kandidatu USA

Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Forest Service · Department of Agriculture

This job in plain English

This is a temporary, full-time Wildland Firefighter job on a helitack crew, which flies firefighters to fires by helicopter. It is with the Forest Service, with many vacancies in Payson, Prescott and Williams in Arizona, and in Hurley, Los Alamos and Tijeras in New Mexico. The job involves arduous physical work, 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.

Any U.S. citizen or U.S. national can apply. Veterans' preference does not apply to this job.

What you would do

  • Fight wildland fires as a senior firefighter on a helitack crew
  • Load helicopters with people and cargo and complete manifests
  • Inspect helicopter gear, fire tools and equipment before use
  • Build helispots and attack small fires in remote areas
  • Operate and repair specialized fire equipment in the field
  • Take part in fire safety training, drills and crew checks

Do you qualify for GW-5?

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

With education: A four-year degree from an accredited college in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or a related field can qualify you instead of experience. You can also combine education and experience.

How to apply well

What to send:

  • Resume showing dates, title, grade, hours per week and duties for each job, no more than 2 pages
  • IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documents proving FFT1 and S-290 (red cards are not accepted)
  • College transcripts if you qualify through education (unofficial copy is fine at first)
  • Surplus or displaced employee proof, if you claim CTAP, RPL or ICTAP priority

How you will be rated: This is a direct-hire job, so there is no rating or ranking. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are sent to the selecting official, and the resume is checked first. Inflated or inaccurate information can lead to a lower score, ineligibility, or removal from federal service.

Tips for this job:

  • Your resume must show hours per week and dates for each firefighting job, and it cannot go over 2 pages.
  • Upload your IQCS Master Record or equivalent proof of FFT1 and S-290; 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. Appointment may last up to 6 months, or up to 1 year as a not-to-exceed date, and may end early due to lack of work or funds.

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 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
  • Medical screening to meet 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 carrying 45 pounds)
  • Complete NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) training
  • Complete NWCG Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) training
  • 1-year probationary period

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
  • Williams, Arizona
  • Prescott, Arizona
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico
  • Tijeras, New Mexico
  • Location Negotiable After Selection
  • Hurley, New Mexico
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-R3-2PC027-5DH

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