Become an Elite Wildland Firefighter: Join the Smokejumper Program
Are you looking for a career that pushes you to your physical and mental limits while contributing to the preservation of our nation's forests? The U.S. Forest Service is hiring for the highly specialized and prestigious position of Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper). This role is designed for those who possess the grit, athleticism, and tactical mind required to manage fires in the most remote areas of the country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Smokejumper, your primary duty is to deploy via parachute into remote, often inaccessible fire zones. You will manage complex incident scenarios, select jump spots, and execute fire suppression tactics using hand and power tools. Key duties include:
- Executing parachute jumps under variable conditions.
- Suppressing wildland fires using tools like Pulaskis, chainsaws, and McLeod tools.
- Acting as Incident Commander or Single Resource Boss.
- Maintaining specialized parachute and jump gear.
- Assisting with paracargo operations and refueling/maintenance of aircraft gear.
- Engaging in fuel reduction and hazard mitigation projects when not actively fighting fires.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must be a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old. You must be prepared for the physical demands of the role, which include mandatory medical screenings and passing the Arduous Work Capacity Test. Candidates are subject to strict drug testing policies.
Comparison of Qualification Needs
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical | Must pass Arduous WCT (3 miles, 45 lbs, 45 mins) |
| Experience | Min. 1 year at GW-5 level or equivalent |
| Documentation | 2-page max resume, official transcripts if applicable |
| Compliance | Subject to random drug testing and background check |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a hourly rate of $27.63. As a temporary employee within the federal government, you gain entry into a specialized career path that offers unparalleled experience in fire behavior and resource management. Working with the Forest Service provides unique insights into national forestry challenges.
Application Tips
- Focus on the Resume: The most common cause for disqualification is exceeding the two-page limit. Ensure your resume highlights your fire management experience clearly.
- Documentation Accuracy: Ensure all uploaded documents are in an acceptable format and are clearly legible.
- Early Submission: Do not wait until the final hours to submit your application. If you have any technical difficulties, contact the HR help center immediately.
Being a Smokejumper is more than a job; it is a commitment to protecting the nation's magnificent landscapes. If you possess the required specialized experience and are ready for the challenge of a lifetime, we encourage you to review the full details and apply to this prestigious program today.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper) Job Matters
Take your career to new heights as an elite Wildland Firefighter Smokejumper with the U.S. Forest Service.
Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper) Job Overview
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking skilled and courageous individuals to join our Smokejumper program. This position is at the front lines of wildland fire management, where you will perform parachute jumps into rugged, remote terrain to provide rapid response fire suppression. You will work within a specialized team to protect our nation's natural resources, manage complex fire strategies, and maintain the critical equipment required for airborne wildland operations.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
- Must pass the Arduous-level Work Capacity Test (3-mile hike with a 45lb pack in under 45 minutes).
- Must pass pre-employment and ongoing random drug testing.
- Must pass a medical screening for arduous wildland firefighting duty.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW-5 grade level.
- Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification process.
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)
- Proven experience in performing parachute jumps into rough terrain, including timber and mountains.
- Demonstrated history of serving as a Squad Boss, Crew Boss, or Incident Commander on fire or helitack crews.
- Experience in advanced tactical fire strategy and incident management.
- FAA certification as a Senior or Master Parachute Rigger.
- Proficiency in utilizing complex hand and power tools for wildland fire suppression.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in fire management
- ✓Critical training in airborne fire suppression techniques
- ✓Work within a highly respected federal agency
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper) Job
- Review the full USAJOBS announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that explicitly documents your fire-related experience (do not exceed 2 pages).
- Gather necessary supporting documentation, including transcripts if applicable.
- Log in to your USAJOBS profile and ensure your email notifications are enabled.
- Click the Apply button to complete the Assessment Questionnaire.
- Upload your resume and required documents (ensure they are under 5MB and in supported formats).
- Submit your application package by 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; it must not exceed two pages or you will be disqualified.
- Use clear, descriptive language for your fire suppression experience, including dates, hours worked, and specific roles held.
- Apply early to avoid technical issues as the deadline approaches.
- Verify your documents are legible and not encrypted before uploading.
- Contact the HR help center early if you have a hardship that requires an alternative application method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a temporary position (up to 6 months or NTE 1 year) with the possibility of extension depending on funding and workload.
What is the physical fitness requirement?
Candidates must pass the Work Capacity Test at the 'Arduous' level, which involves a 3-mile hike while carrying a 45-pound pack, completed in 45 minutes or less.
Are there drug testing requirements?
Yes. This is a Testing Designated Position; you will be subject to pre-employment testing and ongoing random drug testing.
Job from Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is an agency within the Department of Agriculture that manages over 193 million acres of National Forest and grasslands. Beyond protecting our forests, the agency conducts critical research and assists state and private forestry efforts. Joining the Smokejumper program means becoming part of an elite community responsible for rapid-response wildland fire suppression in high-stakes environments.