Wildland Firefighter (Suppression Module Squad Leader)

Office of the Secretary of the Interior; Miles City (MT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

This Direct-Hire advertisement is for a Wildland Firefighter (Suppression Module Squad Leader) based in Miles City, Montana. The role is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-5/6/7, and requires meeting strict IFPM qualifications and training.

Applicants must adhere to the MEA age limits and provide documentation (DD-214, SF-15 as applicable). Evidence of specialized wildland firefighting experience or related education is required to be considered.

Qualifications

• FFT1 qualification and S-290 training required for IFPM readiness.
• IFPM-related requirements must be met prior to promotion/placement.
• MEA applies: must be under age 37 at appointment unless documented exceptions.

Responsibilities

• Lead wildland firefighting duties as suppression module squad leader.
• Meet IFPM minimum standards and maintain currency where required.

Skills

FFT1

S-290

IFPM requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Science 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 (Suppression Module Squad Leader) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-5/6/7 working in the following location(s): Miles City, Montana

In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below. Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.

1. This position is a Primary Firefighter position and is subject to a maximum entry age (MEA). The MEA is the date immediately preceding your 37th birthday. Applicants must not have reached age 37 at the time of appointment, unless proof is provided of prior Federal service in another primary covered position, or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application may result in loss of consideration. Please refer to the Required Documents section for further guidance on what documentation is required to meet this requirement. If over the MEA and you are not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted prior to employment. Acceptable proof consists of SF-50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments and copies of approved letters based on individual claims.

2. Requirement for the GW-06 and GW-07 grade levels ONLY - This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. This position has been categorized as a Senior Firefighter, and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found here: Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM). To meet IFPM requirements, you must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required at time of referral, but may be required to obtain and maintain currency if selected): A.) Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1); AND B.) Intermediate Fire Behavior (S-290) If selected at the GW-05 - must meet the IFPM training requirements above for the GW-06 as a condition of employment before being eligible for promotion to the GW-06.

In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required. Only experience and education obtained by 10/27/2026 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 Qualification For the GW-05 level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-04 level, or higher, in the Federal service, or equivalent, is required. Examples of specialized 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 full 4-year course of study (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study in Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study (e.g.: Forestry, Range Management, Agriculture, Fire suppression and Prevention). Transcripts must be attached to application package if qualifying based on education. -OR- An equivalent combination of experience and education. Transcripts must be attached to application package.

For the GW-06 level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-05 level, or higher, in the Federal service, or equivalent, is required. Examples of specialized experience include: experience serving as a senior wildland firefighter on a wildland fire module or crew with on-the-line wildland fire experience in fire control, prevention or suppression work; and utilizing and maintaining a variety of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment.

For the GW-07 level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-06 level, or higher, in the Federal service, or equivalent, is required. Examples of specialized experience include: experience serving as a lead wildland firefighter on a wild