Wildland Firefighter

Forest Service • Bayfield, CO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located on a fire crew within a National Forest fire management organization. The primary purpose is to perform wildland firefighting work as a crewmember on fires of varying difficulty and complexity. The role may also include work on an engine crew, prescribed burns, fuels and other resource-management projects, and—depending on experience—structure-fire defense and helicopter operations.

The firefighter constructs and holds fireline, uses hand and power tools, lays or directs hose, operates suppression equipment, conducts mop-up and patrols, and helps preserve evidence related to fire causes. As an assistant engine operator, the employee may drive and position an engine, operate pumps, make hose lays, inspect and maintain equipment, and perform basic engine and fireline duties under direction. Other assignments can include tree falling, backfires and burnouts, helispot construction, helitack operations, fuel inventory, and hazard-fuel reduction.

The position requires arduous-duty medical clearance and passing the arduous Work Capacity Test. Employees must be willing to work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations and may travel overnight for fire or related assignments. This is a temporary federal position for the FY2027 hiring season, with an expected start between April 18 and June 13, 2027. It may last up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year, and may end earlier due to lack of work or funds. The position is not eligible for telework.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
• Must pass background adjudication and/or fingerprint checks and employment verification through E-Verify.
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing; appointment is contingent on a negative pre-employment result.
• Must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and pass the arduous Work Capacity Test: hike three miles within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be willing to live or work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations and to undertake occasional overnight travel for fire suppression or related assignments.
• Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
• For GW-04, must have six months of general work experience or military service demonstrating ability to follow directions and understand and retain instructions, regulations, and procedures, plus six months of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-03; alternatively, successful completion of a two-year course of study in fire training, fire science, fire technology, or a related field, or an appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Must provide an application and resume that clearly show required experience; transcripts are required when qualifying based on education.
• Some positions may require a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, or a physical or medical examination.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of a two-year course of study in fire training, fire science, fire technology, or a related field may qualify for GW-04.
• Experience in natural-resource support work such as forestry, range, park work, wildland firefighting, or routine forestry specialty assignments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of a fire crew suppressing wildland fires of varying difficulty and complexity.
• Construct fireline by moving dirt, chopping brush, and felling small trees with hand tools and power saws.
• Lay or direct hose and use water to control spreading wildland fires.
• Operate specialized suppression equipment, including portable pumps and drip torches.
• Patrol controlled fires and conduct mop-up by locating and extinguishing remaining burning material.
• Clean, recondition, store, inspect, and maintain fire tools, hose, equipment, and engine accessories; make minor repairs and emergency pump adjustments.
• Assist with engine operations by driving and positioning fire engines or apparatus, operating pumps, and making hose lays under the engine Captain's direction.
• Perform basic fireline work, including line construction, pump and accessory operation, fuel lopping and scattering, holding, monitoring, and patrol.
• Observe wildland firefighting safety rules and use practices that minimize resource damage.
• Carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfires, burnouts, mobile or stationary engine attack, helispot construction, and helitack operations.
• Serve on organized crews during prescribed burns, monitor and control fire, and collect fire-weather and fire-behavior data.
• Perform resource-management and project work when not assigned to suppression, including fuels work, fuel inventories, hazard-fuel reduction, recreation, timber, and reforestation.
• Depending on experience, assist with structure-fire defense.
• Load helicopter cargo, complete manifests for crews and equipment, and perform helicopter-related duties that may include rappelling from a hovering helicopter.
• Participate in fire and safety training and safely operate tools, equipment, and vehicles used in fireline activities.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility depends on appointment type and work schedule.
• Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available depending on location.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed