New AD Handcrew Members Rookie School Page

Important: Please do not complete any tasks if you have not been accepted into the program and have turned in Hiring Paperwork!

To get cleared for Rookie School, you must complete all tasks outlined on this checklist. 

New AD Handcrew Member Checklist  

If you run into any issues with links or are having trouble accessing information, please email Fire Business at BLM_NV_SND_Firebusiness@blm.gov

1. Please review the 2026 AD Handcrew Standard Operating Procedures linked below. 

2. Once complete, please sign the signature page. The signature page will be one of the required documents that will need to be uploaded upon the completion of your Checklist. 

2026 AD Handcrew Standard Operating Procedures

SOP Signature Page  

The 2026 Rookie School Agenda Coming Soon! 

What to Bring on First Day Rookie School 

• Valid Drivers License (Valid ID if you don't have a Drivers License).

• Arrive in athletic apparel to complete the Work Capacity Test (WCT).  Boots are not required for the Work Capacity Test (first day of Rokie School).  However, they will be required during Rookie School.

• Water and snacks (first day of Rookie School).  Water and meals will be provided during Rookie School.

What to Bring the Week of Rookie School (Recommended)

• Rain Gear (poncho, etc.)

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Bug repellant 

• Set of civilian clothes

• Belt (to wear Nomex pants properly and safely)

• Towel and shower essentials

• Boots (must meet wildland firefighter standards)

• Hygiene products

• Sweatshirt/jacket

• Extra t-shirts

• Underwear/extra hiking socks

• Baby powder/Gold Bond powder

• Pillow

• Any medications if needed

• Cell phone charger

What the BLM will provide during Rookie School

• Nomex fire pants and fire shirt

• Fire line pack (IA pack/web gear)

• Fire shelter

• Hard hat with chin strap

• Goggles

• Ear plugs

• Leather gloves

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Fire aid kit

• Canteens

• 14-day bag (red bag)

• Sleeping bag

• Tent

• Grey sleeping pad

Rookie school is a week long experience that provides both classroom and hands on training to give individuals the basic qualifications needed to become a wildland firefighter. Every candidate is required to attend annual training (Rookie School).  Crew members will camp out at Red Rock Campground and will be provided gear, meals, and compensation for the duration of rookie school. Returning ADs will have a revised Rookie School schedule.  Every candidate must successfully complete Rookie School to become a qualified FFT2 for the season. 

If you do not make it to Rookie School, you will not be paid for any Preseason Training. 

AD Handcrew candidates will be paid for the Preseason Meeting and Preseason requirements including Rookie School.  Payment for all training will be completed after Rookie School (May). 

We will not be paying for travel for Preseason Meeting and Rookie School. All travel costs must be covered by the candidate.

Candidates will be classified as a FFT2-T (Firefighter 2 Trainee/New AD) or FFT2 (Qualified Returning AD).  

 FFT2-T is an AD-B rate = $20.24 per hour (2025 AD Rate)

*Subject to change when 2026 AD Pay Plan is updated for 2026

FFT2 is an AD-C rate = $22.60 per hour (2025 AD Rate)

*Subject to change when 2026 AD Pay Plan is updated for 2026

AD Handcrew candidates will be paid for the Preseason Meeting and Preseason requirements including Rookie School.  Payment for all training will be completed after Rookie School (May). 

We will not be paying for travel for Preseason Meeting and Rookie School. All travel costs must be covered by the candidate.

Candidates will be classified as a FFT2-T (Firefighter 2 Trainee/New AD) or FFT2 (Qualified Returning AD).  

Please refer to the NIFC Website below for the AD Pay Plans 

(Be advised the 2026 Pay Plan has yet to be posted)

AD Pay Plans | National Interagency Fire Center

Allotted Hours for Preseason Training

Preseason Meeting: Maximum of 2 hours (varies for each AD)

IS100 Training:  2 Hours

IS700 Training: 3.5 Hours

CPR Online Course:  4 Hours (only if you are not already CPR/First Aid Qualified for the year)

Defensive Driving:  4 Hours

Physical Fitness  

Fire Business will initiate physicals for New AD Handcrew members the day after the Preseason Meeting. 

Please schedule/complete your physical as soon as possible in order to be cleared for Rookie School. 

DO NOT be late or miss your scheduled physical.  Most clinics will cancel your physical if you show up late.  It is advised that you show up extra early to your appointment.   

All Non-Qualified determinations will still be required to follow the standard risk mitigation/waiver process.  If unable to meet this deadline, contact Fire Business via email as soon as possible.  Check Critical Due Dates/Announcements page for deadlines.

Email Fire Business at blm_nv_snd_firebusiness@blm.gov if you have any questions or concerns.