Wildland Firefighter (Aviation)

Forest Service•Boise, ID

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest fire management organization and serves as a crewmember on a fire crew. The position provides support at an airtanker base by maintaining the base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles, and equipment. It is a temporary position for the FY2027 hiring season, lasting up to six months or up to one year, not to exceed, with a possible extension. The appointment may end early due to lack of work or funds. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. The position is not eligible for telework, and occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or related assignments. The incumbent operates complex airtanker equipment systems and performs aviation and ground-support activities, including mixing, storing, inspecting, testing, and delivering fire retardants to specifications. The role also supports aircraft parking, launching, and hot-loading and simultaneous-loading operations, and compiles data for recurring and special Forest Service reports and records. This is a secondary firefighter position and a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Must pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Must complete pre-employment drug testing with a negative result and may be subject to ongoing random drug testing.
Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
For GW-05, meet one of the following: one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04; successful completion of a 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.
Application and résumé must clearly document qualifying experience; transcripts are required when qualifying based on education.
Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, pre-appointment and random drug testing, or a physical or medical examination.
Must meet all qualification requirements and provide required documents by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

Maintain the airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
Operate complex airtanker equipment systems with components requiring careful synchronization or calibration.
Perform aviation and ground-support activities, including servicing and operating batch mixers, tanks, pumps, valves, hoses, and related components.
Mix, store, inspect, test, and deliver fire retardants to specified requirements.
Park and launch firefighting aircraft to and from the base.
Assist with airtanker hot-loading and simultaneous-loading operations.
Compute, compile, and summarize data for recurring and special Forest Service reports and records.
Perform work related to wildland fire suppression and control, including suppression, preparedness, prevention, monitoring, or hazardous fuels reduction, as applicable to qualifications.