Become an Equipment Specialist with the USDA Forest Service in Missoula
Are you passionate about safety engineering and the future of wildland firefighting? The USDA Forest Service is currently looking for a skilled Equipment Specialist to join the National Technology and Development Program based in Missoula, Montana. This unique role sits at the intersection of technical design and field-tested safety, ensuring that the men and women who protect our forests have the best possible gear.
Job Responsibilities
As a Project Manager within this team, you will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of specialized firefighting equipment. Your day-to-day duties include:
- Design & Evaluation: Assessing the usability and safety of firefighting gear, including hand tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and aerial delivery components.
- Technical Writing: Drafting complex specifications and engineering standards for new and modified equipment.
- Quality Assurance: Conducting inspections and evaluations of contractor-manufactured items to ensure compliance with strict federal requirements.
- Policy Development: Analyzing equipment failures or deficiencies and recommending policy changes to senior leadership.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate a blend of technical expertise and relevant wildland firefighting experience.
| Level | Experience/Education Requirement |
|---|---|
| GW-09 | 1 year of specialized experience at the GW-07 level OR Master’s/2 years of graduate study |
| GW-11 | 1 year of specialized experience at the GW-09 level OR Ph.D./3 years of graduate study |
| GW-12 | 1 year of specialized experience at the GW-11 level |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $72,832 to $126,835 per year, commensurate with your grade level and experience. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy an industry-leading benefits package:
- Federal health insurance and life insurance coverage.
- Retirement savings plans (FERS/CSRS).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Opportunities for career advancement and non-competitive promotion potential.
Application Tips
Because this is a competitive role, your application materials must be impeccable. Stick to the two-page resume limit strictly. Clearly map your experience to the "Major Duties" section of the job posting. If you have been involved in field evaluations or technical design projects, describe those contributions in detail.
If you have the technical background and the heart for public service, the USDA Forest Service offers a career path that truly matters. Your work in Missoula will contribute directly to the safety of wildland firefighters across the country. Review the announcement, prepare your documentation, and submit your application today.
Why This Equipment Specialist Job Matters
Join the Forest Service in Missoula as an Equipment Specialist and play a critical role in the design, testing, and safety of wildland firefighting gear that protects those on the front lines.
Equipment Specialist Job Overview
The USDA Forest Service is seeking a dedicated Equipment Specialist to join the National Technology and Development Program in Missoula, Montana. This position is pivotal in managing and developing specialized wildland firefighting equipment, including smokejumper gear and fire aviation accessories. You will serve as a project manager, ensuring that equipment meets rigorous safety and performance standards, thereby supporting the agency's vital mission of forest management and fire protection.
Requirements for Equipment Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Subject to a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Mandatory enrollment in federal direct deposit for salary payments.
- Must pass a pre-employment E-Verify check.
- Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Prior wildland firefighting experience is required for this secondary firefighter position.
- Ability to work in remote and unpredictable environments.
Preferred Qualifications for Equipment Specialist
- Demonstrated experience in evaluating wildland firefighting PPE, water handling, or aerial delivery systems.
- Expertise in reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, technical manuals, and industry specifications.
- Experience in smokejumper operations, including inspection procedures and equipment performance testing.
- Knowledge of textile design and production related to high-performance fire equipment.
- Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop charters, timelines, and technical documentation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and promotion potential to the GW-12 level.
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans (FERS/CSRS), and life insurance.
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- ✓Potential access to Forest Service daycare facilities.
- ✓Telework eligibility for qualified duties.
💡 How to Apply Equipment Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Equipment Specialist Job
- Review the full job announcement on USAJobs.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.
- Gather academic transcripts if you are using education to qualify for the position.
- Click the Apply button to enter the assessment portal.
- Complete the Assessment Questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documentation in an accepted file format (PDF, JPG, DOC, etc.).
- Submit your electronic application by 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically highlights your experience in firefighting equipment evaluation or design.
- Be precise with your work history, including the number of hours worked per week and specific dates.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume; applications over this limit will be removed.
- Verify that your uploaded documents appear in the staffing system correctly after submission.
- Apply well in advance of the closing date to avoid system issues or last-minute technical hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, the position is located in Missoula, Montana. However, it is telework-eligible, meaning some duties may be performed remotely depending on management approval and the nature of the task.
What is the promotion potential for this role?
This position has promotion potential up to the GW-12 level. You may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete developmental requirements and receive a management recommendation.
What does 'secondary firefighter position' mean?
This refers to a retirement coverage classification under CSRS and FERS. It requires the applicant to have prior wildland firefighting experience.
Job from Forest Service
The Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of public land. From fire suppression to research and private forestry assistance, the agency's scope is massive. As an Equipment Specialist, you will support the National Technology and Development Program, which acts as the innovation engine for the service, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in wildland fire aviation and ground operations.