kandidatu USA

Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Forest Service · Department of Agriculture

This job in plain English

This is a temporary full-time job as a wildland firefighter on a helitack crew, which works with helicopters to fight fires. The Forest Service is hiring for many vacancies in National Forests in Idaho and Montana. The job involves remote locations, occasional overnight travel, and hiring under direct-hire authority, so any qualified U.S. citizen can apply.

Many vacancies

Can you apply?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen: this job is open to everyone.

  • Open to everyoneAny U.S. citizen or national can apply. Some jobs also accept non-citizens; the announcement says so.

Open to the public. You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national. Veterans' preference does not apply to this job.

What you would do

  • Load helicopters with people and cargo, planning weight and securing
  • Prepare manifests listing people and equipment going to fire sites
  • Inspect and check tools and equipment so they are ready for firefighting
  • Exit helicopters in remote areas to build helispots and attack small fires
  • Gather weather, terrain, fuel and fire behavior information during incidents
  • Operate and make emergency repairs to specialized fire equipment

Do you qualify for GW-5?

With experience: One year of specialized experience at or comparable to the GW-04 grade level in federal service or equivalent. Examples include helping load helicopter cargo, completing crew manifests, serving on a hotshot or helitack crew, and operating portable pumps or drip torches. Paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, counts.

With education: A 4-year course of study at an accredited college or university with a major in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or another related field. Education can also be combined with experience. Transcripts are required if you use education.

Licenses and certifications you need:

  • Completed NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) course
  • Completed S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior course

How to apply well

What to send:

  • Resume, no more than 2 pages, showing dates, hours per week and duties for each job
  • Copy of IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documents proving FFT1 and IFPM factor; red cards are not accepted
  • College transcripts if you qualify through education; unofficial copy is acceptable at first
  • Course descriptions if needed to explain education
  • Files must be under 5MB and in formats such as PDF, DOC, DOCX, JPG or PNG; no encrypted files
  • Proof of eligibility and SF-50 forms only if claiming CTAP, RPL or ICTAP priority

How you will be rated: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are referred to the selecting official. No numeric rating is used, and veterans' preference does not apply. You must also complete the Assessment Questionnaire; inflated or inaccurate information can lower your score, make you ineligible, or lead to disciplinary action.

Tips for this job:

  • Your resume must show dates, hours per week and duties for each job, and fit within 2 pages.
  • Attach your IQCS Master Record or equivalent proof of FFT1 and IFPM; red cards are not accepted.
  • Start Work Capacity Test training now, since passing the arduous test is a condition of employment.

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Full-time, temporary. Expected start between April 18, 2027 and June 13, 2027. Occasional overnight travel for fire assignments.

Incentives and relocation: Relocation expenses are not reimbursed.

Conditions of employment:

  • U.S. citizen or U.S. national
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt
  • Background investigation and/or fingerprint check
  • Direct deposit required for federal pay
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • E-Verify employment check
  • Pre-appointment and random drug testing
  • Medical screening meeting federal wildland firefighter arduous standards
  • Pass arduous Work Capacity Test: 3-mile hike in 45 minutes with 45-pound pack
  • Willing to live and work in remote, unpredictable locations
  • Occasional overnight travel may be required

We wrote this summary automatically from the official announcement. The announcement on USAJOBS is the only one that counts: read it before you apply.

Job details

Salary
$25.00 per hour
Pay scale and grade
GW-5 · GW
Locations
  • Hamilton, Montana
  • Location Negotiable After Selection
  • Helena, Montana
  • Hungry Horse, Montana
  • Missoula, Montana
  • Libby, Montana
  • Wise River, Montana
  • Gallatin Gateway, Montana
  • Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
  • Grangeville, Idaho
Appointment
Temporary
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Openings
Many
Security clearance
Other
Travel
Occasional travel
Drug test
Not required
Supervisory
No
Occupation
Wildland Fire Management (0456)
Announcement
27-TEMPF3-R1-2PC027-5DH

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