NICHOLAS WHITE
Springfield,OR
Summary
Highly motivated team player with in-depth knowledge of safely suppressing fires, and managing aviation assets. Thinks quickly under pressure and remains calm in stressful situations. Offering 25 years of experience in efficiently responding to fire and other emergencies. Handles issues quickly and resolves conflicts successfully. Observant and detail-oriented with great problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Fire Management Officer
U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest
01.2016 - Current
- Serve as Assistant Fire Management Officer of Operations
- Performs assignments to accomplish preparedness and suppression activities
- Oversees fire prevention program with direct supervision
- Supervise one-20 person IA crew, two-7 person Type 4 engines, and one-prevention program including 1 prevention technician, 2 lookouts, 2 patrols, and 1 administrative assistant
- Direct initial attack operations on all incidents throughout the district
- Responsible for in-briefings of all fire resources assigned to the district
- Assist in the fuels reduction program
- Consistently works with local cooperators involving multiple agencies and jurisdictions
- Prepares and executes district preparedness including - fire cache, suppression equipment, radio equipment, weather stations and developing/revising annual operating plans
- Serves as the district Duty Officer and an on-call point of contact
- Assists in the fuels program including the writing and review of burn plans
- Responsible for the preparation and implementation of controlled burns
- Accountable for the district fire safety program; training program, and daily operations
- Manages district fire staffing and approves time/travel
- Conducts Performance Appraisals for direct subordinates
- Experience in resolving conflict/disciplinary issues
- Manages district fire/militia training folders; PTB review/initiation
- FQRC (red card committee) member
- WCT Administrator
- Experience as Lead/Unit instructor on multiple 100/200 level courses
- Assists with Red Card Audits for new personnel
- IQCS access and knowledge - data entry
- Maintains micro-purchase card authority
- Serves as DIVS and HEBM
- Assists with providing technical and administrative supervision for aviation programs
- Responsible for aviation safety training on unit
- Develop Risk Assessments prior to aviation missions while serving as a Helibase Manager
- Facilitate and administer aircraft contracts while serving as a Helicopter Manager
- Assists with providing oversight and management of aviation activities of aircraft hosted on unit to include: Flight crew in briefing; fire detection missions; guidance on retardant use; local fire suppression tactics; etc
- Serves as subject matter expert for on unit aviation activities for both fire and non-fire aviation projects.
Engine Captain
U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest
07.2010 - 12.2015
- Served as the supervisor for Type 3 engine module
- Provided administrative and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the unit
- Established guidelines and performance expectations for crewmembers
- Conducted work performance critiques
- Reviewed/Approved crewmembers leave requests, time, and travel
- Provided for crew safety and welfare and implements a training program in compliance with applicable requirements
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive physical training program
- Experienced in recruitment and hiring of employees
- Mentored employees to ensue career development opportunities
- Assured adequate training of employees in compliance with safety regulations
- Responsible for the day to day operation of the fire engine module
- Supervised the operation of the engine module while responding to incidents
- Directed the engine to fire locations and positions engine in appropriate locations in consideration of safety of crew and equipment
- Evaluated onsite conditions, made tactical decisions, and determined appropriate responses
- Served as an initial attack Incident Commander on wild fires
- Identified and analyzed tactics and strategies employed on incidents, and revised and/or developed approaches in view of specific incident conditions
- Exercised procurement authority by executing blanket purchase agreements, field purchase orders, and charge card purchases
- Directed project work in support of ecosystem and fuels management
- Supervised crew in performing a variety of forestry work including thinning, pruning, planting trees, piling debris, and road brushing
- Knowledge to respond to a wide variety of All-Hazard incidents
- Supervised the operation of fire engine with complex pumping mechanisms and accessories in suppressing fires and a variety of incidents
- Identified developmental and training needs of employees, providing for and arranging for needed development and training.
Assistant Fire Engine Operator
U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest
07.2008 - 07.2010
- Served as a lead wild land firefighter on a Type 3 fire engine
- Operated a Type 3 engine, positioning the engine for proper use and operation
- Performed and directed others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, and using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and additives
- Responsible for maintenance of specialized equipment
- Served as a water handling specialist, qualified chainsaw operator
- Served as initial attack Incident Commander Type 5
- Ensured the engine is kept in a full state of readiness for emergency fire dispatch
- Evaluated fire situations, determined rate of spread, potential hazards to property and other improvements, suppression method to use, hose lays, deployment of crew, point of initial attack, type of tools to use and application of water
- Responsible for operation and maintenance of specialized equipment
- Accomplished emergency repairs as necessary to permit continued use of equipment
- Ensured the team's welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignment
- Served as a working leader of over 3 or more crewmembers
- Instructed crew members in specific tasks and techniques
- Conducted training, distributed work assignments among employees
- Assured timely accomplishment of assigned tasks and maintained work notes and records; reports on work accomplishments, ensured that the work is carried out safely; completed reports on performance problems and issues
- Responsible for supervision of the crew in the absence of the supervisor
- Performed in hazardous fuel reduction projects, including thinning, cutting and piling vegetation through use of mechanical means, e.g., chainsaw, etc.
