Wildland Firefighter

Forest Service • Bayfield, CO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest and serves as a crewmember in the fire management organization. The role focuses on wildland fire suppression, management, and control, with responsibility for operating and maintaining specialized tools and equipment. The firefighter serves on hand crews or other fire suppression crews, performs wildland and prescribed fire operations, and may carry out forestry support duties across activities such as timber, recreation, wilderness, and research. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an appointment lasting 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 funding. The work is not eligible for telework and may involve remote, unpredictable locations and occasional overnight travel.

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 investigation and/or fingerprint check, E-Verify, and pre-employment drug testing; the position is subject to random drug testing.
• Must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous-duty wildland firefighting and pass the arduous Work Capacity Test: a three-mile hike within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to operate light vehicles and 4x4s.
• Must successfully complete the NWCG Primary Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and the Secondary Core Requirement of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).
• For GW-05, must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GW-04, 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.
• Must submit an IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documentation showing the required certifications; red cards are not acceptable documentation.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations.
• Must be available for occasional overnight travel for fire suppression or related assignments.
• Some positions may require a commercial driver's license, additional physical or medical examination, and pre-appointment and random drug testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform fire suppression and fuels management duties on hand crews or other related crews under adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions.
• Perform wildland and prescribed fire operations, including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop-up.
• May operate chainsaws and perform chainsaw repairs; may be certified to use helicopter long lines.
• Collect fire-weather data, fuel or soil-moisture samples, map projects, and maintain records.
• Gather and assess weather, topography, fuel, and fire-behavior information when responding to wildland fire incidents.
• Recommend approaches and practices for positioning and deploying personnel and equipment to protect values at risk.
• Operate, maintain, and make emergency repairs to specialized fire equipment.
• Participate in fire and safety training, crew proficiency checks, drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques.
• Operate tools, equipment, and vehicles safely and efficiently during fireline activities.
• Promote the safety and welfare of self and others throughout assignments.
• Perform standardized forestry support duties for fire, timber, silviculture, recreation, wilderness, or research activities.
• May inventory fuel beds, prepare reports, conduct hazard-fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, and pile vegetation debris.
• May serve in assigned roles such as ignition or holding specialist during prescribed-fire fuel-reduction work.
• May perform road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and equipment or facility maintenance.
• May assist higher-level workers with forestry or range research, resource marketing, or management, protection, and development activities.
• May drive a crew carrier and may fill in for other work leaders on established crews.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on appointment type and whether the position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.
• 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