Become a Wildland Firefighter: GACC Assistant Intelligence Coordinator

The United States Forest Service offers a career path that is as demanding as it is rewarding. If you have experience in wildland fire operations and a talent for high-level coordination and intelligence, the position of GACC Assistant Intelligence Coordinator might be your next career milestone. This role, located within the Pacific Southwest Region, is critical to the safety and success of fire response strategies.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant Intelligence Coordinator, you will act as a bridge between information and action. Your core duties include:

Resource Tracking: Monitoring the availability of personnel, aircraft, and equipment on a national and regional level.
Data Management: Utilizing agency-specific software to maintain critical records and develop reporting formats.
Briefing Leadership: Preparing verbal and written updates for administrators and multi-agency coordination groups.
Strategic Planning: Helping draft mobilization plans and dispatch operating guides to ensure efficiency during fire incidents.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate the following:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Age: Minimum of 18 years.
Experience: Prior wildland firefighting experience is mandatory.
Documentation: Must be able to pass a background check and drug testing.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GW-08 Level	GW-09 Level
Scope	Foundational intelligence	Full performance operational
Experience	Equivalent to GW-7	Equivalent to GW-8
Primary Focus	Support & maintenance	Strategy & briefings

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $67,617 to $94,687 annually, depending on your specific location and qualifications. This pay is based on the "Rest of U.S." locality, but actual rates may vary by your assigned duty station.

Benefits

Employees are eligible for the comprehensive federal benefits package, which includes:

Retirement coverage under FERS or CSRS.
Relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
Access to on-site Forest Service facilities.
Government housing availability.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a hard limit; exceeding it will disqualify you.
Check Your Documents: Ensure all transcripts and SF-50s are clear and in standard formats like PDF.
Use the Help Desk: If you have questions about the application or require an accommodation, contact the HR help desk during mountain time business hours.

Serving as a GACC Assistant Intelligence Coordinator is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on wildfire suppression efforts. If you are ready to apply your analytical and operational skills to the service of the nation's forests, review the full announcement and prepare your application today.

Why This Wildland Firefighter (Gacc Assistant Intelligence Coordinator) Job Matters

Join the front lines of wildland fire management and shape critical response strategies for the Pacific Southwest as an Assistant Intelligence Coordinator.

Wildland Firefighter (Gacc Assistant Intelligence Coordinator) Job Overview

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking dedicated professionals to join the Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC) in California. As an Assistant Intelligence Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in the Fire Intelligence Section, managing resource data, developing mobilization plans, and providing essential briefings for fire management teams. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-stakes decision-making processes that protect natural resources and personnel across the region.

Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Gacc Assistant Intelligence Coordinator)

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Prior wildland firefighting experience is required for this secondary firefighter position.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Must successfully complete a background investigation and fingerprint check.
Must be willing to live and work in potentially remote or unpredictable environments.
Must commit to a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Gacc Assistant Intelligence Coordinator)

Graduate-level education in forestry, range management, or agriculture.
Demonstrated experience in resource allocation and prioritization during simultaneous fire incidents.
Strong proficiency in agency-specific computer systems, database management, and technical reporting.
Proven ability to prepare and conduct clear briefings for multi-agency leadership and political representatives.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal retirement benefits (CSRS/FERS)
✓Direct deposit of pay
✓Potential for relocation incentives
✓Opportunities for professional development and promotion
✓Access to government housing in select areas
✓Availability of forest service daycare facilities

💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Gacc Assistant Intelligence Coordinator) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Gacc Assistant Intelligence Coordinator) Job

Create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Submit your application package electronically before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
Ensure all uploaded documents are clearly legible and in an accepted format (e.g., PDF, DOC, TXT).
Use the USAJOBS application status tracker to monitor your progress.
Contact the HR help desk early if you require reasonable accommodation or experience technical difficulties.
Highlight specific experience regarding dispatch operations, resource tracking, and fire intelligence activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior firefighting experience mandatory?

Yes, this position serves as a secondary firefighter role and requires documented prior wildland firefighting experience.

Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?

Yes, this announcement is open to the public as well as those eligible for career transition programs.

What is the maximum length allowed for my resume?

Your resume must not exceed two pages; submissions longer than two pages will be removed from consideration.

Are there age limits for this job?

There is no age limit for entry into this secondary position, but you must be at least 18 years old.

How do I prove my fire experience?

Detail your experience in your resume, ensuring you cover your specific duties, dates of employment, and roles held.

Job from Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Beyond conservation, the agency conducts cutting-edge research and provides crucial fire management assistance across the country. Working here means taking on the "awesome responsibility" of protecting our natural landscape for future generations.