Wildland Firefigher (Aviation)

Forest Service • Ogden, UT

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is a crewmember within a fire management organization and is established on a Forest unit to serve as an Airtanker Base Ramp Manager. The incumbent maintains the airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles, and equipment. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an appointment of up to six months or up to one year on a not-to-exceed basis; an extension may be possible. The appointment may end early due to lack of work or funds. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. Duty location will be one of the locations listed in the announcement, and pay varies by location. The position is not eligible for telework and may involve work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations, with occasional overnight travel for fire suppression or related assignments.

The Airtanker Base Ramp Manager directs and participates in the safe loading of fire-retardant materials into airtankers, coordinates aircraft and ground personnel on the ramp, and checks aircraft loading against weight limits and retardant specifications. The incumbent may also serve as a retardant crew member and aircraft timekeeper, and performs developmental assignments related to airtanker base operations, the aerial retardant program, and inspection of airtanker contracts.

The position also supports maintenance of base buildings, grounds, equipment, and water systems; inspects and inventories supplies; reports and ensures proper cleanup of fuel and retardant spills; and uses computer applications to maintain program records for aircraft use and payment, scheduling, and incident and accident reports. This is a secondary firefighter position and a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Pass background adjudication and/or fingerprint checks, as applicable.
• Pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Pass a pre-employment drug test and be subject to random drug testing; appointment is contingent on a negative result.
• Have prior wildland firefighting experience.
• For GW-06, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-05 in federal service or equivalent. Examples include assisting with facility maintenance, repair oversight, or improvements; assisting higher-level personnel with contract preparation or administration; or using specialized airtanker equipment and ensuring it is in working order.
• Meet any applicable position conditions, which may include a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, or a physical or medical examination.
• Be willing to live or work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations and undertake occasional overnight travel for fire suppression or related assignments.

Responsibilities

• Direct workers in the safe loading of fire-retardant materials into airtankers of various sizes and configurations.
• Direct pilots, parking tenders, and loaders on the tarmac, in the hangar, or at the landing field using portable radios and hand signals.
• Calculate and review aircraft documentation, and inspect retardant loading to ensure aircraft weight limits are not exceeded and retardant meets required specifications.
• Perform duties that may include serving as a retardant crew member (RTCM) and aircraft timekeeper (ATIM).
• Perform developmental assignments related to airtanker base operations, the aerial retardant program, and project inspection of airtanker contracts.
• Help maintain base buildings, grounds, equipment, and water systems.
• Operate gas- and electric-powered mowers, saws, generators, and hand tools.
• Inventory and inspect equipment and supplies to ensure they are usable and ready for immediate use.
• Provide input on procuring or requisitioning equipment, supplies, and services.
• Report fuel and retardant spills and ensure prompt cleanup according to environmental and hazardous-material procedures.
• Use computer-based applications to prepare and enter records concerning aircraft use and payment, scheduling, and incident and accident reports.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type, including whether the position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed