Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)

Forest Service•Darby, MT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is on a fire crew within a National Forest fire management organization and performs field-based prescribed fire and fuels management work. At the low-complexity level, the incumbent serves in prescribed fire and fuels positions consistent with IFPM minimum qualifications, and may perform as a Prescribed Fire and Fuels Specialist for a low-complexity fuels management program. The work includes supporting prescribed burns and fuels projects, monitoring fire behavior and effects, conducting field reconnaissance and project assessments, and collecting and reporting information about fuel conditions. The incumbent assists with planning, monitoring, data management, and recommendations for treatment priorities and project plans. The position also supports wildland fire suppression, training, preparedness, safety, and the safe operation of vehicles and specialized equipment. This is a temporary federal position for the FY2027 temporary 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 end early due to lack of work or funding. The position is not eligible for telework and may involve remote work locations and occasional overnight travel.

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 applicable background investigation and/or fingerprint check and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-6 grade level in federal service or equivalent; education cannot substitute for the GW-7 experience requirement.
Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
Must have successfully completed a Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Engine Boss (ENGB), Crew Boss (CRWB), Firing Boss (FIRB), or Helicopter Manager (HMGB), and the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
Must provide an IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documents showing the required certification or attainment; red cards are not accepted as documentation.
Must pass and maintain the Work Capacity Test at the arduous level: hike three miles within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
Must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and undergo medical screening.
Must submit to pre-employment and random drug testing; appointment is contingent on a negative pre-employment result.
Must be willing to live or work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations.
Must be willing to travel overnight occasionally for fire suppression or related assignments.
Some positions may require a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, and/or a physical or medical examination.

Responsibilities

Serve on prescribed fire and fuels projects in positions consistent with IFPM minimum qualifications at the low-complexity level.
Provide routine technical guidance on fire protection and prevention issues.
Technically administer routine aspects of prescribed fire and fuels plans, ensuring preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation meet specified standards.
Assist in monitoring fire behavior, evaluating fire effects, identifying potential problems, and making basic recommendations during prescribed fire, fuels, and wildland fire monitoring work.
Assist with field reconnaissance of prescribed fire and fuels treatment units, summarize findings, and make basic recommendations on prescriptive criteria.
Support training needs for prescribed fire and fuels management programs and participate in wildland fire and safety training.
Participate in safe and efficient use of tools, equipment, and vehicles for fire suppression, and take part in preparedness reviews, proficiency checks, drills, safety sessions, and after-action reviews.
Promote personal and crew safety during assignments and support wildland fire suppression activities.
Operate motor vehicles to transport equipment, supplies, and crew members, and use specialized firing equipment.
Assist in resolving problems encountered during nonstandard fire planning assignments.
Conduct routine project assessments for hazardous wildland fuels, collecting fuel-condition information and fire-behavior predictions through field surveys, computer modeling, and literature searches.
Report fuel and fire-behavior findings for use in determining and prioritizing prescribed fire and mechanical treatment projects.
Review project plans and recommend appropriate levels of monitoring.
Assist in establishing study plots to assess fire and suppression impacts on ecosystems, including participating in refinement of plot characteristics, visit frequency, measurements, and data storage and analysis techniques.
Participate in drafting prescribed fire and fuels management plans using the interagency template, including reviewing treatment alternatives and preparing plan sections.
Update and use databases to model and analyze fire behavior and fire-effects observation data, ensure data quality, and follow proper data storage and archival procedures.