Johnathon Roedell
Grand Junction,CO
Summary
Dynamic wildland firefighter with extensive experience at the Bureau of Land Management, excelling in engine operation and fireline construction. Proven leader in incident command, effectively coordinating helicopter operations and training teams. Recognized for exceptional situational awareness and problem-solving skills, ensuring safety and efficiency in high-pressure environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Engine Captain) GS-6
Bureau of Land Management
Grand Junction, USA
04.2024 - Current
- Assisted the Engine Captain with training incoming seasonal employees in engine use, wildland fire response, chainsaw use and handline construction.
- Aided and presented RT130.
- Operated as ICT5 on numerous initial attack fires utilizing wildland fire engines.
- Initiated ICT4 task book and began gaining experience at ICT4 trainee.
- Rocky Mountain Region 2, Upper Colorado River Fire Management Unit, West Zone Fire, Grand Junction Field Office
Lead Forestry Technician (hotshot/handcrew) GS-6
United States Department of Agriculture
Grand Junction, USA
03.2021 - 04.2024
- Completed Engine Boss (ENGB) Task Book in 2023.
- Directed rotor wing aircraft for bucket drops during wildland fire operations.
- Operated as FIRB(T) under Unaweep WFM on Little Mesa Fire, Colorado.
- Promoted to Lead Firefighter (Squad Boss) on 02/26/2023 after serving as Senior Firefighter in 2021 and 2022.
- Led a hand crew in constructing fire lines in hazardous terrain using chainsaws and hand tools.
- Provided supervision and training on engine operations, tree falling, and mop-up procedures.
- Evaluated fire situations to determine spread rate, hazards, and effective suppression methods.
- Maintained firefighting engines, vehicles, chainsaws, and pumps for operational readiness.
Forestry Technician (Wildland Firefighter) GS-5
Bureau of Land Management
Grand Junction, USA
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Operated as Senior Firefighter on Type 6 Wildland Fire Engine at Grand Junction Field Office.
- Opened Engine Operator Task Book in 2019, gaining experience driving to fire locations.
- Assisted in troubleshooting and repairing engine issues in field and office environments.
- Initiated pump operations during incidents, deploying hose lays and utilizing hard line effectively.
- Maintained Type 6 Engine and Pump Package, ensuring operational readiness.
- Led training for incoming fire personnel, focusing on wildland fire tactics and safety protocols.
- Utilized chainsaws to mitigate hazards along holding lines and roads for incoming crews.
- Supported unmanned aircraft missions by assisting pilots during managed fire operations.
Restoration Technician (Intern)
Bureau of Land Management
Grand Junction, USA
03.2015 - 12.2015
- Worked as a restoration technician for the BLM weeds crew.
- Eradicated tamarisk and Russian olive along the Colorado and Dolores Rivers in Colorado.
- Camped out on weeklong assignments.
- Operated and maintained chainsaws to clear cut tamarisk and other invasive species from riparian areas.
- Used cut stump method, and applied herbicide to stumps to prevent sprouting.
- Cleaned, maintained, and operated herbicide sprayers with full personal protective equipment.
- Built slash piles in order to burn in fall or spring.
- Worked in extreme hot, and cold environments safely.
- Operated as emergency firefighter for BLM, worked on Interagency Type Two Hand Crew on multiple occasions.
- Upper Colorado River Fire Management Unit, West Zone Fire, Grand Junction Field Office
Crew Member
Western Colorado Conservation Corps
01.2009 - 01.2015
- Operated as Assistant to the Crew Leader and helped lead crews eradicating tamarisk along the Colorado River.
- Worked for three weeks clearing a large bench of tamarisk surrounding a campsite in temperatures escalating to over 100 degrees F in adverse conditions.
- Worked on fuels reduction projects, and motorcycle, bicycle, and hiking trail building projects as a crewmember and assistant crew leader.
- Used Chainsaws to eradicate tamarisk, Russian olive, and elm trees in riparian areas.
- Used hand tools to construct bicycle and hiking trails.
- Maintained repaired hand tools and chainsaws in the field.
- Constructed fuel breaks in timber fuel models along roads in high elevation terrain during late fall near Gunnison Colorado, and operated chipper to reduce available fuels.
- Worked on the Colorado National Monument for several weeks constructing and maintaining hiking trails.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Wildland Fire Management
Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, COSkills
- Engine operation
- Chainsaw operation
- Fireline construction
- Helicopter coordination
- Incident command
- Wildfire suppression
- Team leadership
- Public communication
- Problem solving
- Situational awareness
- Resource management
- Fire ecology
- Terrain studying
- Map reading and navigation
- Interagency coordination
- Wildlife habitat protection
- Physical fitness and endurance
- Hazardous materials handling
- Weather condition assessment
Certification
- ENOP Engine Operator, Complete
- ENGB Engine Boss, Single Resource, Complete
- HECM Helicopter Crewmember, Complete
- FEMO Fire Effects Monitor, Active
- FAL2 Intermediate Faller, Complete
- FIRB Firing Boss, Active
- FFT1 Firefighter Type 1, Complete
- ICT5 Incident Commander Type 5, Complete
- ICT4 Incident Commander Type 4, Active
References
- Phil Quigley, Captain Skyway WFM, 970-200-5624, philip.quigley@usda.gov
- Nick Grooms, Engine Captain-2613, 2019, 970-549-7366, ngrooms@blm.gov
- Tim Spurr, Engine Captain-2613, 2018, 970-244-3135, tspurr@blm.gov
- Jake Desseriche, Engine Captain-2411, 2016-2017, 970-250-6002, jdesseri@blm.gov
- Jeremy Spetter, FMO West Zone, 970-244-3108, jspetter@blm.gov
- Patrick Kieran, FOS West Zone, 970-244-3137, pkieran@blm.gov
- Mark Taber, Weeds Program Director, Grand Junction Field Office, Retired, 970-778-7703, Mtaber60@gmail.com
- Alison Robb, Wildland Fire Education Program Director, Colorado Mesa University, 970-255-2634, arobb@coloradomesa.edu
- Jake Desserich, ENGB 2411, 970-250-6002, jdesseri@blm.gov
- Tim Spurr, Assistant Captain Skyway WFM, 970-623-0458, timothy.spurr@usda.gov
- Nick Grooms, ENGB 2613, 970-549-7366, ngrooms@blm.gov
Timeline
Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Engine Captain) GS-6
Bureau of Land Management
04.2024 - Current
Lead Forestry Technician (hotshot/handcrew) GS-6
United States Department of Agriculture
03.2021 - 04.2024
Forestry Technician (Wildland Firefighter) GS-5
Bureau of Land Management
01.2016 - 01.2021
Restoration Technician (Intern)
Bureau of Land Management
03.2015 - 12.2015
Crew Member
Western Colorado Conservation Corps
01.2009 - 01.2015
Some College (No Degree) - Wildland Fire Management
Colorado Mesa University