Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)

Forest Service•Ashland, MT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This temporary position is located within a National Forest fire management organization. The incumbent serves as a skilled member of a fuels management crew, carrying out fuels management work and supporting wildland fire suppression. When not performing fuels management, the incumbent may be assigned other resource management activities, such as recreation, timber, or reforestation. The position may be based at remote locations and can involve occasional overnight travel for fire suppression or fire-related assignments. The appointment is for up to six months or, at the agency’s option, up to one year, and may end early due to lack of work or funds. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national and at least 18 years old.
Meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
Successfully pass E-Verify and the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to random drug testing.
Meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and pass medical screening.
Pass and maintain the arduous-level Work Capacity Test: hike three miles within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Be willing to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations.
Have prior wildland firefighting experience.
For the GW-04 qualification, meet the stated general and specialized experience requirements, or the qualifying two-year college study in fire-related or related fields, or an appropriate combination of education and experience.
Provide application materials that demonstrate the required experience; provide transcripts for qualifications based on education.
Some positions may also require a commercial driver's license, additional medical or physical examinations, or other fire-position conditions of employment.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a Job Corps fire-certified program is encouraged.

Responsibilities

Perform fuels management work independently or as a skilled member of a crew, 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 and record information about fuel types, weather conditions, fire behavior, and work completed.
Observe fire safety rules and fire behavior.
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 doing fuels management.