Wildland Firefighter (Aviation)
About The Position
This position is located on a National Forest fire crew within the fire management organization and serves as an Airtanker Base Support crewmember. The incumbent maintains the airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles, and equipment. 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, when designated not-to-exceed, 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, and the duty location will be one of the locations listed in the announcement. The role operates airtanker equipment and supports aircraft and ground operations. It also includes compiling information for Forest Service reports and records. The position requires prior wildland firefighting experience and willingness to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations. Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or related assignments. This is a secondary firefighter position under the cited federal retirement 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 old.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
- Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
- Must undergo satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Must provide direct deposit information for federal payments.
- Must pass pre-employment drug testing; the position is subject to ongoing random drug testing, and appointment is contingent on a negative result.
- Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
- For GW-05, must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04 in federal service or equivalent; alternatively, a qualifying four-year college course of study with a major in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Application and resume must clearly demonstrate the required experience; transcripts must be provided when relying on education for qualification.
- Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations.
- Some fire positions may require a valid state driver's license, a commercial driver's license, additional physical or medical examinations, and/or other conditions of employment.
Responsibilities
- Maintain the airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
- Operate complex airtanker equipment systems, coordinating or calibrating their components.
- Perform aviation and ground support activities, including servicing and operating batch mixers, tanks, pumps, valves, hoses, and related components.
- Mix, store, inspect, test, and deliver fire retardants to specified requirements.
- Park and launch firefighting aircraft to and from the base.
- Assist with airtanker hot-loading and simultaneous-loading operations.
- Compute, compile, and summarize data for recurring and special Forest Service reports and records.
Benefits
- Federal employee benefits package; eligibility and specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
