Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)

United-States-Forest-Service; Fredonia (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Forest Service is seeking a crewmember on a fire crew within the National Forest to support fuels management and wildland firefighting operations.

Position requires meeting eligibility standards, completing the General Schedule qualifications, and readiness for the Work Capacity Test (WCT) at the Arduous level, including a three-mile hike with a 45-pound pack.

Qualifications

• GW-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04 grade level in federal service or equivalent.
• Or successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields of study.
• Volunteer work and related experience will be credited toward qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

• Examples of specialized experience include advanced firefighting duties such as extinguishing burning materials by moving dirt or applying water by hose or retardant.
• Use of hand and power tools, including chainsaws, firing equipment, or portable pumps to suppress fires.
• Perform standard fuels management duties including broadcast burning, hand and machine piling, helitorch, and brush disposal techniques.

Skills

Wildland firefighting

Emergency response

Physical stamina

Education

4-year degree in Fire Science/Fire Technology

Tools

Chainsaws

Firing equipment

Portable pumps

Job description

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 serves as a skilled member of a fuels management crew.

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.

GW-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04 grade level in federal service or equivalent; OR successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields of study; OR a combination of education and experience.

Examples of specialized experience includes: Serving as an advanced trainee performing specific wildland fire suppression duties, such as extinguished burning materials by moving dirt, or applying water by hose or retardant. Using a variety of hand and power tools, including chainsaws, firing equipment, or portable pumps to suppress fires. Or performing standard fuels management duties involving broadcast burning, hand and machine piling, helitorch, and other brush disposal techniques.

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.