Wildland Firefighter (Wildland Fire Module) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority
About The Position
The Wildland Firefighter (GW-06) serves on a wildland fire module with the US Wildland Fire Service in Fairbanks, Alaska. The role supports wildland fire suppression, fuels management, and prescribed fire work. It is a temporary appointment limited to no more than 1,039 hours during a service year; a possible extension to a maximum of 1,386 hours is not currently authorized and is not guaranteed. The position is classified as a Senior Firefighter under the Interagency Fire Program Management Standard. Before appointment, selectees must meet the required NWCG qualifications and training: Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Intermediate Fire Behavior (S-290). Applicants must also have one year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GW/GS-05 level. Education cannot be used to qualify at this grade level. The work is arduous and takes place in remote, rugged forest, range, and desert environments, often under hazardous and unpredictable conditions. Work may involve extended periods in backcountry camps, travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft, and wearing personal protective equipment. The role may require on-call, evening, weekend, holiday, overtime, and shift work, as well as frequent extended work periods, particularly during fire season.
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National and meet suitability requirements for federal employment, including a background investigation.
- Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test; the position is also subject to random illegal-drug testing.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and the work capacity test for arduous positions; post-employment medical examinations may also be required.
- Must be at least 18 years old to be assigned to a hazardous position.
- Must possess current-at-appointment requirements (currency not required) for NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Intermediate Fire Behavior (S-290).
- Must have one year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS-05 level, such as senior wildland firefighting module or crew experience involving on-the-line fire control, prevention, suppression, or prescribed fire work, and operation and maintenance of specialized wildland fire tools, equipment, or vehicles; experience may include leading crewmembers.
- Must be able to meet the physical demands of arduous exertion for extended periods, including strenuous movement over uneven terrain and lifting or carrying items over 50 pounds.
- May need to operate a government or private motor vehicle for official duties and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Individuals assigned male at birth after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must use direct deposit.
- Only experience and education obtained by November 10, 2026, will be considered; applicants must document qualifying experience in their resume.
- Must be able to work in hazardous, variable outdoor conditions and wear required personal protective equipment.
Responsibilities
- Perform fireline activities, including line construction, hose layout, operation of pumps and accessories, and mop-up.
- Gather information about weather, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior when responding to wildland fire incidents.
- Participate in fuels management projects and prescribed fires.
- May serve as a situational leader on wildland fires.
- Operate and maintain specialized equipment used for wildland and prescribed fire situations.
Benefits
- Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type, and applicants should contact the hiring agency for details.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
