Wildland Firefighter

Forest Service (DOA); Avery (ID); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Forest Service (DOA) is seeking a temporary Wildland Firefighter (GW-04) to join a hand crew on suppression missions across multiple Idaho locations. The role requires readiness for field deployments, strict safety practices, and successful completion of fire training requirements.

Responsibilities include basic fireline duties, equipment operation, and participation in safety sessions and drills. Travel to duty locations and occasional overnight stays may be required for assignments.

Qualifications

• Six months general work experience or military service that demonstrates ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures.
• Six months of specialized experience equivalent to GW-03 or completion of a two-year fire training/education program is qualifying for GW-04.
• Education may be used to meet qualification requirements as described in the announcement.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a skilled crewmember on a hand crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and complexity of fires.
• Utilizes a variety of tools and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires, including Pulaski, shovel, McLeod, ax, and chainsaw to control fire spread.
• Performs fireline activities such as line construction, lopping and scattering fuels, holding, patrolling, monitoring, and mop-up operations.
• Moves dirt, chops brush and small trees to construct fire lines and observes wildland firefighting safety rules.
• May be assigned specialized tasks such as tree falling, backfire and burnout under supervision.
• Participates in prescribed burns, monitoring fire behavior and collecting weather data.

Skills

Follow directions

Read and retain instructions

Education

Two-year fire training/education

Job description

Summary

Job Corps graduates of fire certified programs are encouraged to apply

This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization.

Locations:

• Avery, ID
• Bonners Ferry, ID
• Coeur d’Alene, ID
• Elk City, ID
• Grangeville, ID
• Kooskia, ID
• Nordman, ID
• Orofino, ID
• Potlatch, ID
• Saint Maries, ID
• Sandpoint, ID
• Smelterville, ID
• White Bird, ID

Location Negotiable After Selection:

• Augusta, MT
• Bigfork, MT
• Butte, MT
• Darby, MT
• Dillon, MT
• Ennis, MT
• Eureka, MT
• Great Falls, MT
• Harlowton, MT
• Helena, MT
• Hungry Horse, MT
• Kalispell, MT
• Libby, MT
• Lincoln, MT
• Missoula, MT
• Neihart, MT
• Philipsburg, MT
• Plains, MT
• Seeley Lake, MT
• Stanford, MT
• Sula, MT
• Townsend, MT
• Trout Creek, MT
• Troy, MT
• White Sulphur Springs, MT
• Whitehall, MT
• Wisdom, MT
• Wise River, MT

$23.20 – $23.20 per hour Salary is reflective of the new Special Base Rate (SBR) Salary Table for the General Wildland Firefighter (GW) pay plan effective 3/23/2025.

Promotion potential: None

Work schedule: Full-time

Travel Required: Occasional travel – Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or fire related assignment.

Appointment type: Temporary

Job series: 0456 Wildland Fire Management

Supervisory status: No

Federal service type: This job is in the Competitive Service

Represented by a union: No

Drug test: Yes

Security clearance: Other

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Background check type: Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required: No

Announcement number: 27-TEMPF3-R1-2PC049-4DH

Control number: 890775300

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

Duties

• Serves as a skilled crewmember on a hand crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and complexity of fires.
• Utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires, such as a Pulaski, shovel, McLeod, ax, and chainsaw to control the spread of wildfire.
• Performs basic fireline activities such as line construction, lopping and scattering of fuels using hand tools and holding, patrolling, monitoring, and mop-up operations.
• Moves dirt, chops brush and small trees, etc. to construct fire line. Is responsible for observing the rules of wildland firefighting safety. Applies practices and techniques to minimize resource damage.
• Under direct supervision or with one or two other crewmembers may be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire and burnout.
• Serves as a skilled wildland firefighter on an organized crew during prescribed burns, monitoring and controlling the fire, and collecting data on fire weather and fire behavior.
• Also performs project work such as fuel inventory and hazard fuel reduction projects. Depending on experience level, may be assigned to structure fire defense.
• Performs the full range of standardized forestry support duties for fire, timber, silviculture, recreation, wilderness, or research activities.
• Participates in fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment.
• Efficient operation and use of equipment and vehicles used in fire line activities, with emphasis on those used in the particular function to which assigned.
• Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills. Participates in safety sessions and fire critiques.
• Ensures own and others’ welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignments. Cleans, maintains, reconditions, and stores firefighting tools and equipment. Inventories fire supplies and equipment.
• May be assigned to fire lookout to provide detection and reporting of wildfires. Reports smoke and fire to a dispatcher giving location, estimated size and other pertinent information.
• Reports weather and fire behavior information keeping the dispatcher and/or other officials informed of current conditions.
• May perform project work such as fuel inventory, preparing associated reports, and hazard fuel reduction projects.
• May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and miscellaneous equipment and facilities maintenance.
• May assist higher level workers in forestry/range research efforts; in the marketing of forest/range resources; or in the scientific management, protection, and development of forest/range resources.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.gov.
• Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver’s license; a commercial driver’s license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
• This is a Test Designated Position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
• Incumbent is subject to medical screening and must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous duty wildland firefighting.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
• Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or fire related assignment.
• Must pass the appropriate level of the Work Capacity Test for Wildland Firefighters.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s General Schedule Qualification Standards.

Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

GW-04: Applicants must have six (6) months of general work experience or military service that demonstrated the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform or learn to perform the duties of the position AND six (6) months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-03 in the federal service or equivalent OR successful completion of a two (2)-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study is qualifying for GW-04; OR an appropriate combination of experience and education.

Examples of General Experience may include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities and/or worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants and/or animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store and/or volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc.

Examples of specialized experience may include: Performing natural resource support work, e.g., forestry, range, park technician, wildland firefighter, or similar jobs; performed routine support assignments in a forestry specialty area, e.g., wilderness, timber, fire prevention/control, etc.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment, which means you must maintain the required level of physical fitness in order to remain in the position. The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.

In accordance with USDA Department Regulation 4430-792-2, this position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing. All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis, after appointment as directed.

To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional information

PLEASE NOTE: This vacancy is being used to fill positions for FY2027 Temporary Employment Hiring season. The expected start date for this position will be between April 18, 2027 to June 13, 2027.

By selecting the “Location Negotiable” option during the application process, implies your willingness to be considered for any official duty location listed on this announcement and/or those duty locations not listed for this Regional announcement. Pay rates vary depending on location. The salary shown is for the Rest of the U.S. See OPM.gov for additional information on pay rates.

This position is temporary, has a Not-to-Exceed date and will be filled for up to 6 months or as a not to exceed (NTE) 1 year, however an extension of the appointment may be possible without further competition. The appointment may also end early due to lack of work or lack of funds.

Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other groups within the Region who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in any of the geographic location(s) listed on the announcement. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.

The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website for additional information on pay rates.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP eligible must meet the agency’s definition for a quality candidate as provided in the How You Will Be Evaluated section of this announcement to be considered.

If you are retired from the Federal Government and are selected for this vacancy, your retirement annuity may be offset from your pay.

This position is not eligible for telework. Availability of government housing and federal day care facilities will vary by location.

Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

• Resume that includes: Personal Information: name, address, contact information; Education ; Work Experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); other qualifications . Resume cannot exceed 2 pages.
• If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
• Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), current performance appraisal with rating of at least “Fully Successful” or equivalent, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Agency contact information

HRM Contact Center

Phone: [phone] X2

Email: [e-mail]

Address: USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center, Albuquerque, NM 87109, US

DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT

Next steps

Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.

You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request