Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

United-States-Forest-Service; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Forest Service seeks a Firefighter GW-05 to join a fire management team. The role focuses on wildland suppression and control using specialized equipment, with requirements for NWCG certifications and IQCS documentation.

Applicants must meet qualification standards by closing date, pass the Work Capacity Test, and comply with pre-employment drug testing. Training and advancement opportunities are available within the federal fire program.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GW-04 in federal service or equivalent.
• Completion of a 4-year program in Fire Science/Fire Training/Fire Technology or related field may satisfy the requirement.
• Selective Placement Factors include FFT1 and S-290.

Responsibilities

• Support wildland firefighting activities as a crewmember on a fire crew.
• Operate and maintain specialized fire suppression tools and equipment.

Skills

FFT1 Core Requirement

S-290 Core Requirement

IQCS Master Record

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or related field

Tools

NWCG Standards

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 purpose of the position is wildland fire suppression/management/control as a specialized firefighter with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of specialized tools or equipment.

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. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

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.

GW-05: 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 specialized experience.

Examples of specialized experience include:

Assisted in loading helicopter cargo and completing manifests of crews and equipment; Patrolled areas of controlled fires to mop-up by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material; Served on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress the full range of difficult and complex fires. Operated specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.

Selective Placement Factors

• Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) -AND-
• Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).

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.

To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.