Wildland Firefighter (Fire Engine Operation)
Forest Service · Department of Agriculture
This job in plain English
This is a temporary, full-time wildland firefighter job on a Forest Service fire engine crew. Many vacancies are open at duty stations in Oregon and Washington, including Prineville, Hood River, and North Bend. The agency uses Direct Hire, and occasional overnight travel may be needed for fire assignments.
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, U.S. national, or person who owes allegiance to the United States can apply. Direct Hire authority is used, so veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking do not apply.
What you would do
- Serve as senior firefighter on a wildland fire engine during fire suppression.
- Drive the engine to fire locations and position equipment safely and effectively.
- Operate the pump, adjust engine speed and valves, lay hose, and use nozzles.
- Gather weather, terrain, fuel, and fire behavior information during incidents.
- Make emergency repairs so equipment can keep being used.
- Take part in fire safety training, drills, and crew proficiency checks.
Do you qualify for GW-5?
With experience: You need one year of specialized experience at the GS-4 level, such as operating an engine pump under close supervision or working as a skilled firefighter on an organized crew. This matches the GW-5 grade.
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 a related field qualifies. A combination of education and experience also qualifies.
Licenses and certifications you need:
- NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) course completion, shown in an IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documents
- NWCG Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) course completion, shown in an IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documents
How to apply well
What to send:
- Resume, no more than 2 pages, showing dates, hours per week, and duties for each job
- IQCS Master Record or equivalent training proof for FFT1 and S-290; red cards are not accepted
- College transcripts if you use education to qualify (unofficial copy is fine at first)
- Proof of accreditation for any foreign education
- If eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority: proof of eligibility, SF-50, and current performance appraisal
How you will be rated: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are sent to the selecting official without a rating or ranking. Inflated or inaccurate information on your resume or application can lower your score, make you ineligible, or lead to disciplinary action.
Tips for this job:
- Attach your IQCS Master Record showing FFT1 and S-290; red cards will not be accepted.
- Keep your resume to two pages or less, or you will be removed from consideration.
- Start the arduous Work Capacity Test training early, since passing it is a condition of employment.
Good to know before you apply
Schedule: Full-time. Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or fire-related 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 investigation and/or fingerprint check
- Direct deposit required for federal pay
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Pass the E-Verify employment check
- Pre-appointment and random drug testing; this is a test-designated position
- Medical screening under Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards
- Willing to live and work in remote, unpredictable locations
- Occasional overnight travel may be required
- Pass the arduous Work Capacity Test: 3-mile hike in 45 minutes with a 45-pound pack
- Temporary appointment of up to 6 months, or up to 1 year not-to-exceed; may end early
- Not eligible for telework
- Expected start date between April 18, 2027 and June 13, 2027
- Must meet all qualifications by the closing date
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
-
- North Bend, Washington
- Concrete, Washington
- Butte Falls, Oregon
- Hood River, Oregon
- Cave Junction, Oregon
- Central Point, Oregon
- Powers, Oregon
- Location Negotiable After Selection
- Prineville, Oregon
- Gold Beach, Oregon
- 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-R6-2PC030-5DH
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