Advance Your Career as a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter
Are you an experienced wildland fire professional seeking a leadership role in one of America's most iconic landscapes? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is hiring a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Engine Captain) to lead crews in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This is a vital position responsible for safeguarding lives, property, and natural resources through expert fire management.
Job Responsibilities
As an Engine Captain, your primary duties involve:
- Leadership: Providing mentorship to crew members and direct oversight of engine modules.
- Tactical Strategy: Formulating fire suppression plans, conducting size-ups, and managing resource deployment during incidents.
- Operational Efficiency: Operating wildland fire engines, performing pump-and-roll maneuvers, and maintaining chemical and water supplies.
- Fuels Management: Participating in hazard reduction projects, such as prescribed burns and mechanical clearing.
Requirements
To be eligible, candidates must meet rigorous standards, including:
- U.S. Citizenship and age requirements (under 37 for initial entry, barring exceptions).
- Possession of a valid state driver's license, with the ability to obtain a CDL within six months.
- Successful completion of pre-employment physicals and work capacity tests.
- Submission of documentation verifying NWCG qualifications (e.g., IQCS Master Record).
Salary and Benefits
This position is compensated under the GW pay table.
| Pay Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GW-08 | $67,958 - $88,342 |
Employees enjoy competitive federal benefits, including specialized enhanced retirement provisions for fire personnel, insurance, and federal leave programs.
This role offers more than just a job; it offers a chance to serve as a leader in wildland fire management. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to tackle the challenges of steep, rugged terrain and high-stakes firefighting, submit your application package before the deadline.
Why This Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Engine Captain) - Direct Hire Authority Job Matters
Take command on the front lines: Advance your wildland firefighting career as an Engine Captain with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service in the heart of California's iconic national parks.
Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Engine Captain) - Direct Hire Authority Job Overview
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking experienced, safety-focused leaders for the position of Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Engine Captain). Working within the breathtaking landscapes of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, you will oversee fire suppression operations, mentor crew members, and manage critical fuel reduction projects. This role is a vital component of the agency's strategy to promote fire-resilient landscapes and manage public lands. If you possess the technical expertise, operational leadership skills, and commitment to public safety, this is your opportunity to step into a high-impact supervisory role.
Requirements for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Engine Captain) - Direct Hire Authority
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must meet Maximum Entry Age (MEA) requirements (under age 37 at time of appointment, unless veteran or prior covered service).
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and work capacity test for arduous positions.
- Must possess a valid state driver's license.
- Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with specific endorsements within 6 months of hire.
- Must be eligible for Federal employment and pass a background investigation.
- Mandatory drug testing prior to appointment and participation in a random testing program.
- Successful completion of a one-year supervisory probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Engine Captain) - Direct Hire Authority
- Documented experience as a Lead Firefighter or Engine Supervisor.
- Proven experience in suppression methodology, including hose lay deployment and initial attack strategy.
- Current or past certification in NWCG incident management qualifications.
- Expertise in engine operations, including mobile attack, pump-and-roll, and tandem operations.
- Experience in complex fuels management and prescribed fire planning.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary under the GW pay table.
- ✓Enhanced retirement provisions for Primary/Rigorous Firefighters.
- ✓Relocation incentives available on a case-by-case basis.
- ✓Comprehensive Federal benefits package.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities in wildland fire management.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Engine Captain) - Direct Hire Authority Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Engine Captain) - Direct Hire Authority Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Update your federal resume to include specific dates, hours per week, and detailed duties.
- Gather supporting documentation, including IQCS Master Record, proof of age, and relevant SF-50s.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically states 'full-time' or 'part-time' with the exact number of hours worked per week.
- Keep your resume concise; it must not exceed two pages and must use at least 10-point font.
- Verify that your IQCS Master Record is attached, as it is a mandatory requirement for IFPM positions.
- Double-check that all supporting documents are readable and not encrypted.
- Address the selective placement factors explicitly in your resume to avoid immediate disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maximum Entry Age (MEA) for this position?
Applicants must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of appointment, unless they provide proof of prior Federal service in another primary covered position or are a preference-eligible veteran.
Is a Commercial Driver's License required at the time of application?
No, but you must have a valid state driver's license. If selected, you will be required to obtain a commercial driver's license with the necessary endorsements within six months of your appointment.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is a division of the Department of the Interior. It oversees fire management programs across 500 million acres of federal and tribal land. The agency works in close coordination with the Forest Service, state entities, and local partners to ensure resilient landscapes and effective wildfire suppression.