Leading the Front Lines: Careers as a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service, a vital component of the Department of the Interior, is currently seeking experienced individuals to join our ranks as Supervisory Wildland Firefighters (Assistant WFM Captains). These roles are not for the faint of heart; they require grit, leadership, and a deep commitment to protecting our nation's wildlands. If you have the skills to lead and the passion to serve, this is your opportunity to join a mission-driven organization.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant WFM Captain, your responsibilities extend far beyond the fire line. You will:

Supervise & Train: Lead a team of firefighters, overseeing performance and professional growth.
Manage Incidents: Direct suppression operations, from initial attack strategies to mop-up.
Operations Coordination: Manage equipment, aviation support, and critical supply lines.
Education: Act as a face of the agency by promoting fire prevention and safety to the public.

Requirements & Qualifications

This role is a Primary/Rigorous Firefighter position, which comes with specific requirements including:

Age Limit: Must be under 37 years of age (unless preference eligible).
Physical Fitness: Applicants must pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test.
Certifications: Must provide an IQCS Master Record showing ICT5, FIRB, and either CRWB or ENGB status.

Comparison: General vs. Specialized Requirements

Requirement Type	Detail	Importance
Core Qualifications	ICT5 & FIRB	Essential (Screen-out)
Secondary Skills	CRWB or ENGB	Essential (Screen-out)
Physical Standard	Arduous Capacity	Mandatory
Documentation	IQCS Record	Mandatory

Salary & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package between $75,999 and $98,795 per year. In addition to a federal salary, employees are eligible for:

Special enhanced annuity retirement systems.
Relocation benefits for qualifying candidates.
Access to comprehensive federal health, life, and insurance benefits.

Application Tips

To succeed in your application, ensure your resume is concise, factual, and strictly follows the two-page rule. HR specialists will not make assumptions about your experience—clearly state the number of hours worked per week for every position listed. Always include your IQCS Master Record; without it, your application will be marked as ineligible.

Working as a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter is a challenging, rewarding career path for those who seek to make a difference in our natural world. With competitive pay and federal benefits, it is one of the most respected roles in the forestry and emergency services sector. If you meet the qualifications, submit your application before the October 2026 deadline.

Why This Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Wfm Captain) - Direct Hire Authority Job Matters

Ready to lead at the front lines? Join the U.S. Wildland Fire Service as an Assistant Wildland Fire Module Captain and shape the future of fire management in the Pacific Northwest.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Wfm Captain) - Direct Hire Authority Job Overview

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking dedicated, experienced professionals to serve as Supervisory Wildland Firefighters (Assistant WFM Captains) at our Marblemount and Port Angeles, Washington duty stations. This critical role involves leading crews in high-stakes wildland fire operations, managing resource objectives, and ensuring the safety and readiness of your team in challenging environments.

Requirements for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Wfm Captain) - Direct Hire Authority

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Must not have reached your 37th birthday by the closing date (exceptions apply for preference-eligible veterans).
Valid state driver's license.
Ability to pass a pre-employment medical exam and drug test.
Must pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test.
Must submit IQCS Master Record verifying Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firing Boss (FIRB) qualifications.
Must possess Secondary Core qualifications: Single Resource Boss, Crew (CRWB) OR Single Resource Boss, Engine (ENGB).
Ability to work in rugged, remote, and hazardous environments.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Wfm Captain) - Direct Hire Authority

Proven experience in leading wildland fire activities and incident management strategies.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate aviation support and complex resource supply logistics.
Strong skills in performance management, training, and team development.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary range of $75,999 – $98,795.
✓Special enhanced annuity retirement provisions for Federal Firefighters.
✓Relocation incentives may be available for qualified candidates.
✓Comprehensive federal health and insurance programs.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training within a premier land management agency.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Wfm Captain) - Direct Hire Authority Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Wfm Captain) - Direct Hire Authority Job

Review the full job announcement and ensure your resume meets the 2-page limit and formatting requirements.
Log in or create an account at USAJOBS.
Upload required documentation, including IQCS records, proof of age (e.g., driver's license/SF-50), and DD-214 (if applicable).
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the closing date of October 29, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly lists work hours per week (e.g., '40 hours/week') to guarantee your experience is credited.
Do not include personal information like SSN or photos in your resume.
Verify your IQCS records are up-to-date and attached; missing documentation will result in automatic disqualification.
Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS profile.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Maximum Entry Age (MEA) for this position?

The MEA is the day before your 37th birthday. Veterans’ preference may allow for an age waiver.

Can I substitute education for the required experience?

No, there is no substitution of education for experience at this specific grade level.

Are there specific resume formatting requirements?

Yes, resumes must not exceed two pages, must use at least 10-point font, and must maintain 0.5-inch margins.

Is veterans' preference applicable?

This is a Direct Hire Authority position, so traditional veterans' preference ratings do not apply, though age waivers are available for veterans.

What is the work schedule like?

Due to the nature of wildland firefighting, you may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts, often living in remote backcountry camps.

Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) coordinates fire management programs across over 500 million acres of public and tribal lands. We work closely with federal, state, and tribal partners to promote fire-resilient landscapes and manage suppression activities. Joining our team means joining a network of professionals dedicated to the safety and health of the American wilderness.