Become a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter at the Grand Canyon

Are you a seasoned fire professional ready to lead at the highest level? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is offering an unparalleled career opportunity for a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (GW-12) stationed in the iconic Grand Canyon, Arizona. This role is not just a job; it is a chance to protect one of the world's most precious natural landscapes while guiding national fire management strategy.

Job Responsibilities

As the Unit Fire Program Manager, you will hold a leadership position of high complexity. Your core responsibilities will include:

Strategic Planning: Implementing comprehensive fire management plans that balance suppression with resource objectives.
Program Leadership: Directing fire suppression, aviation, and fuels management programs.
Interagency Coordination: Serving as a key figure on interagency committees and teams to solve complex fire management challenges.
Preparedness: Reviewing operating plans and developing alternative strategies to protect values at risk.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level role, candidates must meet specific professional and medical standards:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
License	Must hold a valid state driver's license
Qualifications	Must meet IFPM standards (DIVS/ICT3/M-581 or ASGS/ICT3/M-581)
Drug Test	Required pre-appointment and subject to random testing

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $97,564 to $126,835 annually. Beyond the salary, employees gain access to a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and the opportunity for professional advancement within the DOI.

Application Tips

Your application package must be precise to pass the HR screening.

Document Everything: Ensure your resume clearly lists the month/year and hours per week for every job entry.
IQCS Master Record: Do not forget to attach your IQCS Master Record. Missing this will result in immediate disqualification.
Follow Format: Keep your resume under two pages and adhere to the 10-point font requirement.

This is a unique opportunity to combine your leadership skills with your passion for wildland fire management. By joining the team in Grand Canyon, you are taking a significant step in your federal career. Apply by August 31, 2026, to be considered for this mission-critical role.

Why This Supervisory Wildland Firefighter Job Matters

Take command of fire management at one of the world's most iconic landscapes—the Grand Canyon.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter Job Overview

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Wildland Firefighter to serve as a Unit Fire Program Manager for high-complexity operations. Based in the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona, this pivotal leadership role involves managing sophisticated fire suppression, fuels, and aviation programs. You will be responsible for strategic planning, program coordination, and interagency leadership in one of the most challenging and rewarding fire management environments in the nation.

Requirements for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter

U.S. Citizenship or National
Must be 18 years of age or older
Valid state driver's license
Registration with the Selective Service (if born male after 12-31-59)
Successful completion of a background investigation
Agreement to mandatory drug testing and potential random testing
Possession of specific NWCG incident management qualifications (DIVS/ICT3/M-581 or ASGS/ICT3/M-581)
Documented primary wildland firefighting experience

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter

Significant experience in fire program leadership and strategic fire management planning
Proven history of coordinating complex interagency fire suppression and aviation programs
Demonstrated ability to integrate fire management activities with natural resource objectives
Expertise in fuels and vegetation management on a landscape basis

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Health and life insurance options
✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Structured career growth within the Department of the Interior
✓Paid time off and federal holidays

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Wildland Firefighter Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter Job

Prepare a detailed federal resume (max 2 pages, 10-point font minimum)
Gather your IQCS Master Record confirming your NWCG qualifications
Create or update your USAJOBS account
Complete the online assessment questionnaire
Upload all required documentation (SF-50, performance appraisals if applicable)
Submit your complete application package by August 31, 2026

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes specific dates (mm/yy) and hours worked per week for each role.
Do not include personal information like Social Security Numbers or photos on your resume.
Clearly document your wildland fire experience as the system will not make assumptions.
Double-check that you have uploaded your IQCS Master Record, as this is a strict requirement for eligibility.
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential system delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is veterans preference applied to this position?

No, this position is being filled under Direct-Hire Authority, so veterans preference does not apply.

What is the primary work location for this role?

The position is based in Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Is telework available?

Telework is available only during emergencies or natural disasters.

What if I have questions about my application status?

*A: Please check your status through your USAJOBS account. Due to the high volume of interest, we do not respond to individual inquiries unless necessary.*

Can I substitute education for experience?

*A: No, education cannot be substituted for the specialized experience required for this grade level.*

Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS), under the Department of the Interior, is the backbone of federal fire management. Managing over 500 million acres of public and tribal land, the agency is dedicated to creating fire-resilient ecosystems. By joining our team, you become part of a collaborative network of federal, state, and tribal partners tasked with the safety and preservation of American landscapes.