Wildland Firefighter (Aviation)

Forest Service • La Grande, OR

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located on a fire crew within a National Forest fire management organization and serves as an Airtanker Base Ramp Manager. The incumbent maintains the airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles, and equipment. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an appointment of up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year not to exceed (NTE). The appointment may end early because of lack of work or funding, and an extension may be possible without further competition. Expected start dates are between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. The position is not eligible for telework, and the employee must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations. Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or related assignments.

The role directs and supports safe airtanker loading operations, maintains base facilities and equipment, helps administer airtanker contracts, and performs program-support recordkeeping. The incumbent must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty firefighting, pass the appropriate Work Capacity Test, and have prior wildland firefighting experience. This is a secondary firefighter position under the cited CSRS and FERS provisions and a Testing Designated Position 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 of age.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must enroll in direct deposit for federal payments.
• Must pass pre-employment drug testing with a negative result and is subject to random drug testing after appointment.
• Must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and pass the appropriate level of the Work Capacity Test.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations; occasional overnight travel may be required for fire-related assignments.
• Must have prior wildland firefighting experience.
• For GW-06, must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GW-05 in federal service or equivalent. Examples include facility maintenance, oversight, or repair/improvement procedures; assisting with contract preparation or administration; or using specialized airtanker equipment and ensuring it is in working order. Education cannot substitute for this experience.
• Must provide application materials demonstrating qualifications by the announcement closing date; transcripts are required when qualifying based on education, with course descriptions as necessary.
• Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, and/or additional physical or medical examinations.

Responsibilities

• Apply rules, regulations, and procedures while performing airtanker loading assignments.
• Direct workers in the safe loading of fire-retardant materials into airtankers of various sizes and configurations.
• Direct pilots, parking tenders, and loaders on the tarmac, in the hangar, or on the landing field using portable radios and hand signals.
• Perform calculations, review aircraft documentation, and inspect retardant loading to ensure aircraft weight limits are not exceeded and retardant meets specifications.
• May serve as a retardant crew member (RTCM) and aircraft timekeeper (ATIM).
• Perform developmental assignments involving airtanker base operations and the aerial retardant program, including serving as a Project Inspector on airtanker contracts.
• Help maintain base buildings, grounds, equipment, and water systems.
• Operate gas- and electric-powered mowers, saws, generators, and hand tools.
• Inventory and inspect equipment and supplies, ensuring items are usable and ready for immediate use.
• Provide input on procuring or requisitioning equipment, supplies, and services.
• Report fuel and retardant spills and ensure prompt cleanup under applicable environmental and hazardous-materials procedures.
• Use computer-based applications to support the program.
• Prepare and enter computerized records concerning aircraft use and payment, scheduling, and incident and accident reports.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a range of benefits; specific eligibility depends on position type and work schedule.

What This Job Offers

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