Wildland Firefighter (Fire Engine Operator)

Forest Service (DOA); Buffalo Creek (CO); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Forest Service in Colorado seeks a seasoned wildland firefighter to serve on a fire engine crew, performing engine operations and suppression duties. The role involves driving to fire locations, operating pumps and hoses, and applying nozzles under safety protocols.

Responsibilities include possibly serving as Incident Commander, participating in training and drills, and contributing to fuels management and fire line operations across various Colorado sites. Requires U.S.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen or U.S. national required.
• Background investigation and/or fingerprint check required.
• Drug test required.

Responsibilities

• Serves as senior wildland firefighter on a wildland fire engine.
• Independently performs engine operation duties in suppression of wildland fires and prescribed fire.
• Drives engine to fire locations with safety of crew and equipment in mind.
• Performs starting and priming pump, adjusting engine speed, laying hose, and using nozzles and nozzle adjustments.
• May have specialized duties such as water handling specialist or chain saw operator.
• May serve as an Incident Commander when needed.
• Participates in weather, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior assessments to respond effectively.

Job description

Summary

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 position is located on a wildland fire Engine crew. The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland firefighting work.

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Location

Many vacancies in the following locations:

• Buffalo Creek, CO
• Canon City, CO
• Eagle, CO
• Fort Collins, CO
• Granby, CO
• Gunnison, CO
• Idaho Springs, CO
• Lake George, CO
• Montrose, CO
• Monument, CO
• Norwood, CO
• Rifle, CO
• Salida, CO
• Silverthorne, CO
• Walden, CO
• Woodland Park, CO
• Location Negotiable After Selection
• Douglas, WY
• Laramie, WY
• Saratoga, WY

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible

No

Remote job

No

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Salary

: $25.37 – $25.37 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.

Pay scale & grade

GW 5

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

Occupations and 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

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required

No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number

27-TEMPF3-R2-2PC030-5DH

Control number

890786100

This job is open to

Help

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 senior wildland firefighter on a wildland fire engine.
• Independently performs engine operation duties in the suppression of wildland fires and prescribed fire.
• Drives engine to fire locations in consideration of safety of crew and equipment, and how the equipment can be best used in control and mop-up operations.
• Personally performs and may direct others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, and using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and additives.
• Has specialized duties such as water handling specialist, qualified chain saw operator, or responsible for maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland urban interface/intermix situations.
• May serve as an Incident Commander.
• Gathers and considers information on weather data, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior in responding to wildland fire incidents.
• When positioning and deploying personnel and equipment, recommends best approaches and practices to use in protection of the values at risk.
• Responsible for operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations.
• Accomplishes emergency repairs as necessary to permit continued use of equipment.
• In those instances when the apparatus cannot be used effectively in suppressing the fire, the incumbent takes other actions to control fire.
• Participates in wildland fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment, and vehicles used in fire line activities.
• Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques. Ensures own and other’s welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignment.
• May inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions during fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire.
• May perform other duties as designated on Incident Qualification Card.
• May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, miscellaneous equipment, facilities maintenance, and other resources.
• May assist in forestry/range research efforts; in the marketing of forest/range resources; or in the scientific management, protection, assist in monitoring efforts and development of forest/range resources.
• May be required to fill-in for other work leaders on established crews.
• Serves as an experienced firefighter on a hand crew or other related fire suppression crews performing fire suppression and/or fuels management duties under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain.

Requirements

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