Mission Statement
Devil’s Canyon Veteran Crew is honored to serve the United States of America as wildland firefighters. We are committed to our core values, Accountability, Humility and Diligence. These principles inform our efforts as we strive to field a professional and well-trained crew, one that is capable and eager to engage wildfire and all hazard incidents safely, effectively and aggressively. Devil’s Canyon is invested in providing an avenue for our Nation’s Veterans and other qualified candidates to develop and apply their unique aptitudes in the industry, as well as in their communities. Devil’s Canyon is a crew, a culture, and a family.
Crew Duties
To operate and perform in often austere conditions, Devil's Canyon places priority on developing an extremely cohesive team. We expect the best out of each member and rely on team focus and input to achieve mission objectives. It is critical that we trust one another and understand that crew safety and success it the top priority for all. Under this model each crewmember has a specific role to play. The result is safe mission completion, team development, and individual development.
Crew Station/Facilities
Devil's Canyon is stationed in Worland WY. The crew office and workspace are housed at the Wind River Bighorn Basin District office. We have barracks facility located approximately a half mile from the district office available for our crew members. The barracks were built in 2021 and include individual rooms, communal living area, kitchen, and laundry machines.
Training
Unit and individual development are critical to the operation of the crew. Each fire season begins with two weeks of primarily field going critical training, during which we focus heavily on team cohesion and fundamental crew operations training. Throughout the year, when possible we seek out any opportunity to provide or otherwise facilitate additional training, including coursework and operational training assignments.
Daily Operations
We respond to incidents throughout the western U.S. and occasionally Alaska or other regions. As such environmental conditions vary greatly. Heat, cold, precipitation, smoke, dust, and insects are all common. We typically stay in the field as close to our work as possible. Usually sleeping on the ground, and subsisting on a combination of meals we prepare, MRE's, or food provided by incident logistics. Employment begins mid-May and runs until early October.
Job Announcements
Vacancies are posted on USAJobs.gov typically open mid-November through mid-December. Visit the BLM Fire Jobs Portal for additional information.
Crew-specific Hiring
When applying for positions in USA Jobs select duty location of Worland, WY.
Hiring or Outreach Events
Contact Superintendent
Russ Spargo
[email protected]
307-347-5188
What does the crew do for physical fitness?
Physical fitness is critical to our safety and success in the field. We take physical fitness training seriously, and expect crew members to arrive at a high level of fitness. Our training program includes hiking, running, calisthenics, and stretching. We seek to build and maintain cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. The crew will PT together daily. Each crew member is expected to strive to achieve and maintain crew standards in order to meet the operational demands of the job.
Crew History
Devil's Canyon Veteran Crew was founded in 2016 as part of an expansion of the BLM Vet Crew program. Since 2016 the crew has focused on providing job opportunities for military veterans, and developing the program to provide a highly productive and dependable crew both regionally and nationally.
Crew Contacts
Russ Spargo (Superintendent)
[email protected]
307-347-5188
