Wildland Firefighter (Aviation - Airtanker Base) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority

Office of the Secretary of the Interior•Roswell, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This seasonal, temporary GW-05 Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) position with the US Wildland Fire Service is based in Roswell, New Mexico. The role supports airtanker and retardant base operations and other fixed-wing aviation operations. Appointments are limited to no more than 1,039 hours during a service year; a possible extension to 1,386 hours is not currently authorized and is not guaranteed. The firefighter serves as a functional leader in aviation, ground-support, and logistical activities. The position helps keep airtanker ramp operations safe and efficient, supports safety and emergency planning and training, and performs administrative work such as maintaining logs, entering and querying data, answering phones, and using base radios. Work takes place primarily at an airbase, indoors and outdoors, with exposure to aircraft operations, noise, extreme weather, and other operational hazards. Long and irregular hours may occur, particularly during fire operations.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National and meet suitability requirements for Federal employment.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test with a negative result and may be subject to random drug testing.
Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to maintain fitness standards.
Must pass the work capacity test for arduous positions.
Must be at least 18 years old to be assigned to a hazardous position.
Must possess documented primary/rigorous wildland firefighting experience gained through fireline work in containment, control, suppression, or use of wildland fire. Qualifying experience is either at least one full fire season in a primary wildland firefighting role or at least 14 days of on-the-ground fireline experience. This experience must be clearly documented in the resume, including dates and hours per week.
Must meet at least one GW-05 qualification pathway: one year of specialized work experience equivalent to GW/GS-04; a completed four-year course above high school leading to a bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology, or a related field; or a combination of qualifying education and specialized work experience.
Specialized experience may include work around general airtanker base operations, general clerical or administrative experience, or experience entering data and using computer software programs.
Experience and education must have been obtained by 11/10/2026 to be considered.
Must maintain a valid state driver's license if required to operate a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must provide transcripts when qualifying through education or a combination of education and experience; foreign education must be evaluated as described in the posting.
Must complete any required training and obtain or maintain a government charge card if required for travel and/or purchase authority.

Responsibilities

Serve as a functional leader in aviation, ground-support, and logistical activities related to airtanker and retardant base operations and other fixed-wing operations at the designated base.
Help ensure safe and efficient airtanker ramp operations, including monitoring aircraft turning radius and maintaining safe clearance from facilities, other aircraft, and personnel.
Assist with developing and revising safety practices and emergency plans, and implement them as needed.
Train personnel in safety and emergency procedures for airtanker and SEAT base operations, and ensure use of personal protective equipment.
Assist with base safety and security and report incidents to a supervisor as needed.
Perform administrative tasks, including compiling and sharing documentation, maintaining the daily activity log, entering data, querying reports, answering phones, and using base radios.
Help with base setup, teardown, maintenance, and repair, including lifting and carrying equipment and using hand and power tools.