Wildland Firefighter (Fire Engine Operation)

United-States-Forest-Service; Acton (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA Forest Service in California seeks a trained engine boss to operate and drive an engine in wildland fire response and other hazard assignments. The role requires IWCG ENGB/ICT5 qualifications and documented IQCS records.

Your duties include equipment readiness, support for prescribed fires, and rapid deployment during emergencies, with adherence to safety standards and ICS guidelines.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GW-05.
• Primary NWCG core requirements for ENGB; ICT5 qualification.
• IQCS Master Record or equivalent proof must be attached to the application."

Responsibilities

• Drive and operate engine in response to wildland fires and other hazard duties.
• Support prescribed fire operations and fire line activities.
• Maintain engine readiness and firefighting equipment for emergency dispatch.

Skills

Engine Boss ENGB

Incident Commander ICT5

NWCG S-211

IFPM/FS-FPM qualifications

Tools

IQCS Master Record

Job description

These positions will be located at USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region, Region 5.

The incumbent has primary responsibility for driving and operation of the engine in responding to wildland fires and other all hazard activities or other fuels related or ecosystem restoration projects.

For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Region 5: Pacific Southwest Region - Brian Grabowski - [e-mail]. 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.

Specialized Experience Requirement:

For the GW-06

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level GW-05 in the Federal Service;

Examples of specialized experience are:

• Performed and directed others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and foam application;
• Performed prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop up;
• Evaluated initial fire situations, determined rate of spread, potential hazards to property and other improvements;
• Ensured the engine and fire equipment has been kept in full state of readiness for emergency dispatch.

For the GW-07 level:

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level GW-06 in the Federal Service.

Examples of specialized experience are:

• Implemented safety/training programs in compliance with Incident Command System, fire suppression, fire line construction, hose lays and maintenance of protective equipment;
• Assisted with prescribed fire management, developed burn plans; and fuels inventory/preparation and disposal;
• Evaluated initial fire situations, determined suppression method and probable causes of fire;
• Assisted with property and procurement of equipment ensuring the engine and fire equipment have been kept in full state of readiness for emergency dispatch.

Selective Placement Factors

Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirements of Engine Boss (ENGB), Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and NWCG Course S-211. A copy of the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training document) which contains documented proof certification or attainment of this requirement must be attached to the application.

Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.

Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.

For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.

In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.

This position has been identified as (HIGH) Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.

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.

FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE:

This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.

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.