Ryan Larrinaga
Placerville
Summary
Dynamic Equipment Operator with 16 years of wildland firefighting experience at USDA Forest Service. Experienced in heavy equipment operations, including bulldozers and excavators, with a proven ability to make critical decisions under pressure. Strong communicator and team player, ensuring safety and efficiency in high-stakes environments. CA EMT and FF1 certified.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Equipment Operator
USDA Forest Service
09.2023 - Current
- Serves primarily as an operator of various heavy equipment during Initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities.
- Make frequent critical decisions under emergency situations when conditions are hazardous, and time is sensitive.
- Independently scout and plan fire line location for Fire Dozer and adjoining forces considering the influence of topography, current and expected fire behavior with weather influences, types of fuels and moisture contents and longevity of tasks to maximize effectiveness for suppression time limits and dozer and heavy equipment applications.
- Drive commercial truck with low bed trailer with a maximum gross combined vehicle weight rating of 80,000 lbs. to haul heavy equipment to and from job site(s)
Equipment Operator / Dozer Swapmer
USDA Forest Service
01.2020 - 09.2023
- I was promoted into a NTE 120-day detail as WG-8 Dozer Operator in 2022.
- Served as an assistant for operators on a Fire Dozer Module in response to wildland fires and fuels management activities.
- Briefed module operators and adjoining forces on current fire situation, plan of actions, hazards, lookouts, communications, escape routes, and safety zones prior to engagement in suppression tactics.
- Served as a single resource HEQB, planning with Operators, Division Group Supervisors, Taskforce Leaders, Strike Team Leaders, and Crew Bosses.
Forestry Technician
USDA Forest Service
12.2012 - 01.2020
- Served as a Senior Wildland Firefighter, Sawyer and Swamper on a highly trained twenty-person Interagency Truckee Hotshot Crew from 2013 to 2015.
- Served as Assistant Fire Engine Operator on a Type-III Fire Engine.
- Served as a qualified HECM on a Type 2 helicopter crew.
- Drove vehicles safely and defensively while responding Code-3 to all-risk incidents.
Firefighter
Lake Valley Fire Protection District
05.2010 - 11.2011
- Served as a dedicated team member on a Type-II Initial Attack Crew.
- Assisted in local search and rescue operations.
- Cross-trained as a Volunteer Firefighter within the department with over 700 hours documented on Type-1 Fire Engines, Type-3 Wildland Brush Engines, Rescue trucks and Paramedic Units.
Education
Certificate of Completion - Fire Science
Lake Tahoe Community College
South Lake Tahoe, CA01-2012
No Degree - Fire Academy
Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy
South Lake Tahoe, CA01-2012
Skills
- Experienced operator with both direct drive and hydrostatic drive on heavy equipment
- Experience using 6-way blade controls, combination of bucket and thumb operations, masticating head special use and operations utilizing both hand and feet controls
- Operate bulldozer and excavator on mild -steep slopes, soft ground and compact soils
- Ability to safely and efficiently operate Heavy Equipment without direct supervision
- CA EMT current
- CA FF1 in 2012 obtained
- 16 years as wildland firefighter
Accomplishments
- Completed Region 5 Dozer Academy as an operator and assistant.
- Completed Region 5 North zone Engine academy.
- Served as squad boss and Class Commander during Fire Academy.
- Won award for "Top physically fit" from Fire academy.
Certification
- Class A drivers license
- CA EMT
- CA FF1
- Dozer Operator Initial Attack taskbook complete
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Equipment Operator
USDA Forest Service
09.2023 - Current
Equipment Operator / Dozer Swapmer
USDA Forest Service
01.2020 - 09.2023
Forestry Technician
USDA Forest Service
12.2012 - 01.2020
Firefighter
Lake Valley Fire Protection District
05.2010 - 11.2011
Certificate of Completion - Fire Science
Lake Tahoe Community College
No Degree - Fire Academy
Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy