Wildland Firefighter

Forest Service • Avery, ID

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This temporary position is located on a fire crew within a National Forest fire management organization. The firefighter performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a crewmember on an engine, hotshot, helitack, or hand crew. Duties include learning and applying fuels management and fire suppression techniques, constructing and patrolling firelines, extinguishing burning materials and hot spots, and using hand tools and equipment to control wildfires and prepare for prescribed burns. When not assigned to fire suppression or fuels management, the employee may support other resource management activities such as recreation, timber, or reforestation.

The position is temporary for up to six months or, in some cases, up to a not-to-exceed one year; an extension may be possible, and 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. Work may involve remote locations and occasional overnight travel for fire suppression or related assignments. The position is not eligible for telework. The employee must meet arduous-duty medical and physical fitness standards and pass the required Work Capacity Test. The position is 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 old.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass background investigation and/or fingerprint check, as applicable.
• Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must pass the arduous-level Work Capacity Test and maintain the required physical fitness level. The test requires hiking three miles within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
• Must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and undergo medical screening.
• Must submit to pre-employment and random drug testing; appointment is contingent on a negative pre-employment result.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations; occasional overnight travel may be required.
• GW-03 applicants must have at least six months of experience demonstrating ability to perform the work or familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the occupation, or one year of related education or appropriate firefighting training substituted month-for-month for experience.
• Firefighting training obtained as part of a high school curriculum may substitute for the six months of general experience required for GW-03.
• Relevant experience may be paid or unpaid, including volunteer work.
• 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 provide required application documents and meet qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

• Graduates of Job Corps fire-certified programs are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform assignments to develop knowledge of fuels management and fire suppression techniques, including fireline construction, pumps and engines, hose lays, foam, and retardant.
• Develop knowledge of working around aircraft, safety rules, and fire and fuels terminology.
• Search for and extinguish burning materials by moving dirt or applying water with a hose or backpack pump.
• Move dirt, chop brush, and fell trees to construct fireline and control wildfire spread or prepare lines for prescribed burning.
• Chop, carry, and pile logging slash.
• Patrol firelines to locate and extinguish sparks, flareups, and hot spots that may threaten established firelines.
• Clean, recondition, and store fire tools and equipment.
• When not performing fire suppression or fuels management duties, assist with other resource management activities such as recreation, timber, or reforestation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available depending on location.

What This Job Offers

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