Wildland Firefighter

U.S. Forest Service; United States; On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Forest Service is seeking a wildland firefighter crew member to perform suppression duties on a fire crew within a National Forest. You will construct fire lines, lay hose, operate pumps, and support safety and readiness at incident scenes.

This temporary position requires physical fitness, adherence to safety protocols, and willingness to deploy to remote locations and varied terrain. Training and hands-on experience with hand tools and power saws are essential.

Qualifications

• Job requires physical fitness and ability to perform arduous wildland firefighting tasks.
• Must be a US citizen or national; background check and drug testing may apply.
• Direct Deposit and E-Verify requirements apply to federal employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform as a member of a fire crew to suppress wildland fires of varying difficulty.
• Construct fire lines using hand tools and power saws; lay hose and operate pumps.
• Mop up, patrol, and monitor controlled burns; inspect equipment and maintain readiness.
• May perform engine operator duties under supervision and participate in prescribed burns.

Skills

Wildland firefighting

Crew member

Tool handling

Rappel training

Pumps & hoses

Tools

Axe

Pulaski

McLeod

Shovel

Power saws

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. The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland firefighting work.

Major Duties

Performs as a member of a fire crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and complexity of fires.Moves dirt, chops brush, fells small trees, etc., to build fireline using hand tools such as axe, Pulaski, shovel and McLeod, and power saws, to control spreading wildland fire. Lays or directs hose in the use of water.Fells trees or snags using power saws. May be required to rappel. Sets backfires as directed. Cleans, reconditions, and stores specialized fire tools and equipment.Patrols areas of controlled fires to "mop-up" by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material. Operates specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torch.Observes, records, and preserves evidence of cause of fires. May be assigned to other resource management activities such as fuels, recreation, timber, or reforestation when not performing fire suppression duties.Serves as a skilled crewmember on an engine. As an assistant on a wildland fire engine, works as a trainee engine operator driving the engine, operating the pump, and making hose lays under the direction of the engine Captain.May drive and operate the fire engine or apparatus. Responsible for positioning the fire engine or apparatus for safe and efficient operation.Services and makes minor repairs to engine; inspects, checks and services accessories such as pump, water lines, tank, reels, or pump power plant; and keeps in fire readiness. Inspects, cleans, and stows hose.Makes emergency repairs and adjustments of pumps while in use. Receives training and performs simple engine operation duties.Performs basic fire line activities such as line construction, hose layout, operations of pumps and accessories, lopping and scattering of fuels using hand tools and holding, patrolling, monitoring, and mop-up operations.Moves dirt, chops brush, 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, mobile and stationary engine attack.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. Loads helicopter cargo and completes manifest of crews and equipment.May rappels from hovering helicopter near ground level. Builds fireline and lays or directs hose. Patrols areas of controlled fires to 'mop-up'. Cleans, reconditions, and stores fire tools and equipment.Independently or with one or two other crewmembers may be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire and burnout, construction of helispots, specialized helitack operations, and helitack and longline operations.Performs fuel management and prescribed burn activities. Participates in fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression, efficient operation and use of tools.Efficient operation of equipment and vehicles used in fire line activities, with emphasis on those used in the particular function to which assignedParticipates 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.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.

Requirements

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. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Evaluations

This is a Direct-Hire Authority position, all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, to include any selective placement factor(s), if applicable, will be referred to the selecting official. Before a certificate is issued to the selecting official, the resume is reviewed to ensure that you meet all the qualification requirements. A rating will not be used; veteran's preference does not apply due to the existence of the Direct Hire authority for this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be referred to the selecting official. Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

Other 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.