Type 2 IA Crew - Squad Boss
U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest
07.2007 - 07.2008
- Served as a squad boss for a 20 person type 2 initial attack crew
- Evaluated fire situations to determine suppression methods; squad deployment, strategies, tactics, hazards
- Coordinated personnel as necessary to achieve operational objectives
- Practiced risk management and created solutions for the most efficient and safe missions
- Responsible for crew and squad safety in all phases of fire suppression
- Completed crew manifests, time keeping, and travel
- Provided training to crewmembers both in the classroom and in the field.
Helicopter Rappeller
U.S. Forest Service - Wenatchee/Okanogan NF
05.2006 - 10.2006
- Served as rappeller and helicopter crewmember on helitack crew
- Managed initial attack fires and supervised crewmembers as an ICT5
- Determined suppression methods, crew deployment strategies, tactics and hazard mitigations
- Coordinated personnel to achieve operational objectives
- Served as an ABRO and managed cargo operations at helibases
- Practiced risk management and created solutions for the most efficient and safe missions
- Responsible for air operations support, manifested equipment and personnel
- Maintained equipment and conducted helicopter safety checks to ensure constant readiness
- Completed formal fire reports, rappel reports, timekeeping, travel and assisted in helicopter manager duties
- Provided training to crewmembers including helicopter operations, saw use, fire line construction principles, radio use and programming, helibase operations, and hand tool use and maintenance.
Lead Emergency Medical Technician
Rescue 7 Ambulance
09.2003 - 05.2005
- Served as lead EMT
- Provided 24 hour advanced life support emergency service to Santa Barbara County
- Licensed to drive ambulance unit
- Determined scene safety and positioning of rescue unit
- Ordered and maintained essential equipment and supplies
- Educated public in health and disease prevention
- Conducted patient evaluations, applied pre-hospital care, and provided emergency transport
- Developed training schedules for employees
- Completed accurate medical reports and cost analysis summaries.
Zig Zag IHC - FFT2
U.S. Forest Service - Mount Hood National Forest
05.2003 - 09.2003
- Served as sawyer on saw team
- Assigned tasks and followed up on progress
- Constructed fire line, operated pumps, and installed hose lays
- Proficient in burnout, and firing operations
- Ensured proper maintenance of tools and equipment
- Conducted risk assessment and safety sessions
- Provided training for crewmembers on saw use and maintenance
- Experienced in radio usage and programming
- Knowledgeable in map reading and navigation
- Proficient in mop-up operations.
El Cariso IHC - FFT2
U.S. Forest Service - Cleveland National Forest
06.2001 - 12.2001
- Served as lead sawyer
- Responsible for the safety of saw squad during operations
- Directed saw squad during fire line operations
- Assigned tasks and followed up on progress
- Constructed fire line, operated pumps, and installed hose lays
- Proficient in burnout, and firing operations
- Ensured proper maintenance of tools and equipment
- Conducted risk assessment and safety sessions
- Provided training for crewmembers on saw use and maintenance
- Experienced in radio usage and programming
- Knowledgeable in map reading and navigation
- Proficient in mop-up operations.
Type 2 Hand Crew - Crewmember
U.S. Forest Service - Cleveland National Forest
06.1999 - 12.1999
- Served as lead sawyer on saw team
- Led small squads for special missions
- Responsible for fire suppression, saw line, and handline construction
- Operated portable pumps
- Installed hose lays
- Involved with lighting and holding burn operations
- Proficient in mop-up tactics
- Conducted felling operations and hazard tree removal
- Ensured proper maintenance of chainsaws and hand tools
- Trained in radio use, map and compass, land navigation techniques.
Laguna Beach Reserve Firefighter
City of Laguna Beach - Fire Station 2
08.1998 - 12.1999
- Served as Reserve Firefighter and EMT on a Type 1 Fire Engine
- Provided 24 hour fire protection and advanced life support
- Responded to structure fires and wildfires in response area
- Trained in usage of specialized equipment
- Proficient in ladder use, hose and hydrant operations, mop-up and overhaul
- Involved in public education and fire prevention program
- Trained in SCBA use and maintenance
- Conducted station duties and maintained apparatus readiness
- Conducted training sessions and equipment inspections on a daily basis.
