kandidatu USA

Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Forest Service · Department of Agriculture

This job in plain English

This is a temporary Forest Service job as a wildland firefighter on a helitack crew, which uses helicopters to reach and fight fires. It is based in National Forests at several locations, including Grants Pass, John Day, La Grande, and Prineville in Oregon, and East Wenatchee in Washington. Direct hire is being used, and the job involves remote work and occasional overnight travel.

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.

This job is open to the public. Any U.S. citizen or U.S. national can apply, including people who owe allegiance to the U.S.

What you would do

  • Fights wildland fires as a senior firefighter on a helitack crew.
  • Loads helicopters with people and cargo and completes manifests.
  • Inspects helicopter gear, fire tools, and equipment so they are ready for use.
  • Operates and repairs specialized fire equipment, including emergency field repairs.
  • Gathers weather, terrain, fuel, and fire behavior information to guide firefighting.
  • May exit helicopters in remote areas to build helispots and attack small fires.

Do you qualify for GW-5?

With experience: You need one year of specialized experience at or near the GW-04 level, in federal service or equivalent, to qualify for GW-05. Examples include loading helicopter cargo, mopping up fires, serving on a hotshot or helitack crew, and running 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 in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology, or a related field can qualify you. You can also combine education and experience.

Licenses and certifications you need:

  • NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) certification, proven with an IQCS Master Record
  • NWCG Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) course completed

How to apply well

What to send:

  • Resume, no more than 2 pages, with dates, hours worked per week, and title, series, and grade of past jobs
  • IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documents proving FFT1 and S-290 (red cards are not accepted)
  • College transcripts if you use education to qualify (an unofficial copy is fine to apply)
  • Proof of accreditation and an English translation for any foreign school transcripts
  • Proof of eligibility and SF-50 forms if you are a displaced federal employee using CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP

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. Inflated or inaccurate qualifications can lead to a lower score, being found ineligible, or disciplinary action.

Tips for this job:

  • Attach your IQCS Master Record proving FFT1 and S-290, because red cards are not accepted.
  • Keep your resume to 2 pages or less, or you will be removed from consideration.
  • Start training for the Arduous Work Capacity Test now, since passing it is a condition of employment.

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Full-time. Includes remote fire assignments and occasional overnight travel.

Incentives and relocation: Relocation expenses are not reimbursed. No other incentives are listed.

Conditions of employment:

  • U.S. citizen or U.S. national
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Background investigation and/or fingerprint check
  • Direct deposit required for federal pay
  • Pass the E-Verify employment check
  • Pre-appointment and random drug testing; a negative result is required
  • Medical screening that meets Federal Wildland Firefighter arduous duty standards
  • Pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test (3-mile hike in 45 minutes with a 45-pound pack) and keep passing it
  • Willing to live and work in remote, unpredictable locations
  • Occasional overnight travel may be required
  • Temporary appointment of up to 6 months, or up to 1 year NTE; may end early for lack of work or funds

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
  • La Grande, Oregon
  • Grants Pass, Oregon
  • Prineville, Oregon
  • John Day, Oregon
  • Location Negotiable After Selection
  • East Wenatchee, Washington
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-R6-2PC027-5DH

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