Wildland Firefighter (Multiple Crew Types) - Direct Hire Authority

US Office of the Secretary of the Interior; Hillsboro (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

US Wildland Fire Service within the US Office of the Secretary of the Interior seeks a Direct-Hire Wildland Firefighter to operate in rugged environments across several locations listed: Gatlinburg, TN; Hillsboro, GA; McBee, SC; Tupelo, MS. The role requires meeting minimum qualifications, including experience or a fire-related degree, and emphasizes safety and endurance in demanding outdoor work.

Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date; positions are TEMPORARY with no

Qualifications

• One year of specialized work experience equivalent to GW/GS-04 level duties.
• Education may substitute for experience: 4-year degree in Fire Science or related field.
• A combination of education and specialized work experience also acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Physical Demands: arduous exertion including running, walking, climbing, bending, lifting items over 50 pounds.
• Work Environment: forest/range/desert terrain with extreme temperatures and exposure to smoke, dust and hazards.

Skills

Wildland firefighting experience

Education

Bachelor's in Fire Science/Fire Training/Fire Technology or related field

Job description

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans' Preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority

This Wildland Firefighter position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-5 working in the following location(s):

• Gatlinburg, TN
• Hillsboro, GA
• McBee, SC
• Tupelo, MS

Applicants will not be considered for locations not selected.

In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.

Only experience and education obtained by 08/18/2026 will be considered.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. Please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. One (1) year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS-04 level duties. Examples of specialized work experience include: On-the-line wildland fire experience in forest/range fire control, prevention or suppression work as a skilled wildland firefighter, utilizing a variety of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment. -OR- Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, from an accredited college or university, in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields. -OR- A combination of education and specialized work experience described above.

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.

*Applicants must meet all minimum qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement. These positions are TEMPORARY positions, and have no promotion potential.

Physical Demands: This position requires arduous exertion for protracted periods of time such as, but not limited to, extensive running, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, pulling hoses, jumping and twisting, prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity.

Work Environment: This position works in forest, range, and desert environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick tangled vegetation, smoky conditions, etc. Temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees F and may fall below freezing. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material. Employee must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor bivouac and eating situations under an unpredictable set of circumstances. Firefighters may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (e.g., boots, hard hat, gloves, flame resistant clothing). Work may require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft.