Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Forest Service • Broomfield, CO

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is on a National Forest fire crew within the fire management organization. The incumbent performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a specialized firefighter, with responsibility for operating and maintaining specialized tools and equipment. The role serves as an experienced firefighter on a helitack or related fire suppression module, performing fire suppression and/or fuels management under adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions.

The position is temporary and will be filled for up to six months or, in some cases, up to a not-to-exceed one year. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. The role is not eligible for telework. Duty locations are among those listed in the announcement, and work may involve remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations. Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire or related assignments. Pay varies by location; the stated salary range is for the Rest of the U.S.

The firefighter may also support fuels reduction and prescribed fire work, forestry or range projects, and maintenance of roads, trails, facilities, and equipment. Appointment may end early due to lack of work or funds; an extension may be possible without further competition.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Meet applicable Selective Service requirements if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Pass background investigation and/or fingerprint adjudication and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Pass pre-employment and random drug testing; appointment is contingent on a negative pre-employment result.
• Meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and pass the arduous-level Work Capacity Test. The test requires hiking three miles within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
• Successfully complete the NWCG Primary Core Requirement: Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
• Successfully complete the NWCG Secondary Core Requirement: Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).
• For the GW-05 qualification, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04; or a four-year college course of study with a major in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology, or a related field; or an eligible combination of education and specialized experience.
• Provide documentation of qualifying experience and, where education is used, transcripts and course descriptions as needed.
• Attach an IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documents documenting the required certification or selective placement factor; red cards are not accepted.
• Be willing to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations.
• Have a valid state driver's license, CDL, or undergo additional examinations only if applicable to the specific fire position.

Nice To Haves

• May be certified to use long-line external loads and operate and maintain accessory equipment.
• May be certified as a rappeler.
• May be qualified as a Forest Service short hauler.
• Specialized experience examples include assisting with helicopter cargo loading and manifests; patrolling controlled fires and mopping up remaining burning material; serving on a specialty crew such as hotshot, helitack, or engines; and operating specialized suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.

Responsibilities

• Perform recurring wildland fire suppression duties as a senior firefighter on a helitack crew.
• Load helicopter personnel and cargo; consider weight distribution, securing needs, necessity, and total weight; and prepare manifests for personnel and equipment.
• Inventory and inspect helicopter accessories, fire tools, and equipment, and ensure required equipment is available for firefighting tasks.
• Exit helicopters in remote areas when needed to construct helispots or attack small fires, hot spots, and spot fires.
• Gather and consider weather, topography, fuel, and fire behavior information when responding to wildland fire incidents.
• Recommend approaches and practices for positioning and deploying personnel and equipment to protect values at risk.
• Operate and maintain specialized equipment used for wildland and prescribed fire response, making emergency repairs as needed.
• Take aggressive fire-control action using other means when apparatus cannot be used effectively.
• Participate in wildland fire and safety training, crew proficiency checks, drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques.
• Use tools, equipment, and vehicles safely and efficiently during fireline activities, and help ensure the safety and welfare of self and others.
• Perform fuels management duties, which may include inventorying fuel beds, preparing reports, reducing hazardous fuels, monitoring burning conditions, and piling vegetation debris.
• Serve in assigned roles such as ignition or holding specialist during prescribed fire activities.
• Perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and equipment and facilities maintenance.
• Assist higher-level workers with forestry or range research, resource marketing, or resource management, protection, and development.
• Fill in for other work leaders on established crews when required.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and the hiring agency can provide details.
• Availability of government housing and federal day care facilities varies by location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed