Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)

Forest Service • Redmond, OR

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located on a fire crew within a National Forest fire management organization and serves as a smokejumper in a national shared-resource smokejumper program. The primary purpose is to parachute into rugged terrain to suppress wildfires and perform related fire-support functions.

The incumbent receives standardized, intensive training in parachute jumping and fire suppression, including physical conditioning, parachute and equipment proficiency, fire-line construction and holding, fire behavior and weather, first aid, safety, and hand- and power-tool use. The role requires completing a series of parachute proficiency jumps of increasing difficulty and passing the arduous Work Capacity Test.

The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an expected start date between April 18, 2027 and June 13, 2027. The appointment may last up to six months or, where applicable, up to one year, and may end earlier due to lack of work or funds. Work is performed at an announced duty location; the position is not eligible for telework. When not assigned to fire suppression, the incumbent may perform other resource-management work, including recreation, timber, reforestation, and prescribed-fire or hazardous-fuel-reduction activities.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Successfully complete background investigation and/or fingerprint adjudication.
• Pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to random drug testing; appointment is contingent on a negative result.
• Meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and pass medical screening.
• Pass and maintain the arduous-level Work Capacity Test: hike three miles within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
• Have prior wildland firefighting experience.
• For GW-05 qualification, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04; or successfully complete a four-year college course of study with a major in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology, or a related field; or qualify through a combination of education and experience.
• Provide an application and resume that clearly document experience requirements and provide transcripts when qualifying based on education.
• Be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations.
• Be available for occasional overnight travel for fire suppression or related assignments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a smokejumper and perform parachute jumping and wildfire suppression duties.
• Make parachute jumps from various aircraft under varying conditions and land on rough terrain, open areas, mountain slopes, or timber.
• Direct crew movements during non-jump fire situations when assigned.
• Construct and hold fire line under varying conditions of topography, fuels, fire weather, and fire behavior.
• Suppress wildland fires using hand and power tools, including a Pulaski, shovel, chain saw, and McLeod.
• Move dirt, chop brush and logs, fell trees and snags, and apply water by hose or back pump to build fire line and control wildfire spread.
• Care for and maintain tools, equipment, jump gear, and parachutes.
• Travel to fire assignments by parachute, on foot, or by vehicles such as trucks and buses, and work individually or as a member of specialized crews.
• When not performing fire suppression, support resource-management activities such as recreation, timber, or reforestation.
• Inventory fuel beds, prepare related reports, conduct hazardous-fuel-reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris, and serve in assigned roles during prescribed-fire fuel-reduction efforts.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits eligibility depends on position type, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.
• 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