Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)

Forest Service • Fredonia, AZ

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located on a fire crew within a National Forest fire management organization and serves as a skilled member of a fuels management crew. The work includes fuels management and wildland fire suppression. The position is temporary, for up to six months or up to a one-year not-to-exceed period, and may end early because of lack of work or funding. An extension may be possible without further competition. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027 and June 13, 2027. The role may involve remote, volatile or unpredictable work locations and occasional overnight travel for fire suppression or related assignments. When not performing fuels management, the employee may be assigned other resource management activities, such as recreation, timber, or reforestation.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Must pass background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to random drug testing; appointment requires a negative result.
• Must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and pass the arduous-level Work Capacity Test.
• Must complete a three-mile hike within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack, and maintain the required fitness level while in the position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations and 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 the ability to follow directions and understand and retain instructions, regulations, and procedures, plus six months of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-03; OR 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 experience and education.
• Must clearly document qualifying experience in the application and resume; transcripts are required when qualifying based on education.
• Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, commercial driver's license, pre-appointment or random drug testing, or a physical or medical examination.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of a fire-certified Job Corps program is encouraged.
• Education in fire training, fire science, fire technology, or a related field may qualify.
• Experience in natural resource support work, such as forestry, range, park technician, wildland firefighting, wilderness, timber, fire prevention, or fire control.

Responsibilities

• Work independently or as a skilled member of a fuels management crew.
• Conduct fuels management activities, including broadcast burning, hand and machine piling, helitorch operations, and other brush disposal techniques.
• Use hand and power tools, including chainsaws, firing equipment, and portable pumps.
• Gather data and record information on fuel types, weather conditions, fire behavior, and work accomplished.
• Observe fire safety rules and fire behavior.
• Inform forest visitors and users about fire hazards and prevention regulations.
• Clean, maintain, recondition, and store tools and equipment.
• Support wildland fire suppression activities.
• Perform other resource management activities, such as recreation, timber, or reforestation, when not performing fuels management.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive 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