maintaining strong situational awareness.
- Identified and mitigated hazards such as unstable loads, sharp equipment, and crowded conditions to maintain safety.
- Pruned, baled, and loaded Christmas trees, performing physically demanding work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Worked as part of a diverse team to coordinate tasks, maintain workflow, and ensure a safe, organized work area.
Lumber Puller
Northwest Hardwoods
Centralia, WA
03.2020 - 07.2022
- Handled continuous flow of 20–100 lb. lumber on high-speed chain systems, maintaining production pace under physically demanding conditions.
- Consistently worked 70-hour weeks, demonstrating endurance, reliability, and strong work ethic in a high-output environment.
- Volunteered for the confined space, heavy-machinery clean-up crew. Requiring strict adherence to lockout/tagout (LOTO) safety procedures.
- Safely and proficiently demonstrated caution, competence, and attentiveness when using industrial equipment (e.g. planer, table saw, hand tools).
Apprentice Glazier
Windows and Glass
Milton, WA
09.2018 - 08.2019
- Install windows and glass doors in residential properties.
- Measure spaces to ensure precise glass fitting.
- Set up ladders and scaffolding to access difficult areas when necessary.
- Assisted in loading and unloading of materials needed for window installation projects.
- Followed instructions provided by senior technicians while carrying out various glazing tasks.
Crew Trainer
McDonald's
Grand Mound, WA
06.2015 - 01.2018
- Trained new employees on food preparation, safety procedures, and customer service to ensure consistent quality and efficiency.
- Provided constructive feedback and one-on-one coaching to employees.
- Fully cross-trained to work in all areas of the restaurant (e.g., kitchen, closing / cleaning, front-counter, drive-through window).
- Assisted in scheduling shifts to ensure adequate staffing levels.
Education
Associate of Arts - Computer Science
Centralia College
Centralia, WA05-2021
High School Diploma -
Rochester High School
Rochester, WA06-2017
Certification
- NFPA Firefighter 1
- NFPA Firefighter 2
- NFPA Hazardous Materials Awareness
- NFPA Hazardous Materials Operations
- NFPA Fire Instructor 1
- Washington State Department of Health Emergency Medical Technician
- WFC Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention
- Wildland Firefighter Type 2
- NWCG S-110 Basic Wildland Fire Orientation
- NWCG S-130 Firefighter Training
- NWCG S-130 Field Day
- NWCG S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- NWCG L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
- IS-100.c: Introduction to Incident Command System
- IS-200.c: Basic Incident Command System
for Initial Response - IS-700.b: An Introduction to the
National Incident Management System - IS-800.d: National Response Framework, An
Introduction
Timeline
Cadre Member
Thurston County Fire Training Academy
02.2026 - 07.2026
Arborist
Tannenbaum Trees
09.2024 - 12.2024
Temporary Firefighter
West Thurston Regional Fire Authority
08.2023 - Current
Lumber Puller
Northwest Hardwoods
03.2020 - 07.2022
Apprentice Glazier
Windows and Glass
09.2018 - 08.2019
Crew Trainer
McDonald's
06.2015 - 01.2018
Associate of Arts - Computer Science
Centralia College
High School Diploma -
Rochester High School