Wildland Firefighter (Aviation)

Forest Service • Chester, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest fire management organization and serves as a crewmember and Airtanker Base Support. The incumbent maintains the airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles, and equipment. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an expected start date between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. The appointment may last up to six months or, as a not-to-exceed appointment, up to one year; it may end early due to lack of work or funds, and an extension may be possible without further competition. The position is not eligible for telework. The duty station will be one of the locations listed in the announcement; employees must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations. Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or related assignments. Pay varies by location; the stated salary range is based on Rest of the U.S. locality pay.

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 the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check, as applicable.
• Pass pre-employment drug testing and submit to ongoing random drug testing; appointment requires a negative pre-employment result.
• Have prior wildland firefighting experience.
• For GW-05, meet one of the following: one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04; successful completion of a four-year course of study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology, or a related field; or a combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrate qualifying specialized experience in wildland fire suppression or control, preparedness, prevention, monitoring, hazardous fuels reduction, or servicing and making minor repairs to airtanker equipment.
• Be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations.
• Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, or a physical or medical examination.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
• Operate complex airtanker equipment systems whose components require careful synchronization or calibration.
• Perform aviation and ground support activities, including servicing and operating batch mixers, tanks, pumps, valves, hoses, and related components.
• Mix, store, inspect, test, and deliver fire retardants to specified requirements.
• Park and launch firefighting aircraft to and from the base.
• Assist with airtanker hot-loading and simultaneous-loading operations.
• Compute, compile, and summarize data for recurring and special Forest Service reports and records.
• Perform wildland fire suppression and related assignments as required.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on appointment type and eligibility.
• 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