Brandon Trotter
Pagosa Springs
Summary
Dedicated professional with a strong foundation in wildland firefighting and equipment maintenance. Proven track record of executing fire suppression techniques and ensuring operational readiness, while effectively collaborating with teams to minimize risks and enhance safety during fire operations.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Wildland Firefighter, GW-0456-4 Forest Service
Pagosa Springs Supression Module
Pagosa Springs
04.2025 - Current
- Provided fire suppression and containment for wildland fires using hand tools, pumps, hoses and other equipment.
- Monitored weather conditions to assess potential impacts on fire behavior, informing response strategies.
- Utilized navigation skills in remote areas to reach and suppress wildfires.
- Facilitated daily briefings with crew to strategize for upcoming shifts, enhancing team readiness.
- Contributed to development and implementation of fire management plans and policies, supporting effective fire operations.
Casual hire AD
Buzzard Creek Fire Crew
Collbran
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Executed mop-up on various fires using wet and dry mopping and cold trailing techniques on Green Mountain Fire, Line Creek Fire, and Cates Draw Fire, minimizing flare-ups and ensuring safety.
- Skilled in constructing and deploying hose lays using rolled hose or hose packs.
- Sharpened and maintained tools, including Pulaskis, shovels, and McLeods. Replaced tool handles and conducted weekly inspections to identify and rectify deficiencies, ensuring operational readiness.
- Completed daily truck checks, looking for damages and recording mileage.
- Advanced Fire Student, Collbran Job Corps, CO, Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison NF (GMUG) Collbran, CO
Student Employee (Cement masonry)
Sierra Nevada Job Corps
Reno
09.2022 - 04.2024
- Gained 12 months pre-apprenticeship experience leveling and smoothing concrete using rakes, shovels, hand and power tools, and trowel machines; skilled in stamp work, structural, and form setting.
- Prepared, poured, and finished concrete for stairs, curbs, gutters, driveways, and sidewalks while utilizing framing tools to determine form location and grade for precise finishing.
- Assisted in daily operations and program activities for youth development.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for new students.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and participation.
Education
Cement masonry
Sierra Nevada Job Corps
Reno, Nevada04-2024
Some college -
Iowa Western CC
Council Bluffs, IA12-2017
Diploma -
East high school
Des moines, IA05-2016
Skills
- Wildfire suppression
- Chainsaw operation and safety
- Tree removal
- Weather navigation
- Equipment maintenance
- Radio communication
- Team leadership
- Attention to detail
Timeline
Wildland Firefighter, GW-0456-4 Forest Service
Pagosa Springs Supression Module
04.2025 - Current
Casual hire AD
Buzzard Creek Fire Crew
04.2024 - 04.2025
Student Employee (Cement masonry)
Sierra Nevada Job Corps
09.2022 - 04.2024
Cement masonry
Sierra Nevada Job Corps
Some college -
Iowa Western CC
Diploma -
East high school