Wildland Firefighter
Forest Service · Department of Agriculture
This job in plain English
This is a temporary, full-time job as a wildland firefighter on a fire crew within a National Forest, run by the U.S. Forest Service. There are many vacancies at duty stations across Oregon and Washington, and you can choose to be considered for any listed location. This is a direct-hire posting, so applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are referred without a numeric rating.
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.
Any U.S. citizen or U.S. national may apply. Veterans' preference does not apply to this vacancy.
What you would do
- Work as a senior firefighter on a hand crew, engine, helitack, or hotshot crew.
- Build fire line with hand tools and power saws to control spreading wildfire.
- Load helicopter cargo and track people and equipment flown to fires.
- Lead a squad of 3 to 5 firefighters on suppression work for small or large fires.
- Help with fuel reduction, trail maintenance, and other project work when assigned.
Do you qualify for GW-5?
With experience: You need one year of specialized experience equal to at least the GW-04 grade level in federal service or equivalent. Examples include serving on a hotshot, helitack, or engine crew to fight difficult fires, or operating portable pumps or drip torches.
With education: You can qualify by completing a 4-year course of study at an accredited college or university with a major in fire science, fire training, fire technology, or a related field. You can also combine education and experience. Transcripts are required if you use education to qualify.
Licenses and certifications you need:
- State Department of Transportation license, required before you can drive a crew carrier
How to apply well
What to send:
- Resume with personal information, education, and work history (dates, hours per week, duties), no more than 2 pages
- Transcripts if you use education to qualify (unofficial copy is acceptable at first)
- IQCS Master Record or equivalent proof of FFT1 and S-290 completion (red cards are not accepted)
How you will be rated: Your resume and documents are checked to confirm you meet the minimum qualifications and selective placement factors. Qualified applicants are referred to the selecting official without a rating. If your resume overstates your experience, your score may be adjusted or you may be found ineligible.
Tips for this job:
- Attach your IQCS Master Record or equivalent proof of FFT1 and S-290 completion, since 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, temporary. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027 and June 13, 2027. Work may be in remote locations and may include occasional overnight travel for fire assignments.
Conditions of employment:
- U.S. citizen or U.S. national
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt
- Background check and/or fingerprint check
- Direct deposit required for federal pay
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Pass E-Verify employment check
- Pass pre-appointment and random drug testing
- Meet Federal Wildland Firefighter medical standards for arduous duty
- Pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test (3-mile hike in 45 minutes with a 45-pound pack)
- Willing to live and work in remote, unpredictable locations
- Occasional overnight travel may be required
- Successfully complete FFT1 and S-290 training requirements
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
-
- Winthrop, Washington
- Randle, Washington
- Naches, Washington
- Leavenworth, Washington
- East Wenatchee, Washington
- Chelan, Washington
- Cle Elum, Washington
- North Bend, Washington
- Hoodsport, Washington
- Quilcene, Washington
- Darrington, Washington
- Entiat, Washington
- and 32 more
- 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-R6-2PC029-5DH
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