Wildland Firefighter (Veteran Crew Squad Boss) - Direct Hire Authority
About The Position
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is hiring a Wildland Firefighter (Veteran Crew Squad Boss) at the GW-0456-6/7 level in Placerville, California. This is a Direct-Hire Authority advertisement; veterans preference does not apply to the advertisement. The position is a career-ladder opportunity with a full performance level of GW-07. At that level, the employee serves as squad leader of a veteran hand crew, directing firefighters in fireline construction, burnout, mop-up, and patrol. The employee applies knowledge of firefighter safety, fire behavior, terrain, weather, fuels, and fire management training; may operate specialized firing equipment; and directs suppression operations while recommending and implementing tactical strategies. The work is arduous and takes place in challenging outdoor environments, including forests, rangelands, and deserts. Extended travel, backcountry camps, and aircraft travel may be required. The position is a primary/rigorous firefighter role subject to special retirement provisions, age requirements, medical examinations, and work-capacity testing.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship or national status and suitability for federal employment following a background investigation.
- Pass a pre-employment drug test and be subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
- Pass a pre-employment medical examination and the work capacity test for arduous positions; maintain applicable fitness standards.
- Maintain a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license may be required.
- Wear the official U.S. Wildland Fire Service uniform.
- Serve a one-year probationary period.
- Be at least 18 and meet the primary firefighter maximum entry age requirements, subject to stated exceptions for eligible veterans or prior covered federal service.
- For GW-06: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GW-05 or higher, such as senior wildland firefighter experience on a module or crew in fire control, prevention, or suppression, and use and maintenance of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment.
- For GW-07: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GW-06 or higher, such as lead wildland firefighter experience in fire control, prevention, or suppression; use and maintenance of specialized wildland fire equipment; and assisting with fire-behavior analysis and prediction.
- Meet IFPM requirements: Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Intermediate Fire Behavior (S-290). Currency is not required at referral but may need to be obtained and maintained if selected.
- For GW-07 only, meet the additional NWCG qualification requirement of Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).
- If selected at GW-06, meet the GW-07 IFPM training requirements as a condition of employment before promotion eligibility.
- Provide resume details showing full-time or part-time hours worked per week for experience to be credited; military service dates on DD-214 or Statement of Service satisfy this hours requirement.
- Meet the applicable special retirement coverage requirements and provide proof of previous or current status in the firefighter or law-enforcement special enhanced annuity retirement system.
- No qualifying education is required for this series at this grade level.
Responsibilities
- Lead a veteran hand-crew squad.
- Direct a small crew in building firelines, conducting burnout, mopping up, and patrolling firelines.
- Apply knowledge of firefighter safety, fire behavior, terrain, weather, fuels, and fire management training.
- Use or operate specialized firing equipment when required.
- Direct assigned suppression operations and recommend and implement tactical strategies on fires.
- Operate a government or private motor vehicle for official duties and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Benefits
- Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type.
- Recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered on a case-by-case basis; not guaranteed.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
