Embark on a Career as a Wildland Firefighter
Are you looking for a career that combines physical fitness, environmental stewardship, and emergency response? The USDA Forest Service is currently hiring for Wildland Firefighter positions across the United States. This is a unique opportunity to serve your country, protect our national forests, and gain professional experience in one of the most respected agencies in the federal government.
Job Responsibilities
As a Wildland Firefighter, your core responsibilities involve suppressing fires and managing controlled burns to ensure forest health. Daily tasks include:
- Serving on specialized fire modules including engines, handcrews, and helitack teams.
- Constructing firelines by clearing brush, felling small trees, and digging soil.
- Conducting structure defense operations within the urban interface.
- Engaging in mop-up activities to ensure fires are completely extinguished.
- Assisting in general resource management duties such as timber or trail maintenance.
Requirements
To qualify for these roles, you must meet several key criteria:
- You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be under the age of 37, with exceptions for veterans and current federal employees.
- You must pass an 'arduous' Work Capacity Test to verify physical fitness.
- You must submit a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Salary Overview
| Grade Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GW-03/04 | $44,112 - $68,844 |
Note: Pay rates vary depending on the specific locality and regional pay schedules.
Benefits
Employees in these positions enjoy a suite of federal benefits including:
- Specialized federal firefighter retirement coverage.
- Opportunities for promotion and career growth.
- Access to professional development training.
- Potential for relocation incentives.
Application Tips
- Format is Key: Ensure your resume adheres to the two-page requirement precisely.
- Documentation: Have your transcripts and, if applicable, military service records ready for upload.
- Clarity: Use clear, descriptive language when highlighting your work history, focusing on transferable skills like farm labor, volunteer work, or outdoor maintenance.
A career with the Forest Service is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the land and the public. If you are ready for a challenging and life-changing experience, submit your application today.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Fire Suppression) Job Matters
Launch your career with the Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter and play a vital role in protecting our nation's most precious natural landscapes.
Wildland Firefighter (Fire Suppression) Job Overview
The USDA Forest Service is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Wildland Firefighters. This mission-critical role involves active fire suppression, prevention, and resource management across diverse environments. You will work within specialized teams, including engine crews, hotshot teams, and helitack modules, to mitigate wildfire risks and protect public lands. Whether you are launching your career in natural resources or looking to serve in an action-oriented federal capacity, this position offers a unique opportunity to build skills, serve your country, and work in some of the most breathtaking locations in the United States.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Suppression)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Must be under age 37 (exceptions apply for veteran preference and current federal firefighter employees).
- Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12-31-59.
- Must pass the arduous-level Work Capacity Test (WCT).
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Successfully pass an E-Verify employment check.
- Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Suppression)
- Prior experience in forestry, range management, or park maintenance.
- Completion of college coursework in Fire Science, Fire Technology, or related fields.
- Prior wildland fire suppression experience.
- Possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or clean state driver's license.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal retirement coverage under special firefighter provisions.
- ✓Direct deposit of federal pay.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
- ✓Opportunities for career development and non-competitive promotion.
- ✓Access to government housing in select duty locations.
- ✓Federal day care facilities may be available.
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Fire Suppression) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Fire Suppression) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Prepare your resume, ensuring it is two pages or less and contains all required work history details.
- Gather your college transcripts and, if applicable, military service documentation (DD214).
- Click the 'Apply' button in USAJobs to navigate to the agency's staffing portal.
- Complete the Assessment Questionnaire.
- Upload your supporting documents as a PDF, TXT, or Word file.
- Verify that your application has been successfully transmitted before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to specifically reflect the 'Specialized Experience' requirements mentioned in the job post.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume, as this will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are legible and not encrypted.
- Submit your application well before the final deadline to account for potential system delays.
- If you have accessibility needs, reach out to the Agency Contact prior to the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Work Capacity Test?
The WCT, also known as the 'pack test,' is a rigorous physical fitness evaluation required for wildland firefighters to ensure they are physically capable of performing the strenuous duties of the job at the arduous level.
Can I apply if I have no fire experience?
Yes, for the GW-03 grade, you can qualify with general work experience or by completing related educational coursework or training, even if it is not direct firefighting experience.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this role requires physical presence at the assigned fire station or duty location to conduct active fire suppression and management operations.
What is the age limit for this job?
Generally, applicants must be under 37. If you are a veteran or currently working in a federal firefighter role, you may qualify for a waiver.
Where can I be stationed?
The Forest Service has openings in numerous states including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Job from Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of national forest and grasslands. Their mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. By joining the Forest Service, you become part of a dedicated team committed to conservation, research, and wildland protection.