Become an Assistant Unit Fire Chief: A Career in Wildland Fire Leadership

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is hiring a highly skilled Supervisory Wildland Firefighter to serve as an Assistant Unit Fire Chief. If you have deep experience in fire management, a passion for public service, and the ability to lead in high-stress, complex emergency situations, this is your opportunity to impact land management on a national scale.

Job Responsibilities

In this senior role, you will:

Coordinate fire management activities in alignment with the Fire Management Plan (FMP).
Represent the agency on interagency committees and teams.
Provide expert-level guidance on aviation, fuels, and suppression strategies.
Manage annual budgets and oversee long-range planning initiatives.

Comparison of Requirements

Category	Requirement Level
Experience	1 Year of specialized GW-11 level or equivalent
Certification	Must meet IFPM for Unit Fire Program Manager
Citizenship	Must be U.S. Citizen
Physicality	High: Rugged terrain and extreme conditions

Requirements

Applicants must possess substantial primary firefighting experience. This includes at least one full fire season or 14 days of fireline experience. Additionally, you must meet the IFPM standards for a high-complexity fire program manager, including specific NWCG qualifications.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: $97,564 – $126,835 per year.
Benefits: Federal health and life insurance, generous leave, retirement programs, and comprehensive training.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Keep it to exactly two pages. Use clear, specific dates and hours worked.
Documentation: Don't forget your IQCS Master Record. It is non-negotiable for this role.
Clarity: Ensure your fireline experience is clearly defined in your resume to avoid an 'ineligible' rating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I apply if I am not a federal employee? A: Yes, check the hiring paths to see if you qualify for special authorities or open competitive positions.
Q: What is the probationary period? A: You must complete a 1-year supervisory probationary period to verify your fit for the role.

Serving as an Assistant Unit Fire Chief is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety of our nation's resources. Apply by August 17, 2026, to ensure you are considered for this pivotal position in Bishop, California.

Why This Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Unit Fire Chief) Job Matters

Take command of fire management strategy and protect our nation's wildlands as an Assistant Unit Fire Chief.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Unit Fire Chief) Job Overview

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking a dedicated, experienced professional to serve as a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Unit Fire Chief). This role is critical in coordinating large-scale fire management activities, advising leadership on strategic policy, and managing fuels programs across diverse public and tribal lands. Based in Bishop, California, this position offers the chance to apply high-level leadership and technical expertise in a high-complexity fire program environment.

Requirements for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Unit Fire Chief)

U.S. Citizenship or National status
Must be 18 years of age or older
Possession of a valid state driver's license
Documented primary wildland firefighting experience (minimum 1 full fire season or 14 days of fireline experience)
Successful completion of a drug test prior to appointment and subjection to ongoing random testing
Must meet IFPM qualification standards for a Unit Fire Program Manager (High Complexity)
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/59
Ability to work in hazardous field conditions including temperature extremes and rugged terrain
Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Unit Fire Chief)

Current NWCG qualification as Division Group Supervisor (DIVS) combined with Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) or Prescribed Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
Current NWCG qualification as Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) combined with Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3)
Extensive experience in interagency fire policy development and strategic planning
Demonstrated ability to manage complex fire and aviation program budgets
Proven track record in fuels management and ecosystem-based fire strategies

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance options
✓Comprehensive life insurance coverage
✓Federal retirement benefits (CSRS/FERS)
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
✓Training and professional development opportunities

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Unit Fire Chief) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Unit Fire Chief) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the specific eligibility criteria in the job announcement.
Prepare your federal resume, ensuring it includes detailed dates (mm/yy), hours worked per week, and specific job duties.
Gather your IQCS Master Record and most recent performance appraisal.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents, including SF-50s if applicable.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit and formatting requirements.
Be explicit about your fireline experience; do not assume the recruiter has prior knowledge of your career.
Double-check that your IQCS record is attached, as failure to provide this will result in automatic disqualification.
Submit your performance appraisal and records of awards to help the selecting official evaluate your candidacy.
Apply well before the deadline to account for any technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

This is a temporary promotion/assignment not to exceed 120 days, though it may be eligible for extension or conversion.

Are there specific education requirements?

No, formal education cannot be used to substitute for the required firefighting experience for this specific position.

Can I work remotely?

This position is based in Bishop, California, and is generally not remote-eligible, though telework may be permitted during emergencies.

Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service, under the Department of the Interior, is dedicated to managing fire across over 500 million acres of public and tribal lands. Through interagency collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and state partners, the agency promotes fire-resilient landscapes and protects communities from the threats of wildfire.