Braden Buxcel
South Dakota Wildland Fire
Rapid City,SD
7
years of professional experience
Wildland Firefighter with extensive experience working with multiple agencies. While working for South Dakota Wildland Fire, I've excelled in fire suppression and containment. Improving my ability to operate with chainsaw operations, effective team collaboration and enhancing wildfire management efforts. Adaptable and decisive, I work well while under pressure, ensuring safety and efficiency in high-stakes environments.
Work History
Wildland Firefighter
6 Months- Supported wildland fire suppression efforts using hand tools, chainsaws, and hose lays.
- Monitored fire behavior and relayed updates through radio communications to incident supervisors.
- Maintained pumps, hoses, engines, and PPE in ready condition for rapid deployment.
- Constructed firelines and completed mop-up operations to contain hotspots and reduce rekindle risk.
- Assisted with controlled burns and fuel reduction activities to improve landscape resilience.
- Engine Captain-Sean Weber (605-591-9258)
Fertilizer Technician
1 Year 7 Months- Inspected equipment and identified mechanical issues before service interruptions occurred.
- Performed routine maintenance on pumps, valves, and related fuel system components.
- Documented service actions, repairs, and inspection results for accurate work records.
- Followed safety procedures while handling tools, materials, and hazardous product areas.
- Cleaned, calibrated, and organized work equipment to support reliable daily operations.
- Trained new technicians on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency across the team.
- Increased customer satisfaction with prompt and knowledgeable support for various technical issues.
- Plant manager-Dan Jensen (605-209-8100)
Wildland Firefighter
1 Year 3 Months- Navigated rugged terrain while transporting equipment and reinforcing suppression crews.
- Followed safety protocols during line construction, ignition, and emergency response operations.
- Patrolled fire areas after containment to identify flare-ups and secure perimeter integrity.
- Cut and cleared brush and dug trenches to create fire lines using axes, chainsaws or shovels.
- Enhanced wildfire containment by coordinating and executing strategic fireline construction.
- Established water supplies, connected hoses and directed water onto fires.
- Chief of Piedmont-Robert Puhlman (605-390-1745)
Landscaper
3 Years 3 Months- Installed sod, mulch, and decorative rock to complete residential and commercial landscape projects.
- Operated trimmers, edgers, mowers, and hand tools to maintain clean, uniform outdoor spaces.
- Prepared soil, removed debris, and leveled ground for planting and hardscape work.
- Assisted with trenching and dirtwork tasks to support irrigation and drainage improvements.
- Maintained grounds by trimming, weeding, and general clean-up.
Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Chainsaw operation
Fire containment
Fire suppression tools operations
Physical fitness and endurance
Fireline construction
Fire weather monitoring
Controlled burning techniques
Map reading and navigation
Conditions assessment
Flexible and adaptable
Decision-making
Team collaboration
Basic life support
Two-way radio operation
Map reading
Timeline
Wildland Firefighter
South Dakota Wildland Fire
05.2026 - 11.2026Read More
Fertilizer Technician
Kugler Oil Company
09.2024 - 04.2026Read More
Wildland Firefighter
Piedmont Fire Department
05.2023 - 08.2024Read More
Landscaper
R&R Trenching and Dirtwork
06.2019 - 09.2022Read More
Douglas High School
High School Diploma
Read More