Embark on a Career as a Wildland Firefighter: Protecting America’s Lands
Are you looking for a career that offers more than just a desk? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is currently hiring for Wildland Firefighter positions across the United States. This is an invitation to join a dedicated force committed to protecting our national heritage while working in some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Wildland Firefighter, you will be on the front lines. Your daily responsibilities will shift depending on the mission:
- Fire Suppression: Constructing firelines, managing hose layouts, and executing mop-up operations.
- Incident Response: Gaining technical proficiency in fire behavior, fuel types, and topography.
- Fuels Management: Participating in prescribed fire operations to prevent future catastrophic wildfires.
- Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring specialized pumps, saws, and communications tools are mission-ready.
Requirements
To join, candidates must meet specific criteria defined by federal law for "Primary/Rigorous" firefighter positions:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 18 to 36 (37th birthday marks the max entry age). |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. |
| Physical | Must pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test. |
| Licensing | Must maintain a valid driver's license. |
| Drug Test | Must pass a pre-employment drug screening. |
Salary and Benefits
Starting salaries for these positions range from $44,112 to $68,844 per year, depending on experience and location. Beyond the paycheck, you will receive:
- Federal Retirement: Special enhanced annuity provisions for firefighters.
- Career Growth: Opportunities to promote through a structured career ladder (GW-03 to GW-05).
- Stability: Permanent status as a career-seasonal employee.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: Your resume must list dates in mm/yy format and hours worked per week.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure all college transcripts (if applicable) are uploaded before the closing date.
- Indian Preference: If you are applying for a location where Indian Preference applies, ensure the BIA Form 4432 is included.
Becoming a Wildland Firefighter is more than a job—it is a commitment to public service. If you possess the physical endurance and the drive to work in high-stakes environments, apply today to start a career that truly matters.
Why This Wildland Firefighter Job Matters
Join the elite ranks of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and protect our nation’s most iconic landscapes through courageous, hands-on fire management.
Wildland Firefighter Job Overview
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking dedicated, physically fit individuals to serve as Wildland Firefighters. This career-seasonal role offers a unique opportunity to work across diverse environments—from national parks to remote wilderness areas—performing critical fire suppression, fuel management, and emergency response operations. You will join specialized crews, including Hotshots, Helitack, and Engine teams, contributing to the protection of over 500 million acres of public and tribal land.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Maximum Entry Age (MEA): Must not have reached your 37th birthday at the time of appointment (exceptions apply for veterans and prior covered federal service).
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and maintain physical fitness standards.
- Must successfully pass the arduous-level work capacity test.
- Must hold and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Must submit to and pass pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Must register with the Selective Service (if born male after 12-31-59).
- Must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter
- Prior experience in wildland fire suppression, fuel reduction, or forest management.
- Completion of fire science or fire technology coursework at an accredited institution.
- Relevant military service or experience in emergency medical and rescue operations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Career-seasonal employment with Federal benefits package
- ✓Enhanced annuity retirement provisions for federal firefighters
- ✓Potential for relocation incentives and moving expense coverage
- ✓Structured career ladder with promotion potential to GW-05
- ✓Extensive professional training and skill development
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that specifies hours worked per week and exact dates (mm/yy).
- Gather required documentation, including official transcripts and proof of age/identity.
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire and upload all necessary documents.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must explicitly state 'full-time' or 'part-time' (with hours per week) for every role.
- Keep your resume concise; it must not exceed two single-sided pages.
- Clearly indicate your interest in specific locations; you will not be considered for locations not selected.
- For Indian Preference positions, ensure the BIA Form 4432 is correctly completed.
- Double-check that all transcripts include your name, the institution, and credit hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'career-seasonal' appointment?
It is a permanent position that provides the same benefits as a full-time appointment, but the work schedule is limited to at least six months and up to eleven and a half months per year.
Can I qualify if I am over 37?
The maximum entry age is 37. If you are a veteran with preference or have prior creditable Federal service in a covered firefighter position, you may still be eligible.
What kind of physical shape do I need to be in?
This is an arduous position. You must be able to hike in steep, uneven terrain, carry gear weighing over 50 pounds, and work in extreme temperatures.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service, part of the Department of the Interior, is responsible for managing fire on over 500 million acres of public and tribal land. From the desert floors of Arizona to the lush forests of Washington, the USWFS coordinates fire-resilient strategies to protect communities, wildlife, and natural resources.