Lead the Front Lines: Supervisory Wildland Firefighter Careers
Are you ready to take your career in wildland fire management to the next level? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is actively seeking dedicated and experienced individuals for the Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Operations Technician) role. This is a critical leadership position tasked with managing complex fire incidents and ensuring the safety of resources across the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As an Operations Technician, your day-to-day will be dynamic and high-impact. You will:
- Provide direct oversight for initial and extended attack fire operations.
- Direct tactical maneuvers for crews, equipment, and aviation assets.
- Coordinate with Dispatch to manage logistics and resources.
- Mentor and evaluate subordinate performance.
- Analyze fire behavior to inform incident objectives and strategies.
Requirements
Candidates must meet stringent safety and operational standards:
- Experience: Must provide documented evidence of at least one full fire season or 14 days of primary wildland firefighting experience.
- Qualifications: Must meet IFPM standards, including specific NWCG certifications like DIVS, ICT3, or RXB2.
- Physical Fitness: Candidates must pass an arduous-duty work capacity test and a comprehensive medical examination.
- Legal/Compliance: Must be a U.S. Citizen, pass drug screenings, and possess a valid state driver's license.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Level GW-10 (Current Fed) | Level GW-10 (Non-Fed) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 1 Year at GW-08 equivalent | 1 Year specialized experience |
| Documentation | Must show grade/series | Must show specific duties/hours |
| Evaluation | Competency-based | Competency-based |
Salary Overview
The pay range for this position is $78,166 to $118,457 per year. For specific locations such as Hawaii, a cost-of-living allowance (COLA) may apply, subject to annual review and adjustments.
Benefits
Employees enjoy a full suite of federal benefits, including:
- Health and life insurance options.
- Retirement plans and thrift savings.
- Relocation and recruitment incentives on a case-by-case basis.
- Professional development and specialized training opportunities.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Your resume is the single most important document. Ensure it lists dates (mm/yy), hours worked per week, and detailed duty descriptions.
- Avoid Extraneous Info: Remove personal photos, SSNs, or sensitive information. Keep the resume under two pages.
- IQCS Records: Don't forget to attach your IQCS Master Record; failure to do so will result in an automatic 'not qualified' rating.
Can I apply if I have only worked in prescribed fire?
Prescribed fire experience is creditable, but it must be supplemented by fire suppression experience to count toward the primary wildland firefighting requirement.
This position is more than a job—it is a mission to protect public lands and lead the next generation of firefighters. If you possess the leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to the American republic, apply today to secure your place with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
Why This Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Wildland Fire Operations Technician) Job Matters
Take command on the front lines. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking experienced professionals to lead critical operations and protect our nation's landscapes.
Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Wildland Fire Operations Technician) Job Overview
As a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Operations Technician), you will serve in a pivotal role within the Department of the Interior. This position is central to the management of large-scale, complex fire incidents across diverse environments. You will provide leadership on the fireline, oversee the tactical deployment of personnel and equipment, and manage fire-resilient land initiatives across over 500 million acres. This role is perfect for seasoned wildland firefighters ready to step into a higher level of oversight and incident management.
Requirements for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Wildland Fire Operations Technician)
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and work capacity test for arduous positions
- Mandatory drug testing and ongoing random testing
- Must hold and maintain a valid state driver's license
- Must meet Selective Service registration requirements for males born after 12-31-59
- Minimum of one full fire season or 14 days of on-the-ground fireline experience
- Completion of a 1-year supervisory probationary period if applicable
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Wildland Fire Operations Technician)
- Current federal status with one year of experience equivalent to the GW-08 level
- Proven experience in directing fireline construction, backfiring, and burnout operations
- Operational knowledge of wildland engines, helicopters, and helitack logistics
- Technical expertise in fire behavior, fire effects, and weather monitoring
- Demonstrated ability to manage crew inventory, training, and tactical decision-making
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with potential for locality pay
- ✓Relocation incentives and PCS entitlements for eligible candidates
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits
- ✓Cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for Hawaii-based positions
- ✓Opportunity to lead in diverse, high-stakes environments
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Wildland Fire Operations Technician) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Wildland Fire Operations Technician) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the position requirements and ensure your resume is formatted to 10-point font and maximum two pages.
- Prepare your IQCS Master Record to prove IFPM qualifications.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Submit your application and required documents before the closing date of July 14, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your fireline experience with dates, locations, and hours per week.
- Do not include personal identifiers such as Social Security Numbers or photos on your resume.
- If claiming CTAP/ICTAP, ensure you upload your most recent SF-50 and performance appraisal.
- Check your USAJOBS application status regularly for updates.
- Be specific—the HR team will not make assumptions about your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) requirement?
This position requires specific NWCG incident management qualifications (e.g., DIVS/ICT3 or ASGS/ICT3) to ensure operational capability for complex fire management.
Is telework an option for this position?
Due to the on-the-ground nature of firefighting, telework is restricted to emergencies or natural disasters.
Are there any physical hazards associated with this role?
Yes, duties involve arduous physical exertion in steep terrain and high temperatures, with exposure to smoke, noise, and potential fire hazards.
How are candidates evaluated?
Because this is a Direct Hire Authority role, traditional rating/ranking of veterans' preference does not apply. All minimally qualified candidates will be referred.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service operates within the Department of the Interior, managing fire-resilient landscapes across over 500 million acres. The USWFS holds full program authority, coordinating federal, tribal, and state wildland fire efforts. Joining this team means committing to the protection of our nation’s public lands and supporting the efficiency of the federal government.