Red Card and EMT-B

wildlife97 · #1 11-04-2009, 12:01

I am going to be applying for a SCEP (basically an internship that for the most part guarantees you a position after you graduate school) law enforcement officer position with the US Forest Service in the next month or so. I just wanted to basically tell you what I have done to prepare for the position and if you guys can suggest anything I should do in order to prepare for the interview.

I applied for the USFS SCEP position last year and wasn’t selected. I wasn’t very prepared for the interview it was basically a call on Tuesday saying your phone interview is at noon tomorrow, and I know what I should’ve said during the interview to make by self sound more hire able. One of the issues is this SCEP program is a national hire so I can’t really just bug the local USFS guys for a position, because if you are selected its one of those things where they say your going to this location and if you say no then your not being hired and they’ll move on to the next guy.

I am 21, I have an AA in criminal justice with a 3.2 GPA. I am currently working towards by 4-year degree in CJ and a minor in natural resources and currently have a 3.33 GPA and plan on graduating 12/2010. I have spent the past two summers working as an intern for another fed natural resources agency however I don’t really like it too much there (as do some of the SA’s however that is something for another time). I worked for a state law enforcement agency for 2.5 years doing undercover alcohol violations. And I have gone on over 180 hours of ride alongs with USFS, BLM and state game wardens.

My application has to be in by December 31st and if it’s the same schedule as last year the interviews will be in mid March.

Is there anything else you guys think I should do between now and March? I got a couple ride alongs to schedule with some USFS officers (kind of to try and get my name out there with hopes one of them says something to their sup.) But other then doing that is there anything else I should do in the next couple months to bolster my resume and increase my chances of getting hired?

JimSpoor · #2 11-04-2009, 12:54

Let me start by saying congratulations on coming back for round 2. After not getting selected last year, many applicants would not throw their hat back into the ring. That alone puts you ahead of some. Of course, as you know, SCEP is extremely competitive so it is still an uphill climb.

As far as what else you can do: If you are really intereted in this field I would consider swapping majors. Get your B.S. in a natural resources field with a minor in CJ. CJ majors are a dime a dozen. Of course you should always study what interests you most. That is how you will do your best. If you are not selected for SCEP I would also encourage you to investigate any/all per diem or seasonal slotswith USFS. Even if they are not LE it at least gets you into the system. It is very common for successful career applicants to spend several years as a seasonal before being picked up. One last route that I have heard of but know little about is that NPS (and I think USFS) have several private academies that they recognize. You could get certified on your own dime and then reapply. This would make you greatly more competitive for the seasonal slots.

The biggest factor is drive, patience, and the willingness to jump through the hoops. It looks like you have those in spades. Good Luck and keep us posted.

wildlife97 · #3 11-04-2009, 20:12

I was doing some research and found that a local community college is going to be offering some courses next quarter that would certify you as a Wildland Firefighter (Red Card), and another course as a Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B). All of these courses would be done just before the interview.

Would getting one or both of these certifications help me out on getting a SCEP position with the FS (do many FS Officers have these cert's) or would it be a waste of time. I can't imagine too many people would have one/both of those certifications....

wildlife97 · #4 11-05-2009, 01:30

I am considering getting my Wildland Firefighter Red Card and EMT-B certification, I was just wondering how difficult these courses are? Thanks

JimSpoor · #5 11-05-2009, 12:17

EMT-B is not very difficult academically. Anyone with a H.S. diploma and an interest in the field should be able to grasp the concepts, vocabulary, etc. The anatomy and physiology always scares people but it is definitely doable. The difficulty comes in staying current. Medicine is an ever evolving field and there isn't enough time in the day to stay up on everything. Still, continuing ed. is a big part.

As for your Red Card. The standards are almost entirely physical and listed elsewhere on the net. You can read them and decide for yourself whether you can meet the standard. One word of wisdom from personal experience. Do not underestimate the hike/forced march. 45 pounds may not sound like a lot but it will cut into your time, especially if you are at elevation or have climbs involved.

Now is where I get on my rant box just a little bit. The sense I get from your post is that you really are not all that interested in either emergency medicine or wildland firefighting. You are simply looking to add to the resume and "punch the ticket'. That is a fact of life and I guess that I can accept it. Many folks have the certs for various reasons. Some will rarely, if ever need them. Others use their skills daily. Both of these areas require a very large commitment if you are ever really going to be good at it. They are almost avocations. If you decide to pursue these goals, good for you. Go for it. But please, give the work the respect and effort that it deserves.

JimSpoor · #6 11-05-2009, 12:28

Shame on you for posting your question in two different threads. It is usually better to start a new thread than to change direction of a current one. That being said, in this case either approach would be fine. Doing both pushes the edge of forum etiquette.

OK, grasshopper, you are forgiven. Let's move on.

It is probably more common than you think in Natural Resources for folks to have both certs. More so with NPS than USFS. Of the two, EMT-B is by far the most common. It certainly can't hurt, but the time table you list for EMT class is pretty tight. It is doable but it will be a lot of information and skills; especially if you are taking other classes.

BTW: I'm merging these threads.

FedAgent · #7 11-06-2009, 10:53

And please let me suggest that if you have the opportunity to do so - go ahead and get your EMT-Intermediate cert. You may not be able to necessarily use the advanced procedures once in the field, depending upon your locale, fed regs, state law, etc. But if you can get it and hold on to it, I think you should for future opportunities.