Wildland Firefighter

Forest Service•Baldwin, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest fire management organization, serving as a crewmember on an engine, hotshot, helitack, or hand crew. The purpose of the role is wildland fire suppression, management, and control. Job Corps graduates of fire-certified programs are encouraged to apply. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an expected start date between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. It may last up to six months or, as a not-to-exceed appointment, up to one year. An extension may be possible without further competition; the appointment may also end early because of lack of work or funds. The position is not eligible for telework. Employees must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations, and occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or related assignments. Other resource-management duties, such as recreation, timber, or reforestation, may be assigned when the employee is not performing fire suppression or fuels-management work.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service or exempt.
Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Must pass background adjudication and/or fingerprint checks.
Must pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to random drug testing after appointment; appointment is contingent on a negative pre-employment test.
Must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and pass the arduous-level Work Capacity Test as a condition of employment.
The arduous Work Capacity Test requires hiking three miles within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack; the required fitness level must be maintained to remain in the position.
Must meet the GW-03 qualification through at least six months of qualifying general experience, or one year of related education or appropriate firefighting training substituted month-for-month. Firefighting training completed as part of a high school curriculum may substitute for the six months of general experience.
Experience may be paid or unpaid and can include qualifying volunteer work.
Must provide required application documents and meet qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, or additional physical or medical examinations.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a Job Corps fire-certified program is encouraged.
A valid state driver's license or commercial driver's license may be required for some fire positions.

Responsibilities

Carry out assignments to develop knowledge of fuels management and fire-suppression techniques and practices, including fireline construction and the use of pumps, engines, hose lays, foam, and retardant.
Carry out assignments to develop knowledge of working around aircraft, safety rules, and fire and fuels terminology.
Search for and extinguish burning materials by moving dirt and applying water with a hose or backpack pump.
Move dirt, chop brush, or fell trees to build fireline and control wildland-fire spread or prepare lines before prescribed burning.
Chop, carry, and pile logging slash.
Patrol firelines to find and extinguish sparks, flare-ups, and hot spots that may threaten established firelines.
Clean, recondition, and store fire tools and equipment.
Perform other resource-management activities, such as recreation, timber, or reforestation, when not assigned to fire suppression or fuels management.

Benefits

Federal employee benefits package; eligibility and specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
Government housing and federal day-care facilities may be available depending on location.

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