kandidatu USA

Wildland Firefighter

Forest Service · Department of Agriculture

This job in plain English

This temporary job puts you on a Forest Service fire crew inside a National Forest. You would fight wildland fires as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot, helitack, or hand crew. Many vacancies are open in Arizona and New Mexico, the agency is using direct hire, and the job may involve remote locations 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.

The job is open to the public. You must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or someone who owes allegiance to the United States. Veterans' preference does not apply to this job.

What you would do

  • Serve as a senior firefighter on a hand crew, engine, or helitack crew.
  • Build fire line by moving dirt, chopping brush, and felling trees with hand tools.
  • Load helicopter cargo and complete manifests of people and equipment.
  • Drive crew carriers after getting the required state Department of Transportation license.
  • May lead a squad of 3 to 5 firefighters on small or large fires.
  • Show new employees how the work is done and keep the crew working safely.

Do you qualify for GW-5?

With experience: You need 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04 grade in federal service, or equivalent experience. Examples include serving on a hotshot, helitack, or engine crew, and operating portable pumps or drip torches.

With education: 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 can qualify you. A combination of education and experience can also qualify you. The announcement does not say education cannot replace experience.

Licenses and certifications you need:

  • State Department of Transportation license, required before you can drive crew carriers
  • NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) course completion
  • NWCG S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior course completion
  • IQCS Master Record or equivalent proof of IFPM certification

How to apply well

What to send:

  • Resume of 2 pages or less with personal information, education, and work experience
  • Resume must show dates of work, hours worked per week, title, series, and grade
  • Unofficial college transcripts if you use education to qualify, with course information
  • English translation of transcripts, and accreditation proof for any foreign school
  • IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documents proving IFPM certification (red cards are not accepted)
  • Proof of eligibility and SF-50 forms if you claim CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority

How you will be rated: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are sent to the selecting official without a numeric rating. Your resume is checked to confirm you meet all requirements, and you must complete the Assessment Questionnaire when you apply. Inflated or inaccurate information can lead to a lower score, ineligibility, or removal from federal service.

Tips for this job:

  • Attach your IQCS Master Record or equivalent proof of IFPM certification. Red cards are not accepted.
  • Keep your resume to 2 pages or less, and list hours per week and exact dates for each job. Longer resumes are 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. Expected start date is between April 18, 2027 and June 13, 2027. Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire assignments.

Incentives and relocation: Relocation expenses are not reimbursed.

Conditions of employment:

  • Must be a 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
  • Federal pay must be paid by direct deposit
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must pass the E-Verify employment check
  • Pre-appointment and random drug testing; appointment depends on a negative result
  • Medical screening under Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards
  • Pass Arduous Work Capacity Test: 3-mile hike in 45 minutes with 45-pound pack
  • Must be willing to live and work in remote, unpredictable locations
  • Occasional overnight travel may be required
  • Temporary job for up to 6 months, or up to 1 year not-to-exceed

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
  • Payson, Arizona
  • Fredonia, Arizona
  • Tonto Basin, Arizona
  • Roosevelt, Arizona
  • Happy Jack, Arizona
  • Sedona, Arizona
  • Springerville, Arizona
  • Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Douglas, Arizona
  • Jacob Lake, Arizona
  • Williams, Arizona
  • Mesa, Arizona
  • and 18 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-R3-2PC029-5DH

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