Seasonal Firefighter - Tamalpais Fire Crew

The Tamalpais Fire Crew, known as Tam Crew, is Marin County Fire’s dedicated hand crew program focused on wildfire prevention and suppression. Since launching in 2005 as a small pilot program, Tam Crew has grown to four full crews, each made up of 15–16 members, with the majority being Seasonal Firefighters. In addition to Seasonal Firefighters, staffing on all four crews includes a Fire Captain, a Foreman (Fire Engineer), and a Squad Boss (Firefighter). 

Tam Crew is part of California’s Type 1 hand crew program, meaning members receive advanced training in:

• Wildland fire behavior
• Chainsaw operations
• Burn operations
• Physical fitness and endurance

On their standard schedule, Fire crews work four days a week, on ten-hour shifts. The four crews operate on split schedules to ensure there is coverage seven days a week. When responding to incidents, crew members work 24-hour shifts. 

Fire Crews do not work at a traditional fire station. They are based at two different headquarters, one in San Geronimo Valley and the other just outside of Point Reyes in Bear Valley. 

Unlike the engine firefighters, fire crews do not typically respond to medical aids and structure fires, but will assist with a wide variety of emergencies. Crews have responded to major wildfires across California, including the Woodward Fire (2020) in Marin and the Park Fire (2024) in Butte County.

If you’re looking to gain hands-on wildland fire experience, this program is a great way to start your fire service career.

Tam Crew primary function is wildfire prevention and suppression. They help protect Marin communities by:

• Responding to wildfires locally and throughout California
• Creating fire control lines with hand tools and chainsaws
• Reducing wildfire fuels through vegetation management and strategic fuel reduction projects
• Supporting prescribed burn operations
• Leading wildland fire response trainings in collaboration with partner agencies

Unlike the Seasonal Engine Firefighters, who primarily rely on water tools like hoses to suppress fires, Tam Crew Firefighters use a variety of different wildfire hand tools and chainsaws to create control lines that help prevent the spread of wildfire, often in rugged terrain where mechanical access is limited.

This is a physically demanding, highly respected role where you’ll build your wildfire experience and work alongside passionate, skilled professionals. It’s also a strong pathway to other roles within Marin County Fire, including Engine Firefighter, Defensible Space Inspector, or Dispatch. We ask for a two-year commitment to the crew before applying to switch roles.

We’re always looking for hardworking, motivated individuals who want to make a difference in wildfire safety and response. If that sounds like you, apply to join the Tam Crew and start building a career in fire service.