Seasonal Firefighter Payment Guidelines

Revised: May 2, 2025

Activity after HiringWages PaidJob RequirementOther Items Paid
New Hire Training – take A&M System required on-line trainingYesYesComplete during the hiring process on first day of work
Training to obtain a commercial driver license (CDL)NoNoSeasonal firefighter responsible for all costs to obtain and maintain CDL
Testing to obtain a CDLNoNoSeasonal firefighter responsible for all costs to obtain and maintain CDL
CDL license fee difference from regular licenseNoNoSeasonal firefighter responsible for all costs to obtain and maintain CDL
Supervisor or required commercial motor vehicle (CMV) training or periodic road testing for seasonal firefighters allowed or required to operate a CMVYesYesShould take place during regularly scheduled/paid work periods
Department of Transportation (DOT) substance testing for a seasonal firefighter who has a CDL and operates a CMVYesYesSeasonal firefighters may be allowed to use an agency vehicle to travel to the selected lab. Authorization for mileage reimbursement for use of personal auto must be approved according to travel procedures.
Doctor visit if required by WCT Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ)NoYesReimbursement of equivalent co-pay for full-time employees
Work Capacity TestYesYesAgency provides transportation
Defensive Driving Course (DDC) – required as soon as possible after hire and every five years afterward.YesYesShould take place during regularly scheduled/paid work periods.
Safety refresherYesYesAgency provides transportation
Firefighter training as a member of a fire department, not an agency seasonal firefighterNoNoSeasonal firefighter (or fire department) responsible for training costs
Firefighter training as a seasonal firefighter and required by the agency. S-130/190 Courses, Tractor/Plow. Any other courses require Regional Operations Chief approvalYesYesLodging and meals (if required to stay overnight), Registration (Agency-sponsored only), and Agency provides transportation
  1. District Forester, Fire Coordinator or Task Force Coordinator is responsible for management of seasonal firefighters work schedule.
  2. Seasonal firefighters may work only with applicable supervisor or Regional Operations Chief approval. Standby time starts only when dispatch specifies traffic.
  3. Agency provides Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to seasonal firefighters (charged against the hiring unit budget).
  4. District Forester, Fire Coordinator or Task Force Coordinator must ensure that any seasonal firefighter operating a transport has a current unexpired Class A CDL.
  5. Local office serves as the hiring center for seasonal firefighters. New hire training is completed at the local office.
  6. Report perceived misuse of seasonal firefighters through the chain of command.
  7. A seasonal firefighter who possesses a valid CDL may operate a CMV with supervisor approval, if qualified/trained to operate that category of CMV.
  8. A seasonal firefighter enrolled in an outside or primary employer DOT substance testing program may be exempted from participating in an agency program, with coordination through the Environmental Health and Safety Officer (EHSO).
  9. Seasonal firefighters are required to complete DDC but may submit an equivalent course in lieu of the agency on-line course. For those who are not expected to drive an agency vehicle, the supervisor should discuss an exemption from the requirement with the EHSO.

Contact

Get in touch with the Associate Director for Finance.

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