Become a Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) in Montana
Are you looking to advance your career in wildland fire management? The Department of the Interior is seeking a highly skilled individual to join the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) as a Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) in Lewistown, Montana. This role offers the unique opportunity to manage prescribed fire programs and contribute to the ecological health of our nation's vast public lands.
Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for the full spectrum of fuels management, including:
- Developing and evaluating fire management plans.
- Implementing short-term fire management objectives.
- Analyzing fuel loadings to determine effective treatment methods.
- Coordinating interagency projects and cooperative agreements.
- Exercising supervisory authority over team members.
Requirements
Candidates must meet stringent federal standards, including:
- U.S. citizenship.
- Documented prior primary wildland fire experience.
- Specific NWCG qualifications (RXB2 and Single Resource Boss).
- Ability to pass medical and drug screenings.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Criteria | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Experience (Fed) | 1 Year at GW-09 or higher | Equivalent work required |
| Experience (Non-Fed) | 1 Year at GW-10 or higher | Must be specialized field work |
| Medical | Required | Must meet fitness standards |
| Education | Not applicable | No credit for 0456 series at GW-11 |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $83,639 to $108,738 per year, commensurate with federal pay schedules. Employees are also eligible for federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and generous leave policies.
Application Tips
When applying for this federal position, attention to detail is critical. Ensure your resume follows the formatting requirements (two-page limit, 10-point font) and explicitly details your fireline experience. Attach your IQCS Master Record to avoid automatic disqualification.
If you have the technical expertise and the leadership drive to influence the future of wildland fire management, this role in Lewistown, Montana, is an excellent opportunity to serve the public interest while building a rewarding federal career.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) Job Matters
Protect our nation's landscapes by leading critical fuels management initiatives with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service in the heart of Montana.
Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) Job Overview
The Department of the Interior's U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking a dedicated Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) for a position in Lewistown, Montana. This role is pivotal for managing fire-resilient landscapes across public lands. You will direct fuels management programs, analyze fire behavior, and coordinate interagency projects to ensure ecological health and safety. This is a Direct-Hire opportunity for an experienced professional ready to take on a leadership role in fire management strategies.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
- Possession of a valid state driver's license.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and drug screening.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12-31-59.
- Must obtain and maintain a government travel charge card.
- Prior on-the-line wildland firefighting experience (documented).
- Current or achievable NWCG qualifications: Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Type 2 (RXB2) and Single Resource Boss (Engine, Crew, or Helicopter).
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)
- Demonstrated experience in developing and evaluating fire management plans.
- Expertise in analyzing fuel loadings and determining treatment methods.
- Strong background in land use planning and environmental coordination.
- Ability to analyze smoke management and the ecological roles of fire.
- Proven experience in interagency project coordination and cooperative agreements.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- ✓Access to professional development and specialized training.
- ✓Competitive salary within the federal pay structure.
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Review the job announcement and ensure you meet the minimum eligibility requirements.
- Prepare a resume that clearly outlines relevant experience, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
- Gather your IQCS Master Record to document NWCG qualifications.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Submit your application, including all required documentation, by the closing date of 07/23/2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume does not exceed two single-sided pages.
- Use a minimum 10-point font and at least 0.5-inch margins on all sides.
- Be specific about your fireline experience; general education without field experience does not qualify for this role.
- Double-check that your IQCS documentation is attached, as missing this will result in an automatic 'not qualified' rating.
- Select all eligibility categories that apply to you to ensure full consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this position?
This position focuses on the fuels management program, specifically planning, implementing, and evaluating prescribed fire strategies to maintain healthy, resilient public landscapes.
Can I qualify for this job using my education alone?
No. For the GW-11 grade level in the 0456 series, there is no option to qualify solely through education; specialized work experience is mandatory.
Is veterans' preference applied to this job?
No, this position is being filled under the Direct-Hire Authority (DHA), which does not utilize veterans' preference or traditional rating and ranking processes.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application must be received by July 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Is telework available?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework arrangements as defined by agency policy.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) operates within the Department of the Interior, managing fire programs across 500 million acres of public and tribal lands. The agency is dedicated to protecting lives, property, and natural resources while fostering fire-resilient landscapes through innovative science and interagency collaboration.