Launch Your Career as a Wildland Firefighter in Indiana
Are you looking for a career that combines physical rigor, environmental stewardship, and emergency response? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is hiring a dedicated Wildland Firefighter to join the team in Porter, Indiana. This role is essential for managing fire-resilient landscapes and ensuring the safety of our public lands.
Job Responsibilities
As a Wildland Firefighter, your daily duties are centered around readiness and response. Key responsibilities include:
- Fire Suppression: Leading suppression efforts during initial and extended attacks.
- Fuels Management: Implementing prescribed fire and mechanical treatments to manage vegetation.
- Team Leadership: Directing small crews in the field to build firelines and patrol fire perimeters.
- Data Collection: Monitoring weather and fire behavior to ensure safe and effective tactical decisions.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a specific set of qualifications:
- Certifications: Must possess FFT1 and S-290 credentials.
- Age Limits: Must be 18 and under 37.
- Fitness: Must pass the arduous work capacity test.
- Experience: One year of specialized federal experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $64,468 - $83,808 per year |
| Appointment Type | Career-Seasonal |
| Retirement | Special Enhanced Annuity Provisions |
| Work Location | Porter, Indiana |
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume is precise. Use a 10-point font, adhere to the two-page limit, and provide exact dates of service and hours worked. Always attach your IQCS Master Record to prevent your application from being rejected due to incomplete documentation.
Serving as a Wildland Firefighter is more than a job; it is a commitment to protecting the nation's natural resources. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for the challenge, submit your application before July 15, 2026.
Why This Wildland Firefighter Job Matters
Answer the call of the wild and protect our nation's landscapes as a Wildland Firefighter with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
Wildland Firefighter Job Overview
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking a dedicated Wildland Firefighter to join their team in Porter, Indiana. This is a vital, high-intensity role focused on fire suppression, fuels management, and landscape protection. As a member of a wildland fire module, you will engage in arduous field operations, lead crew members during suppression efforts, and contribute to the long-term health of our public lands. This position is a career-seasonal appointment, offering a unique opportunity to serve in a demanding environment where your skills directly impact environmental safety and resource preservation.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age and under 37 at the time of appointment (with specific exceptions for veterans and prior federal service).
- Possess Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Intermediate Fire Behavior (S-290) certifications.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW/GS-05 grade level.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and a Work Capacity Test for arduous positions.
- Must hold and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Must submit to drug testing and periodic random screenings.
- Must have Selective Service registration for applicable males.
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter
- Demonstrated experience in initial and extended fire attack operations.
- Expertise in constructing firelines using hand tools and power equipment.
- Proven track record of gathering and reporting fire behavior and weather observations.
- Leadership experience within a wildland fire crew or module.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Health and life insurance options through federal programs.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including special enhanced annuity provisions for firefighters.
- ✓Paid federal holidays, sick leave, and annual leave accrual.
- ✓Career advancement opportunities within the Department of the Interior.
- ✓Training and professional development in fire management and safety.
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a federal-style resume that adheres to the two-page limit and font requirements.
- Gather your IQCS Master Record to verify NWCG qualifications.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire at the official portal.
- Upload all required documentation, including proof of age and relevant certifications.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of July 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your fire experience in hours per week and specific dates (mm/yy).
- Double-check that your resume is exactly two pages long with 0.5-inch margins to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Clearly highlight your IFPM-compliant certifications to ensure your application is not marked as ineligible.
- Do not include personal information like photos or Social Security numbers in your resume.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal regularly rather than emailing for status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education a substitute for experience in this position?
No, there is no substitution of education for experience at this specific grade level.
What is the maximum entry age for this role?
The maximum entry age is 37. You must not have reached your 37th birthday by the date of appointment, unless you are a preference-eligible veteran or have specific prior federal service.
What physical requirements should I expect?
This is an arduous position requiring high physical fitness. You will be expected to perform heavy lifting, extensive hiking, and work in extreme temperatures (above 100 degrees or below freezing) in difficult terrain.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is a division of the Department of the Interior. With oversight of over 500 million acres, the agency is tasked with wildfire suppression, prescribed burning, and cross-agency coordination to keep both communities and ecosystems safe.