Wildland Firefighter

Forest Service•Parsons, WV

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located on a fire crew within a National Forest fire management organization. The Wildland Firefighter performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a specialized firefighter, with responsibility for operating and maintaining specialized tools and equipment. The role is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season and may be filled for up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year. The appointment may end early due to lack of work or funds; an extension may be possible without further competition. The position performs wildland and prescribed fire operations in challenging climates, fuels, and terrain. Duties include fire suppression and fuels management, operating and maintaining specialized equipment, collecting and recording fire and environmental information, and supporting crew safety and readiness. Work may involve remote and unpredictable locations, occasional overnight travel, and meeting arduous-duty medical and fitness standards.

Requirements

Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements if a male born after December 31, 1959.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check and applicable background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
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 Work Capacity Test. The test requires completing a three-mile hike within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Successfully complete the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290), with documentation attached to the application; red cards are not acceptable documentation.
For GW-05 qualification, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04, or a qualifying four-year college course of study with a major in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology, or a related field, or a combination of education and experience.
Provide an application and resume that clearly document qualifying experience; provide transcripts when qualifying based on education.
Be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations; occasional overnight travel may be required.

Responsibilities

Serve as an experienced firefighter on a hand crew or other fire suppression crew, performing suppression and/or fuels management duties under adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions.
Perform duties as a qualified chainsaw operator and chainsaw repair technician, when assigned.
Perform all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations, including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop-up.
Collect fire weather data and fuel or soil moisture samples, map projects, and maintain records.
Occasionally serve as a driver of a crew carrier.
Gather and consider weather, topography, fuel-type, 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 in wildland and prescribed fire situations, and make emergency repairs as needed to keep equipment in service.
Participate in wildland fire and safety training, crew proficiency checks, drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques.
Safely operate and use tools, equipment, and vehicles for fireline activities, with emphasis on those used in the assigned function.
Ensure personal and crew welfare and safety throughout assignments.