Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Forest Service • Coeur d'Alene, ID

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is on a National Forest fire crew within the fire management organization. The incumbent serves as an experienced firefighter on a helitack or related fire suppression module, performing wildland fire suppression, management, control, and fuels management duties under adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions. The role includes responsibility for operating and maintaining specialized firefighting tools and equipment, and may include helicopter-related duties such as loading and manifesting personnel and cargo, constructing helispots, and deploying to remote fires. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an appointment of up to six months or a not-to-exceed one year; an extension may be possible. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. The position is not eligible for telework, may be based at a remote location, and may require occasional overnight travel.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
• Must pass background adjudication and/or fingerprint checks and successfully complete E-Verify employment verification.
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing; appointment is contingent on a negative pre-employment result.
• Must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and pass the arduous-level Work Capacity Test.
• The arduous Work Capacity Test requires hiking three miles within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack; the required fitness level must be maintained while in the position.
• Must have successfully completed the NWCG Primary Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and the Secondary Core Requirement of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290), with supporting IQCS Master Record or equivalent documentation attached to the application; red cards are not accepted.
• For GW-05, must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04, a qualifying four-year degree in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology, or a related field, or a combination of education and specialized experience.
• Qualifying experience may include assisting with helicopter loading and manifests; patrolling controlled fires to extinguish remaining burning material; serving on a specialty fire crew; or operating specialized suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.
• Must provide required application documents and meet qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Some positions may require a valid state driver's license, commercial driver's license, or physical or medical examination.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

• May be certified to use long-line external loads and operate and maintain accessory equipment.
• May be certified as a rappeller.
• May be qualified as a Forest Service short hauler.

Responsibilities

• Perform recurring wildland fire suppression duties as a senior firefighter on a helitack crew.
• Load helicopter personnel and cargo, considering weight distribution, security, necessity, and total weight.
• Complete manifests for personnel and equipment transported to fires or other work sites.
• Inventory and inspect helicopter accessories, fire tools, and equipment, and ensure required equipment is available.
• Deploy from helicopters in remote areas to construct helispots or attack small fires, hot spots, and spot fires.
• Gather and consider weather, topography, fuel, and fire behavior information when responding to incidents.
• Recommend approaches and practices for positioning and deploying personnel and equipment to protect values at risk.
• Operate, maintain, and make emergency repairs to specialized equipment used in wildland and prescribed fire situations.
• Take aggressive fire-control action using other means when apparatus cannot be used effectively.
• Participate in wildland fire and safety training, crew proficiency checks, drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques.
• Promote personal and crew welfare and safety throughout assignments.
• Perform fuels management work, which may include inventorying fuel beds, preparing reports, reducing hazardous fuels, monitoring burning conditions, piling vegetation debris, and serving in prescribed-fire ignition or holding roles.
• Perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and equipment or facilities maintenance.
• May assist with forestry or range research, resource marketing, or management, protection, and development of forest and range resources.
• May fill in for other work leaders on established crews.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level