Wildland Firefighter

U.S. Department of the Interior; Trent Lakes; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A federal agency is seeking an experienced leader in fire management to oversee fire suppression, monitoring, and post-fire activities. The role involves directing firefighting operations, managing resources, and training personnel during wildland fires. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, able to pass background checks, and meet specific medical and age requirements. This position involves a 1-year probation period and requires the use of specialized firefighting tools and equipment, ensuring safety and operational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Suitability for employment determined by background investigation.
• Must pass drug testing.
• Medical requirements apply.
• Official uniform required.
• 1-year probationary period for fitness evaluation.
• Minimum/maximum age requirements apply.
• Direct Hire Authority for position.
• Selective Service registration for males born post-1959.
• Valid driver’s license is a must.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and instruct lower graded employees on firefighting duties.
• Plan and direct utilization of fireline resources on complex fires.
• Lead firefighting personnel during wildfires and trainings.
• Direct operations and uses of tools and equipment.

Skills

Fire suppression

Leadership

Safety management

Fire behavior understanding

Communication equipment operation

Tools

Power saws

Portable pumps

Firing devices

Communication equipment

Job description

This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position.

To learn more about Direct-Hire authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information: Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Duties

Fire Suppression, Monitoring, and Post-Fire Activities

As an experienced leader within a wildland fire module or crew in fuels management, fire suppression, monitoring, and post-fire activities, applies an understanding of firefighter safety, fire behavior, topography of the area, weather, fuels, and training in fire management work to: 1) mentor and instruct lower graded employees on crewmember duties; 2) plan action and direct utilization of fireline resources on less complex fires; and 3) for more complex fires, direct assigned suppression operations and recommend and implement tactical strategy on attacking, controlling, or mopping up fires, building or patrolling firelines, cleaning up burned areas within firelines, suppressing spot fires, felling snags or trees, and cutting brush. Adjusts actions based on changing information and evolving situational awareness. Uses firing devices on a firing operation according to the ignition/firing plan (verbal or written). Coordinates with aircraft for aviation support missions. Coordinates module or crew logistics and places caches of equipment and supplies at strategic points.

Fire Preparedness

Directs the operation and use of special tools and equipment such as, but not limited to power saws, portable pumps, firing devices, and communication equipment (e.g., programming radio frequencies), and makes decisions as to when, where, and how equipment can be utilized to the greatest advantage. Directs and ensures proper assembly of equipment and supplies needed for fire assignments or daily work assignments. May serve as a subject matter expert on regional, state, and/or national interagency committees.

Fuels Management and Prevention

Directs moderately complex fuels management projects or participates in more complex hazard fuel reduction projects by conducting project assessments and gathering data (e.g., fuel quantity and conditions), planning (e.g., drafting or reviewing fuels management plans, assessing and recommending fuel treatment alternatives), preparing (e.g., ensuring proper training, placement and instruction of crews), and implementing (e.g., ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation) treatments. Fuels management projects include prescribed fire, and mechanical and biological treatments; inventorying fuel beds; and piling vegetation debris. May be required to use/operate specialized firing equipment.

Leadership

Leads firefighting personnel by directing their activities when suppressing wildland fires or by serving as a situational leader on wildland fires by directing the work of a small crew of firefighters in building firelines, burning out, mopping up, and patrolling firelines. During wildland fire and fuels management assignments, directs and provides on-the-job training opportunities to lower graded firefighters on the use of tools and equipment. Accounts for crewmembers' location, health, safety, and welfare. Briefs situational assessments to higher level leadership and crews and modules.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
• Drug testing position
• Medical Requirements
• Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform required
• A condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
• Must meet the minimum/maximum age requirement
• Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Driver's License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position.