Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)

Forest Service • Blairsden, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located on a fire crew within a National Forest fire management organization and serves as a skilled member of a fuels management crew. The role performs fuels management work, supports wildland fire suppression, and may assist with other resource management activities when not assigned to fuels management. Job Corps graduates of fire-certified programs are encouraged to apply.

The position is temporary and may be filled for up to six months or for a not-to-exceed period of one year. An extension may be possible without further competition, and the appointment may end early due to lack of work or funding. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027 and June 13, 2027. Duty locations are among those listed in the announcement; the position is not eligible for telework. Willingness to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations is required, and occasional overnight travel may be needed for fire suppression or related assignments.

The role requires prior wildland firefighting experience, a valid driver's license, medical clearance for arduous-duty wildland firefighting, and passing and maintaining the arduous-level Work Capacity Test. The test requires completing a three-mile hike within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack. The position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing, as well as applicable background screening. A career with the federal government offers access to a comprehensive benefits package, with eligibility depending on appointment type and other factors.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass required background adjudication and/or fingerprint checks and E-Verify employment verification.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations; occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Must pass medical screening and meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting.
• Must pass and maintain the arduous-level Work Capacity Test: a three-mile hike within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
• Must submit to pre-employment and random drug testing; appointment requires a negative pre-employment result.
• Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
• For GW-04, must have six months of general work experience or military service demonstrating the ability to follow directions and understand and retain instructions, regulations, and procedures, plus six months of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-03; or successful completion of a two-year course of study in fire training, fire science, fire technology, or a related field; or an appropriate combination of experience and education.
• Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, commercial driver's license, additional drug testing, or a physical or medical examination.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from a Job Corps fire-certified program is encouraged.
• A two-year course of study in fire training, fire science, fire technology, or a related field may satisfy the stated GW-04 qualification pathway.

Responsibilities

• Perform fuels management work as an independent worker or skilled crew member, including broadcast burning, hand and machine piling, helitorch operations, and other brush-disposal techniques.
• Use hand and power tools, including chainsaws, firing equipment, and portable pumps.
• Gather data and record information about fuel types, weather conditions, fire behavior, and work completed.
• Observe and follow fire-safety rules and fire-behavior practices.
• Inform forest visitors and users about fire hazards and prevention regulations.
• Clean, maintain, recondition, and store tools and equipment.
• Support wildland fire suppression activities.
• Perform other resource management work, such as recreation, timber, or reforestation, when not assigned to fuels management.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package, with eligibility depending on position type and other factors.
• Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available depending on location.

What This Job Offers

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