Wildland Firefighter (Multiple Crew Types) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority
About The Position
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is hiring seasonal Wildland Firefighters at the GW-03, GW-04, and GW-05 levels in multiple locations and crew types, including fuels, hand crew, engine, helitack, and wildland fire module. Applicants may select up to seven locations; not all locations hire at every grade, and applicants are considered only for locations they select. At GW-03, the firefighter serves as an entry-level crew member, develops working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels-management practices and terminology, and may assist with specialized assignments such as backfire, burnout, and engine attack. At GW-04, the firefighter serves as a trained crew member, uses specialized tools, equipment, and techniques in active fire management, and may assist with tree felling, backfire, and burnout operations. At GW-05, the firefighter serves as an experienced crew member and performs prescribed and wildland fire operations, including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop-up. The role also involves gathering and considering weather, topography, fuel, and fire-behavior information when responding to incidents. Some assignments may require operating light vehicles and 4x4s. These temporary appointments are limited to no more than 1,039 hours during a service year. An extension to a maximum of 1,386 hours may be possible with future approval, but no extension is currently authorized or guaranteed. Work is in forest, range, and desert environments, often in steep, uneven, rocky, smoky terrain and potentially extended backcountry camps. Firefighters may travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft and must wear personal protective equipment. Work may involve on-call duties, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, shift work, and frequent extended periods, particularly during fire season. Pay varies by location; the Fairbanks, Alaska location receives a 1.49% cost-of-living allowance, subject to review and adjustment.
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
- Must be suitable for federal employment based on a background investigation.
- Must submit to drug testing and receive a negative pre-employment result; the position is also subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations.
- Must pass the work capacity test for arduous positions.
- Must be at least 18 years old to be assigned to a hazardous position.
- May need to hold and maintain a valid state driver's license if required to operate a government or private motor vehicle for official duties.
- Individuals assigned male at birth after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
- For GW-03, qualify through six months of general work experience or qualifying firefighter training; one year of post-high-school education or training related to the position; or a combination of education and experience.
- For GW-04, qualify through six months of general work experience plus six months of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-03 duties; a two-year post-high-school course of study in fire training, fire science, fire technology, or a related field; or a combination.
- For GW-05, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-04 duties, a four-year bachelor's degree in fire science, fire training, fire technology, or a related field, or a combination.
- Applicants qualifying through education or a combination of education and experience must provide transcripts; foreign education must meet the stated U.S. equivalency requirements.
- Submit Form BIA-4432 if claiming Indian Preference for an eligible location; Indian Preference applies only to the listed locations.
- Must be able to perform arduous physical work, including extensive movement over uneven ground and lifting or carrying items over 50 pounds.
- Must be able to adjust to outdoor hazards and conditions including heat, cold, smoke, dust, rough terrain, poor bivouac and eating conditions, and unpredictable circumstances.
Responsibilities
- Serve on a fuels, hand crew, engine, helitack, or wildland fire module crew.
- Develop working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels-management techniques, practices, and terminology.
- Assist with specialized fire assignments, which may include backfire, burnout, mobile or stationary engine attack, and tree felling.
- Use specialized tools, equipment, and techniques while actively managing wildland fires.
- Perform prescribed and wildland fire operations, including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop-up.
- Gather and consider weather data, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior when responding to wildland fire incidents.
- Operate light vehicles and 4x4s when required.
- Meet required fitness and medical standards, wear required personal protective equipment, and perform work in hazardous outdoor environments.
Benefits
- Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility and benefits depend on the position type.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
