National Wildland Fire Equipment Program Lead

U.S. Department of the Interior; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, ID, seeks a Branch Chief for Equipment Development to lead national equipment programs for wildland fire operations.

This includes directing engineering and safety initiatives, coordinating with federal partners, and guiding program direction from concept through deployment. You will provide technical leadership, oversee budgets and contracts, and ensure equipment designs meet national standards and safety

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service or qualify for exemption.
• Prior primary/rigorous wildland firefighting experience is required.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must be at least 18 years old by the announcement closing date.
• May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work.
• First appointment may include a 1-year probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Direct national wildland fire equipment development programs, from concept through deployment.
• Provide technical and administrative direction to staff and coordinate multiple national equipment programs.
• Exercise expert engineering, safety, and risk-management authority over equipment designs, testing, inspections, recalls, and post-deployment evaluations.
• Develop and implement national policies, standards, specifications, and guidance for equipment design, testing, procurement, and modification.
• Coordinate with interagency fire management organizations and technical committees to ensure equipment interoperability and alignment with national standards.
• Provide technical leadership for equipment development budgets, contracts, and funding priorities.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through inspections, safety analyses, and post-incident reviews to support strategic planning.

Education

No qualifying education for the 0456 series at this grade level

Job description

The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, ID, seeks a Branch Chief for Equipment Development to lead national equipment programs for wildland fire operations.

This includes directing engineering and safety initiatives, coordinating with federal partners, and guiding program direction from concept through deployment. You will provide technical leadership, oversee budgets and contracts, and ensure equipment designs meet national standards and safety