Type 2 Hand Crew - Crewmember
U.S. Forest Service - Sierra National Forest
06.1997 - 12.1997
- Served as sawyer on saw team
- Responsible for fire suppression, saw line, and handline construction
- Operated portable pumps
- Installed hose lays
- Involved with lighting and holding burn operations
- Proficient in mop-up tactics
- Conducted felling operations and hazard tree removal
- Ensured proper maintenance of chainsaws and hand tools
- Trained in radio use, map and compass, land navigation techniques.
Education
Bachelors Degree in Biology -
University of California Santa Barbara
05.2005
Santa Ana Community College
06.1999
Certifications Red Card Qualifications
- CDL - Commercial Driver's License - Class B
- COR - Contracting Officer Representative - Level 2 (lost currency)
- RXB2 - Prescribed Burn Boss Type 2
- TFLD - Task Force Leader
- HMGB - Helicopter Manager
- CRWB - Crew Boss
- ENGB - Engine Boss
- FIRB - Firing Boss
- ICT4 - Incident Commander Type 4
- HECM - Helicopter Crew Member
- ABRO - Aircraft Base Radio Operator
- FALB - Faller B
- FFT1 - Firefighter Type 1
- DIVS - Division Supervisor
- HEBM - Helibase Manager
- ASGS - Air Support Group Supervisor (trainee)
Honors Awards
- Los Angeles Marathon, March 1997 and 2002, Completion of
- Most Physically Fit Firefighter Award 1999, SAC 111th Fire Academy
- 2012 Fire Line Leadership - Award Willamette National Forest / Eugene BLM
Additional Information
National Wildland Fire Apprenticeship Program
- Crewboss - Spring 2008
- Logistics Staff - Spring 2009
- Logistics Staff - Spring 2010
- Logistics Staff - Spring 2011
- Logistics Coordinator - Winter 2012
- Logistics Coordinator - Winter 2013
McKenzie River Ranger District - Safety Committee
- Fire Representative Team Member - 2012 and 2013
- Fire Representative Vice Chair - 2014 and 2015
Willamette National Forest Helicopter Research Project
- Developed 5 year snapshot of helicopter use on forest
- Presented to Willamette Fire Leadership Group
- Presented and proposed program to Region 6 Fire and Aviation Management
Region 6 Temporary/Permanent Hiring
- McKenzie River Ranger District Representative (Temporary Hiring)
- Subject Matter Expert / Data Steward / Selecting Official (Temporary Hiring)
- Subject Matter Expert / Recommending Official (Permanent Hiring)
Willamette / Siuslaw National Forest Recruitment Team
- Team Member: 2010-2012
Timeline
Assistant Fire Management Officer
U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest
01.2016 - Current
Engine Captain
U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest
07.2010 - 12.2015
Assistant Fire Engine Operator
U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest
07.2008 - 07.2010
Type 2 IA Crew - Squad Boss
U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest
07.2007 - 07.2008
Helicopter Rappeller
U.S. Forest Service - Wenatchee/Okanogan NF
05.2006 - 10.2006
Lead Emergency Medical Technician
Rescue 7 Ambulance
09.2003 - 05.2005
Zig Zag IHC - FFT2
U.S. Forest Service - Mount Hood National Forest
05.2003 - 09.2003
El Cariso IHC - FFT2
U.S. Forest Service - Cleveland National Forest
06.2001 - 12.2001
Type 2 Hand Crew - Crewmember
U.S. Forest Service - Cleveland National Forest
06.1999 - 12.1999
Laguna Beach Reserve Firefighter
City of Laguna Beach - Fire Station 2
08.1998 - 12.1999
Type 2 Hand Crew - Crewmember
U.S. Forest Service - Sierra National Forest
06.1997 - 12.1997
Bachelors Degree in Biology -
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Ana Community College
Similar Profiles
Jacob AlvaradoJacob Alvarado
Wildland Firefighter at U.S. Forest Service - Los Padres National ForestWildland Firefighter at U.S. Forest Service - Los Padres National Forest
Maria ZenizoMaria Zenizo
Forestry Technician at U.S. Forest Service - Coronado National ForestForestry Technician at U.S. Forest Service - Coronado National Forest
Jesus A. SilvaJesus A. Silva
On-Call Firefighter Type 2 at U.S. Forest Service - Angeles National ForestOn-Call Firefighter Type 2 at U.S. Forest Service - Angeles National Forest
Dalton PerryDalton Perry
Welder, Mechanic at Kelly Trailer RepairWelder, Mechanic at Kelly Trailer Repair
Israel WallaceIsrael Wallace
Sales Consultant at Northwest Tile SupplySales Consultant at Northwest Tile Supply