Become a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter: A Career in Forest Protection
Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on the preservation of our nation's public lands? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is currently hiring a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter to join the team in Whiteriver, Arizona. This position is perfect for experienced professionals looking to lead critical fire management, fuels reduction, and environmental protection initiatives.
About the U.S. Wildland Fire Service
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is a division of the Department of the Interior responsible for managing fire programs across more than 500 million acres of tribal and federal land. The agency is committed to creating fire-resilient landscapes and ensuring that all fire operations meet the highest standards of safety and sustainability. As a member of this team, you will collaborate with state, federal, and tribal partners to mitigate fire risks and restore ecosystem health.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter, your primary responsibility is to direct a comprehensive fuels management program. You will lead short- and long-term planning, manage budgeting for fire programs, and ensure all activities comply with environmental standards, such as state air quality regulations. Your daily tasks include:
- Developing fuels treatment prescriptions and monitoring programs.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including wildlife biologists and geologists.
- Conducting field surveys to document hazardous fuel conditions.
- Supervising prescribed fire implementation, from ignition to mop-up.
Requirements
This is a physically and mentally demanding role. Applicants must be able to satisfy the following requirements:
- Age: You must be under the age of 37 at the time of appointment (with some exceptions for veterans).
- Medical & Fitness: You must pass an arduous-level work capacity test and a medical examination.
- License: A valid state driver's license is required for official duties.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GW/GS-07 or GW/GS-08 level is required depending on the target grade.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range based on federal pay scales, adjusted for the specific responsibilities of the role.
| Pay Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GW-08 / GW-09 | $67,617 - $94,687 |
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides robust benefits designed to support your long-term success and wellbeing, including:
- Retirement: Special retirement provisions under 5 U.S.C. for primary and secondary firefighter positions.
- Health/Insurance: Access to premium federal health, dental, and life insurance plans.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous leave policies including paid time off and federal holidays.
Application Tips
- Highlight Experience: Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your previous work matches the required competencies in fire management.
- Documentation is Key: Ensure you include your SF-50 forms and IQCS Master Record if you are already in the federal service.
- Follow Formatting: Keep your resume under two pages and adhere strictly to the 10-point font and 0.5-inch margin requirements.
If you are a driven leader with a background in fire ecology and land management, this is your chance to advance your career while performing vital public service. Apply today to lead the efforts in safeguarding our natural resources in Whiteriver, Arizona.
Why This Supervisory Wildland Firefighter Job Matters
Protect our nation's landscapes as a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter and take charge of high-impact fire management operations in Arizona.
Supervisory Wildland Firefighter Job Overview
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking a dedicated leader to serve as a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter in Whiteriver, Arizona. This critical role manages fuels management programs, wildfire planning, and prescribed fire initiatives to ensure the resilience of public and tribal lands. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to implement land management plans and conduct hazardous fuels surveys. This is a unique opportunity to shape fire management strategy while safeguarding community and environmental safety.
Requirements for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must possess a valid state driver's license.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and drug test.
- Must pass the arduous-level work capacity test.
- Must meet the Maximum Entry Age (MEA) requirement of 37 years, unless eligible for veteran preference or prior federal service exceptions.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (if male born after 12-31-59).
- Must obtain and maintain a government travel charge card.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter
- Experience in the preparation and implementation of prescribed fire plans.
- Strong technical background in fuels management surveys and hazardous fuel documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate with interdisciplinary teams including wildlife biologists, foresters, and archeologists.
- Extensive experience in fire management principles, ecology, and suppression strategies.
- Proven supervisory experience within a wildland fire management context.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Special retirement provisions under 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave
- ✓Opportunity for professional career advancement and training
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Wildland Firefighter Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that specifically lists dates of employment (mm/yy), hours worked per week, and a detailed breakdown of duties.
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts, DD-214 (if applicable), and IQCS Master Record.
- Review the application questionnaire and complete the assessment online.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of August 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages and maintains at least 0.5-inch margins.
- Clearly label your federal experience, including current grade and series if applicable.
- Double-check your proof of age and veteran status documentation, as these are critical for the Maximum Entry Age requirement.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
- Always use the official document format for transcripts; unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review, but originals will be required for selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maximum Entry Age (MEA) for this position?
The MEA is the date preceding your 37th birthday. You must be under 37 at the time of appointment unless you are a preference-eligible veteran or provide proof of prior federal service in a covered position.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, for the GW-08 and GW-09 levels, there is no substitution of education for the required specialized experience.
Is travel required for this role?
Yes, you may be required to travel up to 50% of the time to support field operations and meetings.