Become a Wildland Firefighter and Educator with the U.S. Forest Service
Are you an experienced wildland firefighter looking to leverage your field expertise to inspire the next generation? The U.S. Forest Service is offering a unique career path that blends active firefighting duties with the critical mission of vocational training. As a Wildland Firefighter (Job Corps Fire & Fuels Training Specialist), you will protect our nation's natural resources while mentoring students at Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will perform a dual function. You are both a practitioner and an instructor. Your core responsibilities include:
- Instruction: Developing and delivering fire management training and vocational curriculum.
- Incident Management: Participating in active wildland fire suppression and regional incident support.
- Planning: Coordinating training schedules, selecting instructional materials, and tracking performance objectives.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | Forest Service |
| Career Level | GS-8/9 |
| Job Type | Forestry Technician |
| Location | Multiple U.S. Locations |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must have prior wildland firefighting experience.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Successfully pass a Work Capacity Test.
- Subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $67,617 to $94,687 per year, depending on location and experience. Benefits include federal health coverage, retirement options, generous leave policies, and professional growth opportunities.
Serving as a Fire & Fuels Training Specialist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the future of our forests and the people who protect them. If you have the drive to teach and the grit to fight fires, we invite you to apply.
Apply by the September 22, 2026 deadline.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Job Corps Fire & Fuels Training Specialist) Job Matters
Transform lives as a Wildland Firefighter and mentor at a Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center—where your fire expertise shapes the next generation of forestry professionals.
Wildland Firefighter (Job Corps Fire & Fuels Training Specialist) Job Overview
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking skilled Wildland Firefighter/Training Specialists to join our Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers. This dual-role position combines active fire suppression and incident management with the rewarding responsibility of teaching forestry and fire practices to Job Corps students. You will serve as a technical expert, developing curriculum, coordinating training, and mentoring students to prepare them for careers in fire management. This is a unique opportunity to apply your field experience in an academic and vocational setting while contributing to the stewardship of our nation's forests.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Job Corps Fire & Fuels Training Specialist)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must pass the Work Capacity Test (WCT).
- Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Must pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (or equivalent education).
- Must agree to a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Job Corps Fire & Fuels Training Specialist)
- Advanced coursework in forestry, range management, or agriculture.
- Proven success in designing and implementing fire training curricula.
- Experience in interagency fire management and incident coordination.
- Demonstrated ability to instruct students or trainees in technical field skills.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance.
- ✓Federal retirement savings (FERS/CSRS eligibility).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, sick leave, and annual leave.
- ✓Professional development and potential for career promotion.
- ✓Access to government housing at select locations.
- ✓Possible recruitment or relocation incentives.
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Job Corps Fire & Fuels Training Specialist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Job Corps Fire & Fuels Training Specialist) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on USAJOBS carefully.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Gather college transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Apply online via the USAStaffing portal.
- Complete the mandatory Assessment Questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents in a format under 5MB.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; it must be two pages or less to avoid disqualification.
- Clearly link your experience in your resume to the duties described in the job post.
- Ensure your transcripts are legible and include your name and course information.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
- Reach out to the contact provided if you have accessibility or hardship requirements for the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, as a wildfire specialist, the role involves fire suppression and incident management assignments which may require travel.
What is the educational requirement?
Qualifications can be met via specialized experience or a combination of graduate-level education in a relevant field such as forestry or agriculture.
Is this a federal law enforcement position?
No, this is a forestry technician-based role within the Fire & Fuels program.
Job from Forest Service
The Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that manages 193 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests to meet the needs of present and future generations.