Kevin C. Salazar
Rapid City,SD
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Crew Foreman/Firefighter
South Dakota Wildland Fire, Black Hat Handcrew
Rapid City, South Dakota
01.2025 - Current
- Supervise and direct daily operations of a 20 person wildland firefighting handcrew during fire suppression, containment, and mop-up activities.
- Lead crews in constructing and improving fireline using hand tools, chainsaws, and firing operations under rapidly changing fire conditions.
- Oversee progress and production during hazardous fuels mitigation and reduction projects.
- Oversee daily administrative operations, including timekeeping, per diem sheets, and vehicle mileage and maintenance tracking.
- Supervise crew activities during wildland fire suppression operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Train and mentor new crew members in firefighting techniques and equipment usage.
- Coordinate logistics for crew assignments, including supply management and transportation arrangements.
- Conduct regular inventory assessments of firefighting tools and equipment to ensure readiness.
Tree Worker/Climber
Deep Roots Tree Co.
Rapid City, South Dakota
11.2023 - 10.2024
- Specialized in tree removal and tree pruning using a variety of tools, equipment and knowledge.
- Highly skilled at tree climbing and ascending with ropes from a variety of heights.
- Proficient in tree felling using chainsaws, wedges, and ropes.
- Knowledgeable with ropes and proficient at tying a variety of knots and understanding their uses and capabilities.
- Operated heavy equipment such as a skid-steer, stump grinder, chipper, and lifts.
- Drove vehicles to and from jobsites while pulling long trailers carrying heavy equipment.
- Performed regular maintenance on all saws, heavy equipment, and vehicles.
Seasonal Firefighter
USDA Forest Service, Tatanka Hotshots
Custer, South Dakota
04.2023 - 10.2023
- Used and maintained hand tools such as Pulaski’s, Rogue hoes, and McLeods.
- Constructed direct and indirect hand line on fires in a variety of conditions
- Extensive chainsaw experience including cutting hot line and snagging out areas for safe work conditions.
- Experienced in providing emergency medical care to crew members.
- Supported burnout operations by holding the fireline, using drip torches, and coordinating with other crew members and adjoining resources.
- Experienced at mopping up using dry and wet mopping techniques including packing in bladder bags, using engines, and portable pumps.
Seasonal Firefighter
South Dakota Wildland Fire, Bear Mountain Handcrew
Rapid City, South Dakota
06.2020 - 11.2022
- Experienced in constructing direct and indirect hand line on fires in various conditions.
- FFT1 trainee on wildland fire incidents, responsible for leading a squad and safely implementing suppression strategies using leader’s intent, risk assessment, and mitigation tactics.
- Performed fuels mitigation on private properties, thinning forest to state specifications and removing hazardous trees.
- Assigned as crew Emergency Medical Technician providing first aid to crew members.
Barista
Starbucks
Rapid City, South Dakota
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Barista team member providing quality customer service in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work area, adhering to safety and sanitation standards.
- Collaborated with team members to improve workflow efficiency during peak hours.
Customer Associate
Panera Bread
West Covina, California
03.2016 - 05.2019
- Worked with a skilled team providing highly personalized customer service, quality control and maintained company standards.
- Managed cash register operations, maintaining accuracy in transactions and balancing drawers.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints promptly, improving overall satisfaction ratings.
Education
NREMT Certified Emergency Medical Technician - EMT-B
Western Dakota Technical Institute
Rapid City, South Dakota05-2021
Rio Hondo Wildland Fire Academy
Santa Fe Springs, California04-2020
High School Diploma - undefined
South Hills High School
West Covina, California05-2016
Skills
- EMT – National Certified Emergency Medical Technician/South Dakota Registered
- CRWB - Crew Boss, Single Resource
- ICT5 - Incident Commander Type 5
- FFT1 - Firefighter Type 1
- FFT2 - Firefighter Type 2
- FAL2 - Intermediate Faller
- FAL3 - Basic Faller
- CPR/First Aid
Timeline
Crew Foreman/Firefighter
South Dakota Wildland Fire, Black Hat Handcrew
01.2025 - Current
Tree Worker/Climber
Deep Roots Tree Co.
11.2023 - 10.2024
Seasonal Firefighter
USDA Forest Service, Tatanka Hotshots
04.2023 - 10.2023
Seasonal Firefighter
South Dakota Wildland Fire, Bear Mountain Handcrew
06.2020 - 11.2022
Barista
Starbucks
09.2019 - 12.2019
Customer Associate
Panera Bread
03.2016 - 05.2019
High School Diploma - undefined
South Hills High School
NREMT Certified Emergency Medical Technician - EMT-B
Western Dakota Technical Institute
Rio Hondo Wildland Fire Academy