TAVIS LAWSON

Forestry Tech, Senior Firefighter GS-5

Full time 40hrs/week

• Maintained hand tools and personal equipment in successful working order.
• Operated hose, created hose lays, successfully mopped up.
• Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
• Reduced environmental impact of wildfires by employing controlled burning techniques under strict safety conditions.
• Enhanced operational preparedness by conducting detailed pre-season equipment checks and maintenance.
• Dug hotline safely and effectively.
• Dug handline, and understands reasoning behind tool order for handline.
• Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
• Cut and cleared brush and dug trenches to create fire lines using axes, chainsaws or shovels.
• Increased efficiency in wildfire suppression by implementing advanced firefighting techniques and equipment.
• Assisted in development of new firefighters by providing guidance and mentorship seasoned wildland firefighters.
• Improved team morale and cohesion through leadership in high-stress situations, leading to more effective firefighting operations.
• Increased operational efficiency with thorough pre-season equipment maintenance and inspection routines.

Forestry Tech, Senior Firefighter GS-5

Full time 40hrs/week

Supervisor: Aaron Steele, 218-434-0882, aaron.steele@usda.gov

• Engine boss signed off on 10/26/2023
• Worked as Engine boss trainee on multiple IA fires and campaign fires.
• Squad boss for a 10 person crew. Led crew members in hotline construction, fuels reduction, hoselays, and mop up. Point of contact for air operations. Led safety briefings, directed crew in fireline tactics, resource rehab, and daily tasks. Signed off: FFT1 as of 08/23/2022.
• Lead sawyer on a 10 person IA module, felled hazard trees, cut hot line, worked in a safe productive manner.
• Communicated with swamper and squad lead on hazard issues. Conducted hazard tree analysis, troubleshot and performed chainsaw maintenance in the field, felled trees in a safe manner providing for crew safety first, Saw Boss/saw shop lead.
• Performed saw work on wildland fire and prescribed fire operations, prepped roads for firing operations, and held roads and hand lines during firing.
• Capable and confident firefighter physically able to perform wildland operations in many adverse conditions; which included work in inclement weather, a multitude of fuel types, and worked on and around steep treacherous terrain, all while maintaining safety for myself and crew members.
• Conducted and considered information on fire behavior, weather data, topography, and fuel types during wildland fire operations. Informed crew lead on changing conditions.
• Worked and communicated safety concerns with adjoining resources, Conducted myself in a safe and professional manner while communicating with adjoining resources.
• Facilitated the crews critical 80 hour wildland fire safety training and suppression techniques, best practices, and methods of fire suppression.
• Efficient operator and user of fire suppression hand tools, equipment, and vehicle operations.
• Taught crew proficiency checks and drills, fire critiques, and safety sessions to ensure own and other’s welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignment.
• Skilled in the use of chainsaw’s and hand tools to construct fire line, control wildland fire, and to perform other non-fire related duties. Constructed direct and indirect hand line.
• Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
• Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
• Facilitated inter-agency collaborations, strengthening response strategies and resource sharing during large-scale fire incidents.

Forestry Tech, Wildland Fire

Full time 40hrs/week

Supervisor: Nate Crawford, 541-941-1716, nathan.crawford@usda.gov

• Acting squad boss trainee for a 20 person crew. Led crew members in hotline construction, fuels reduction, hoselays, and mop up. Acted as point of contact for air operations. Led safety briefings, directed crew in fireline tactics, resource rehab, and daily tasks. Signed off as squad boss actual as of 08/23/2022.
• Lead sawyer on a 10 person IA module, felled hazard trees, cut hot line, worked in a safe productive manner.
• Communicated with swamper and squad lead on hazard issues. Conducted hazard tree analysis, troubleshot and performed chainsaw maintenance in the field, felled trees in a safe manner providing for crew safety first.
• Performed saw work on wildland fire and prescribed fire operations, prepped roads for firing operations, and held roads and hand lines during firing.
• Capable and confident firefighter physically able to perform wildland operations in many adverse conditions; which included work in inclement weather, a multitude of fuel types, and worked on and around steep treacherous terrain, all while maintaining safety for myself and crew members.
• Conducted and considered information on fire behavior, weather data, topography, and fuel types during wildland fire operations. Informed crew lead on changing conditions.
• Worked and communicated safety concerns with adjoining resources, Conducted myself in a safe and professional manner while communicating with adjoining resources.
• Participated in the crews critical 80 hour wildland fire safety training and suppression techniques, best practices, and methods of fire suppression.
• Efficient operator and user of fire suppression hand tools, equipment, and vehicle operations.
• Participated in crew proficiency checks and drills, fire critiques, and safety sessions to ensure own and other’s welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignment.
• Skilled in the use of chainsaw’s and hand tools to construct fire line, control wildland fire, and to perform other non-fire related duties. Constructed direct and indirect hand line.
• Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
• Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
• Facilitated inter-agency collaborations, strengthening response strategies and resource sharing during large-scale fire incidents.

Fencing, Small Building Construction

• Demonstrated versatility in skillset by operating multiple types of heavy machinery to accommodate project needs.
• Operated range of heavy equipment on regular basis with advanced skill.
• Experienced in daily vehicle checks and maintenance of company equipment.
• Heavy equipment mechanic including small engine and landscaping equipment such as, but not limited to Crawler Bulldozers, scrapers, excavators, and other CAT equipment.
• Proficient in basic chainsaw skills, strategies, usage and repair.
• Experience building barns and horse arenas for Riverside County, CA.
• Experience restoring antique tractors and other heavy equipment both onsite and in the field.
• Prioritizes safety of self and team when working around heavy equipment and sharp tools.
• Experienced in repairing hydraulic cylinders and line’s in a proficient and safe manner environmental manner.
• Performed many hazardous tactics in extreme conditions while ensuring safety for myself and other employees .
• Operated machining equipment safely with team of operators.

Equipment Repair, Mechanic

• Worked with a team to build and install miles of heavy pipe and barbwire fencing in San Diego and Riverside County including cutting brush for the fence line, digging post holes, pounding posts, and building the required fencing.
• Able to take direction, communicate effectively, take constructive criticism, and act accordingly in a professional manner.
• Expected to work quickly and safely in varied environments; slopes, hot weather, and in rain.
• Experience using ARC welding equipment, chainsaws, Pulaski axe, and Mcloud hand tools.
• Worked around heavy equipment performing maintenance and daily checks.
• Performed diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures to find and identify root causes of mechanical issues.
• Kept equipment in good working order by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, and maintaining supplies.