Wildland Firefighter

Forest Service • Alpine, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest and serves as a crewmember on a fire crew in the fire management organization. The purpose of the position is wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot, helitack, or hand crew. Work may also include other resource-management activities, such as recreation, timber, or reforestation, when fire suppression or fuels-management work is not being performed. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, for up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year; an extension may be possible. The appointment may end early due to lack of work or funds. The position is not eligible for telework. Duty locations are among those listed in the announcement, and pay varies by location.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national and at least 18 years old.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must successfully pass E-Verify and any required background investigation or fingerprint check.
• Must pass pre-employment drug testing and may be subject to ongoing random drug testing.
• Must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and pass the arduous-level Work Capacity Test.
• The arduous Work Capacity Test requires hiking three miles within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack; the required fitness level must be maintained while in the position.
• 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.
• GW-03: At least six months of experience of any type demonstrating the ability to perform the work, or general experience familiarizing the applicant with the subject matter or processes of the occupation; alternatively, one year of related education or appropriate firefighting training may substitute for experience on a month-for-month basis.
• Firefighting training obtained as part of a high school curriculum may substitute for the six months of general experience required for GW-03.
• Application and resume must clearly document qualifying experience; transcripts are required when qualifying based on education, and course descriptions should be provided as necessary.
• Some positions may require a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, and/or additional pre-appointment or random drug testing or a physical or medical examination.

Nice To Haves

• Graduates of Job Corps fire-certified programs are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Develop knowledge of fuels management and fire-suppression techniques and practices, including fireline construction and use of pumps, engines, hose lays, foam, and retardant.
• Develop knowledge of working around aircraft, safety rules, and fire and fuels terminology.
• Locate and extinguish burning materials by moving dirt or applying water with a hose or backpack pump.
• Move dirt, chop brush, and fell trees to construct fireline and control wildland fire or prepare lines for prescribed burning, using hand tools and power saws.
• Chop, carry, and pile logging slash.
• Patrol firelines to locate and extinguish sparks, flareups, and hot spots that could threaten established firelines.
• Clean, recondition, and store fire tools and equipment.
• Perform other resource-management activities, such as recreation, timber, or reforestation, when not assigned to fire suppression or fuels management.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type and 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