Richard Soto
Los Angeles,US
Summary
Well-rounded and highly motivated wildland firefighter with 4 years of experience in wildland fire operations, seeking a Forest Technician position with the United States Forest Service. Interested in joining a Hotshot crew to apply proven firefighting skills, operational knowledge, and strong work ethic while continuing to develop professionally as a firefighter. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in demanding environments, adapt to changing conditions, work efficiently as part of a team, and quickly master new skills. Dependable, safety-conscious, and committed to maintaining high standards of performance, teamwork, and professionalism.
Overview
1
1
Language
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
GW-3 Wildland Firefighter
USFS Department of Agriculture
Prescott, Arizona
04.2026 - 10.2026
- Served as an entry-level member of a U.S. Forest Service helitack crew, supporting helicopter-based wildland fire suppression and initial attack operations. Assisted with fireline construction, helicopter loading and unloading, equipment maintenance, and prescribed fire activities while working safely in rugged terrain and challenging conditions. Maintained physical readiness and followed wildland fire and aviation safety procedures as part of a coordinated team.
- Briefed personnel on helicopter and Helitack operations, including aircraft safety procedures, loading and unloading protocols, flight hazards, emergency procedures, crew coordinations, and efficient mission execution.
- Safety transported Helitack personnel, firefighters, and support crews to and from fire assignments, Helibases, staging areas, and incident locations.
- Conducted controlled back-burning operations using drip torches to reduce hazardous fuels and assist with wildfire containment. Safely ignited and monitored fire lines while following established fire management plans, safety procedures, and direction from fire supervisors.
- Worked extended operational periods of 40+/week while maintaining physical readiness and performance during demanding Wildland fire assignments, demanding teamwork, adaptability, sound judgment, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
- Operated and monitored base radio and communications systems to support safe and efficient aircraft operations. Maintained continuous communication with pilots, air traffic control, maintenance personnel, and base operations while accurately receiving, recording, and relaying critical flight information. Coordinated aircraft movements, responded to time-sensitive communications, maintained communication logs and records, and followed established aviation, safety, and security procedures. Demonstrated strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure operational environments.
- Conducted pre-trips and post-trips vehicle inspections, identified mechanical or safety issues, and reported deficiencies for corrective action. Maintained accurate vehicle-use records, mileage, fuel documentation, and crew transportation logs in accordance with agency Regulations.
Firefighter Type 2
USFS Department Of Agriculture
Los Angeles, California
07.2022 - 10.2024
- Served as a skilled crew member on a Type 2 Hand Crew. Utilized a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires, such as a pulaski, shovel, McLead, ax and chainsaw to control the spread of wildfire. Proficient in wildland fire techniques and suppression methods. Worked as a lead Pulaski when constructing line, requiring situational awareness and communicating with pears, lead and motivated crew.
- Capability to perform duties under stressful and adverse operating conditions, such as lengthy work hours, heavy workloads , emergency situations, and hazardous working and environmental conditions.
- Conducted hose lays operations, lining progressive holes lays in training scenarios up mountain sides. Maintain knowledge of current Firefighting practice by participating in drills and operations.
- Constructed hand-line and implemented water-bars, trenches when needed, producing line over various distance topography. Assisted in leading the assigned crew and the performance of Firefighting duties and training exercising .
- Utilize a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and technique while actively working on the Big Pines RX burn. Saw maintenance by sharpening chain, cleaning bar, opening-saw for cleaning & part check ups, replacement of broken &damage parts.
- Operated saws to complete work, such as bucking, brush clearance, and etc. Leadership roles of organizing trucks with tents, red bags, tool's,line packs, saw needs, ice chest/igloo, person bags etc. During mop up operations, ensured that all specifications were followed and all heat was extinguished. Smother out flames and embers to suppress fires with hand tools.
Education
Woodrow Wilson High School
Los Angeles, CaliforniaSkills
Leadership
Teamwork
Communication
Logistics
Accountability
Decision-making
Aviation
Ignitions
Chainsaw
Suppression
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Certification
- S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
- S-271 Helicopter Crew-member
- S-270 Basic Air Operations
- S-219 Helicopter Transport Of External Load
- A-212 Intermediate Faller
- A-200 Mishap Review
- A-100 Basic Aviation Safety
- A-110 Aviation Transportation Of Hazard Materials
- S-190: Instruction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- S-110: Basic Wildland Suppression System
- S-130: Firefighter Training
- L-180 Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service
- L-100 Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS)
- IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Affiliations
Highly motivated and adaptable professional with 4 seasons of Wildland firefighting experience, a strong work ethic, and a proven ability to perform effectively in demanding environments.
Accomplishments
City Of Los Angeles Certificate Of Recognition
“ On behalf of the City of Los Angeles and Council District 14, I extend this certificate of recognition to congratulate you in completing the Wild land Firefighter training with the United States Forest Service. Your 64 hours of hard work and dedication will make the Boyle Heights community a better place in which to live in. With best wishes for your health, prosperity and happiness”. April 04/23
City Of Los Angeles Certificate Of Recognition
“ On behalf of the City of Los Angeles and Council District 14, I extend to you this certificate of recognition for your participation at our August Boyle Heights community clean-up. Your work and dedication to beautifying our community is truly admirable. With best wishes for your health, prosperity and happiness”. August 08/22
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
GW-3 Wildland Firefighter
USFS Department of Agriculture
04.2026 - 10.2026
Firefighter Type 2
USFS Department Of Agriculture
07.2022 - 10.2024
Woodrow Wilson High School