Administrative Support Assistant (Wildland Fire): A Path to Federal Service

If you have a passion for organization and a desire to support a mission-critical public service, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is currently hiring for an Administrative Support Assistant. This role is a vital component of the team that coordinates federal fire management strategies across public and tribal lands. Working in New Mexico, you will be part of a team responsible for protecting 500 million acres of natural landscape.

Job Responsibilities

In this position, your daily duties will involve the following:

Managing office correspondence and professional communication.
Utilizing automated payroll and time-tracking systems.
Coordinating travel arrangements for staff.
Maintaining comprehensive electronic and physical filing systems.
Preparing technical documents, spreadsheets, and databases.
Supporting fire dispatch functions during incident response.

Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. Citizens and must pass a suitability background investigation. You must also submit a federal resume that is clear, concise, and follows specific formatting (maximum 2 pages, 10-point font minimum).

Grade Level Comparison

Grade Level	Experience Requirement
GS-05	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4
GS-06	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5

Salary Overview

This position is listed with a salary range of $41,178 to $59,671 per year. As a career ladder position with a performance level of GS-07, there is potential for advancement based on your performance and the supervisor's assessment of your growth.

Benefits

Employees of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service enjoy the full suite of federal employee benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, life insurance, retirement programs, and accrual of paid leave. Furthermore, the agency provides training and opportunities to grow within the federal system.

Application Tips

Be Specific: Always state your hours per week for every position held.
Format Matters: Federal HR teams are strict about resume formatting. Stick to the 2-page limit.
Use the Questionnaire: The online assessment tool is how you will be evaluated. Answer honestly and ensure your resume contains keywords that support your answers.

Serving as an Administrative Support Assistant in the field of wildland fire is a unique opportunity to build a federal career while making a tangible impact on public lands. Apply by November 3, 2026, to ensure your materials are reviewed.

Why This Administrative Support Assistant (Wildland Fire) Job Matters

Launch your career in federal service by supporting critical wildland fire management operations in New Mexico.

Administrative Support Assistant (Wildland Fire) Job Overview

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking a dedicated Administrative Support Assistant to provide essential clerical and operational support. This position plays a vital role in the infrastructure that protects millions of acres of public and tribal lands, ensuring that fire management teams have the resources and organization they need to operate effectively.

Requirements for Administrative Support Assistant (Wildland Fire)

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must be registered for the Selective Service if male and born after December 31, 1959.
Must undergo a suitability background investigation.
Must hold or obtain a government travel charge card.
Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call shifts.
Must submit a federal-style resume not exceeding two single-sided pages.
Ability to adhere to 10-point font and 0.5-inch margin requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Support Assistant (Wildland Fire)

Experience in time and attendance tracking within automated payroll systems.
Demonstrated ability to maintain complex filing systems and electronic databases.
Proficiency in administrative software, including spreadsheets and document preparation tools.
Experience coordinating travel arrangements for staff.
A bachelor's degree or a combination of post-high school education and relevant work experience.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance programs
✓Retirement planning options (FERS)
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Generous leave accrual (annual and sick leave)
✓Opportunities for non-competitive career advancement

💡 How to Apply Administrative Support Assistant (Wildland Fire) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Administrative Support Assistant (Wildland Fire) Job

Review the job announcement and verify eligibility criteria.
Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that specifies hours worked per week and exact employment dates.
Gather and upload required documentation, including college transcripts.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 3, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly states if experience was full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time.
Do not include personal information like your SSN, photos, or date of birth on your resume.
Double-check your transcripts to ensure they include your name, the institution, GPA, and credit hours.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Tailor your resume language to reflect the specific duties mentioned in the job description.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this position is based in an office setting in either Gallup or Zuni, New Mexico. Telework is only authorized in emergency or disaster scenarios.

Can I be promoted in this role?

Yes, this is a career ladder position with a full performance level of GS-07. Promotions are based on performance, supervisor discretion, and workload availability.

What is the probation period?

New hires typically serve a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period to ensure fitness for the role.

Can I apply if I have prior federal service?

Yes, individuals with career transition eligibility (CTAP/ICTAP) are encouraged to apply.

Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is an organization within the Department of the Interior. It holds full program authority for the DOI wildland fire management efforts. The agency acts as a hub for coordination between federal bureaus, the U.S. Forest Service, and tribal partners, ensuring that fire-resilient landscapes are maintained for future generations.