Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Forest Service • Challis, ID

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is on a National Forest helitack crew within the fire management organization. The incumbent performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a specialized firefighter responsible for operating and maintaining specialized tools and equipment. The role involves responding to wildland and prescribed fires, often under adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions, and may also include fuels management, resource-related project work, and filling in for other work leaders on established crews.

The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an expected start date between April 18, 2027 and June 13, 2027. It may last up to six months or, under a not-to-exceed appointment, up to one year; an extension may be possible. The appointment may end early because of a lack of work or funds. The position is not eligible for telework, and duty locations are among those identified in the announcement. The incumbent must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations and may travel overnight occasionally for fire-related assignments.

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 adjudication and/or fingerprint checks and E-Verify employment verification.
• Must meet federal wildland firefighter medical standards for arduous-duty firefighting and pass the arduous-level Work Capacity Test.
• Must successfully complete the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
• Must successfully complete the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).
• For the GW-05 grade, must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04; or a four-year course of study with a major in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology, or a related field; or a combination of education and specialized experience.
• Must submit IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documents proving the required selective placement factor certifications; red cards are not acceptable documentation.
• 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 locations and undertake occasional overnight travel for fire or related assignments.
• Must complete a three-mile hike within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack to pass the arduous Work Capacity Test.
• A valid state driver's license, commercial driver's license, or additional physical or medical examination may be required for some fire positions.

Responsibilities

• Perform recurring wildland fire suppression duties as a senior firefighter on a helitack crew.
• Load helicopter personnel and cargo, consider weight distribution and securing needs, and complete transportation manifests.
• Inventory and inspect helicopter accessories, fire tools, and equipment, and ensure needed equipment is available for firefighting tasks.
• Construct helispots or attack small fires, hot spots, and spot fires after exiting a helicopter in remote areas, as needed.
• Gather and consider weather, topography, fuel, and fire-behavior information when responding to incidents.
• Recommend approaches for positioning and deploying personnel and equipment to protect values at risk.
• Operate and maintain specialized equipment for wildland and prescribed fire response, and make emergency repairs as needed.
• Take aggressive fire-control action using other means when apparatus cannot be used effectively.
• Participate in wildland fire and safety training, crew proficiency checks, drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques.
• Use tools, equipment, and vehicles for fireline activities, emphasizing those associated with the assigned function.
• Ensure personal and crew welfare and safety during assignments.
• Perform fuels-management duties such as inventorying fuel beds, preparing reports, reducing hazardous fuels, monitoring burning conditions, and piling vegetation debris.
• Serve in assigned prescribed-fire positions, such as ignition or holding specialist, during fuel-reduction efforts.
• Perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and equipment or facilities maintenance.
• Assist higher-level workers with forestry or range research, resource marketing, or scientific management, protection, and development of forest and range resources.
• Fill in for other work leaders on established crews when required.
• Pass and maintain the arduous-level Work Capacity Test required for the position.

Benefits

• Federal employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package for themselves and their families; specific eligibility and benefits depend 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