Become a Helitack Wildland Firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service

Are you looking for a career that pushes your physical limits and makes a direct impact on the preservation of America's natural heritage? The U.S. Forest Service is currently hiring for Wildland Firefighter (Helitack) positions for the 2027 season. This role is not for the faint of heart; it is designed for dedicated professionals ready to tackle wildfires using aerial resources and elite ground operations.

Job Responsibilities

As a Helitack firefighter, you will serve as a key member of a fire crew. Your daily duties will include:

Loading and offloading personnel and cargo from helicopters.
Constructing helispots in remote, challenging terrain.
Utilizing fire suppression tools to attack spot fires and hot spots.
Conducting emergency repairs on specialized firefighting equipment.
Participating in intensive training to ensure the highest safety standards during fireline activities.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-stakes role, you must meet strict criteria:

Requirement	Status
Age	18+
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen
Certification	FFT1 and S-290 required
Physical Fitness	Must pass Arduous WCT
Drug Screening	Subject to pre-employment testing

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly rate of $25.37, based on the Rest of U.S. (RUS) locality pay scales. Compensation may vary depending on the specific assigned duty location.

Benefits

While this is a temporary appointment, the experience gained is invaluable. You will receive rigorous training in wildland fire tactics, aviation operations, and emergency logistics, providing a foundation for a long-term career in fire management.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Do not exceed two pages. This is a hard limit.
Documentation: Ensure your IQCS Master Record is attached; red cards are not acceptable.
Physical Training: Start training for the pack test immediately.

Serving as a Helitack Wildland Firefighter is a challenging, honorable, and transformative experience. If you are ready to serve and protect, prepare your documentation and apply today.

Why This Wildland Firefighter (Helitack) Job Matters

Join the elite ranks of the Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter (Helitack) and take your career to new heights in one of the most dynamic environments on Earth.

Wildland Firefighter (Helitack) Job Overview

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking skilled and physically resilient individuals to serve as Wildland Firefighter (Helitack) crew members. This vital position involves high-stakes fire suppression, helicopter cargo operations, and sophisticated fire management strategies. You will work across diverse landscapes, ensuring the safety of natural resources and communities while maintaining specialized equipment in a fast-paced, mission-driven team environment.

Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Successful completion of the Primary NWCG Core Requirement for Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
Successful completion of the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement for Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).
Ability to pass the arduous-level Work Capacity Test (3-mile hike with 45lb pack in 45 minutes).
Consent to pre-employment and random drug testing.
Submission of IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documentation.

Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Prior field experience on specialized fire crews, such as Hotshots or engine modules.
Proficiency in loading helicopters and managing manifest documentation.
Familiarity with long-line external load operations and maintenance.
Experience in hazard fuel reduction and fire line construction.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Exposure to unique, high-intensity career training.
✓Contribution to vital national conservation efforts.
✓Opportunities for professional development within the USDA.
✓Government-standard compensation packages.

💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Helitack) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Helitack) Job

Ensure your resume is no more than two pages long and details all relevant fire experience.
Gather your IQCS Master Record or equivalent training certification documents.
Complete the application through the official portal before the closing date.
Prepare for the arduous physical fitness test.
Monitor your status via the online staffing system dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will result in disqualification.
Clearly highlight your S-290 and FFT1 certifications in your documents.
Start your physical training regimen immediately to ensure you can pass the arduous fitness test.
Verify that your uploaded documents are not in a restricted portfolio format and stay under the 5MB file limit.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, reach out to the agency contact early.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the physical requirement for this job?

You must pass the Work Capacity Test (WCT) at the arduous level, which involves completing a 3-mile hike in 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.

Is this position permanent?

No, this is a temporary appointment intended for the fire season, typically lasting up to 6 months with the possibility of extension.

What happens if I don't have my training documents ready?

Failure to provide proof of your FFT1 and S-290 certifications at the time of application will result in a loss of consideration for the role.

Job from Forest Service

The Department of Agriculture's Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of public land. From fire suppression and research to private forestry assistance, the Forest Service is tasked with the stewardship of our nation's most magnificent landscapes. Joining this team means joining a legacy of conservation and emergency service.