Wildland Firefighter (Aviation)

Forest Service•La Grande, OR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest fire management organization and serves as an airtanker base support crewmember. The incumbent maintains the airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles, and equipment. 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, in some cases, up to one year, and may be extended or end early depending on work and funding.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check and background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to random drug testing; appointment requires a negative test result.
Be willing to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations.
Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
For GW-05, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04 in federal service or equivalent; alternatively, have completed 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.
Qualifying specialized experience may include wildland fire suppression, preparedness, prevention, monitoring, or hazardous fuels reduction, and servicing or making minor repairs to airtanker equipment or its accessories.
Provide an application and resume that clearly demonstrate required experience; provide transcripts when qualifying based on education.
Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, or a physical or medical examination.
Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or fire-related assignments.

Responsibilities

Operate complex airtanker equipment systems whose components must be carefully synchronized or calibrated.
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 required specifications.
Park and launch firefighting aircraft at the base.
Assist with airtanker hot-loading and simultaneous-loading operations.
Compile, compute, and summarize data for recurring and special Forest Service reports and records.
Maintain the airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles, and equipment.