Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Engine Captain)

U.S. Department of the Interior; Banning (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of the Interior is seeking applicants for a firefighter position within the Bureau of Land Management. This role involves directing fire suppression operations, maintaining equipment, and requiring specialized qualifications including FFT1 certification. Suitable candidates will work in challenging environments and may have seasonal employment but must demonstrate essential firefighting experience and leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Must have Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) certification.
• Must possess Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) qualification.
• Experience in leading fire suppression activities and operating fire engines is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Direct operations for wildland fire suppression and post-fire activities.
• Maintain firefighting equipment and conduct proficiency checks.
• Serve as Initial Attack Incident Commander as required.

Skills

Leadership

Safety Management

Fire Suppression

Tools

Commercial Driver's License

Job description

Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource.

We expect to fill many vacancies at the following Bureau of Land Management Districts:

• Central California District
• California Desert District
• Northern California District

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/#url=Fact-Sheet

Duties

1. Directs the operation of wildland fire suppression, monitoring, and post-fire activities.
2. Starts pump engine, primes pump, adjusts engine speed and pump valves, lays hose, uses appropriate nozzle.
3. Maintains specialized wildland firefighting equipment.
4. Conducts and participates in crew proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques.
5. May serve as Initial Attack Incident Commander on wildland fires and all risk incidents.
6. Gathers and considers information such as weather, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior to respond to wildland fire incidents.
7. Positions and deploys personnel and equipment to protect values at risk.
8. Reviews work daily, weekly, or monthly, assuring all standards are met.
9. Hears and resolves minor complaints.
10. Provides for module safety and welfare and implements training as needed.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Be sure to read the How to Apply and Required Documents Sections.
• You cannot hold an active real estate license or have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
• Direct Deposit Required.
• Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination.
• Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the qualification requirements as defined in the announcement. In addition, your responses to the questions must adequately reflect in your resume.
• This position requires regular and recurring overtime and shift work.
• This position requires you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status.
• You must be 18 years of age or older to be assigned to a hazardous position.
• You must pass a pre-employment physical.
• You must meet specified levels on annual physical fitness tests, and pass periodic medical exams for wildland fire personnel, commensurate with current incident management qualifications.
• You must also pass the work capacity test for arduous positions.
• You must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Class A, B or C endorsement -OR- required to obtain within one year of employment. An extension may be granted upon supervisor approval.
• An applicant appointed to this position must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license while employed in this position.
• May require a one-year probationary period.
• Applicant(s) tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use and to pass the test prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
• This is a Bargaining Unit position.
• This is a career seasonal eligible position, with at least 6 months in pay status per year, less than 12 months when work/funds are unavailable.

Qualifications

Selective Placement Factors: This position requires a specific qualification essential for duties and used as a screen out element. Candidates must provide evidence of possessing the following to be considered qualified.

This position is subject to the Interagency Fire Program (IFPM) Standard and Guide selective placement factors. The qualifications are as follows - Currency Not Required:

For GS-6:

Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) - AND - Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)

For GS-7:

Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) - AND - Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)

Commercial Driver's License: You will be required to obtain a CDL with Class A, B or C endorsement within one year of employment, with possible extension upon supervisor approval.

Specialized Experience Requirements

To qualify, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you meet the experience requirements:

GS-6:

One full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-5, including assisting in driving and operating a wildland fire engine, starting pumps, maintaining equipment, and monitoring fire behavior.

GS-7:

One full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-6, including leading fire suppression or monitoring activities, mentoring, and directing fire crew operations.

Volunteer experience is also considered and credited.

Additional Information

This is a primary firefighter position under specific retirement provisions and subject to maximum entry age requirements. Candidates must provide appropriate documentation if over age limits or claiming veteran preference.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The work involves arduous exertion, often in extreme weather conditions and rugged terrain. Safety equipment must be worn, and travel by aircraft may be required.