Launch Your Career: Seasonal Wildland Firefighter Opportunities
Are you looking for a physically demanding, high-impact career that connects you directly with the great outdoors? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is currently accepting applications for seasonal Wildland Firefighters. This is an incredible opportunity to serve on the front lines, protecting millions of acres of public and tribal lands.
Understanding the Roles
Positions are open at the GW-03, GW-04, and GW-05 levels. Responsibilities scale with experience:
- GW-03 (Entry Level): Focuses on developing a working knowledge of suppression techniques and terminology.
- GW-04 (Trained Level): Involves active participation in specialized tasks like tree felling and operating specialized equipment.
- GW-05 (Experienced Level): Includes performing complex prescribed fire operations and gathering site-specific data on topography and weather.
Comparison of Qualification Requirements
| Level | Experience Requirement | Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GW-03 | 6 months general work | 1 year above high school |
| GW-04 | 6 months general + 6 months specialized | 2 years in Fire Science |
| GW-05 | 1 year specialized (GS-04 level) | 4-year degree in related field |
Salary and Benefits
Firefighters earn between $21.14 and $29.90 per hour. Depending on the duty station, additional allowances like the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for Fairbanks, Alaska, may apply. Beyond the paycheck, you gain access to high-level interagency training and a network of professionals in fire management.
How to Apply
To be considered, ensure your resume is concise (max 2 pages) and explicitly lists your hours per week for all previous roles. Submit your package through the official USAJobs portal by November 3, 2026. Be sure to select all required documentation before clicking submit.
Becoming a Wildland Firefighter is more than a job—it is a commitment to public service. If you are fit, ready, and eager to contribute to wildfire management, we encourage you to apply today.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Multiple Crew Types) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority Job Matters
Answer the call of the wild and join the front lines of fire management! The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking dedicated individuals to join our seasonal crews nationwide.
Wildland Firefighter (Multiple Crew Types) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority Job Overview
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is currently hiring temporary, seasonal Wildland Firefighters (GW-03/04/05) for duty locations across the United States. This is a vital, physically demanding role that supports wildfire suppression, prescribed burning, and fire-resilient landscape initiatives. These positions are part of a Direct Hire Authority recruitment initiative, offering the opportunity to work in diverse environments ranging from desert and range to heavy forest terrain.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Multiple Crew Types) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
- Must pass a strenuous work capacity test.
- Must undergo a background investigation and drug testing.
- Must possess a valid state driver's license.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Multiple Crew Types) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority
- Previous specialized experience in wildland fire suppression, prevention, or fuels management.
- Specific technical knowledge of fire behavior, topography, and fuel types.
- Formal education in Fire Science, Fire Technology, or related fields.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay
- ✓Exposure to diverse geographic landscapes
- ✓Comprehensive hands-on training
- ✓Cost of Living Allowance (where applicable, e.g., Fairbanks, AK)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in land management
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Multiple Crew Types) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Multiple Crew Types) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority Job
- Create or update your USAJobs account.
- Review the full job announcement on the agency portal.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages with specific hour-per-week details.
- Gather supporting documents (transcripts, Indian Preference forms, etc.).
- Submit your application package via the official USAJobs interface before the deadline.
- Monitor your status through your USAJobs dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes month/year start and end dates and the number of hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Use BIA Form 4432 if you are claiming Indian Preference.
- Double-check that your transcripts clearly show your GPA and major if relying on education to qualify.
- Do not include personal photographs in your application materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these permanent positions?
No, these are temporary seasonal appointments intended for a period not-to-exceed 1,039 hours in a service year.
Can I apply to multiple locations?
Yes, you may select up to seven locations, but please note that not all locations are hiring for every grade level.
What is the physical expectation?
The role requires arduous physical activity including heavy lifting (50+ lbs), hiking, running, and working in extreme temperatures and hazardous environments.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS), operating under the Department of the Interior, is responsible for a vast network of land management. From forest and range protection to prescribed fire operations, the agency ensures the health and resilience of our natural resources. Employees join a community dedicated to safety, technical excellence, and environmental stewardship.