Advanced Career Opportunities: Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)
Are you a seasoned wildland firefighter looking to expand your impact beyond immediate suppression? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is offering a unique career path for experienced professionals to transition into Fuels Management. This role combines critical fireline expertise with strategic landscape planning, offering a path for growth within the Department of the Interior. If you are ready to apply your skills to prescribed fire, hazard mitigation, and fire-resilient landscapes, this is your opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be on the front lines of fire management strategy. Key duties include:
- Operations & Preparedness: Executing prescribed fire plans and managing holding and mop-up operations.
- Fuels Management: Surveying hazardous fuels and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment methods.
- Planning & Analysis: Developing project schedules and using data modeling to prioritize fire treatments.
- Training & Leadership: Mentoring crews and conducting specialized training in fire suppression and fuels management.
Requirements
Candidates must meet stringent federal criteria to be considered for this high-level position.
Essential Prerequisites
- Primary Firefighting Experience: You must provide documented evidence of at least one full fire season or 14 days of fireline experience.
- IFPM Standards: You must hold current NWCG qualifications relevant to the grade level (e.g., Engine Boss, ICT4, or RXB2).
- Physical & Safety Standards: The ability to work in rugged environments and adhere to strict safety protocols is mandatory.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Requirement | GW-08 | GW-09 |
|---|---|---|
| Core Experience | 1 Year Specialized | 1 Year Specialized |
| Mandatory Certs | ICT4 + ENGB/CRWB/FIRB/HMGB | RXB2 + ENGB/CRWB/HMGB |
| Focus | Assistance/Planning | Strategic Implementation |
Salary Overview
The salary for these positions ranges from $67,617 to $94,687 per year. The final pay rate is determined by the specific duty location (e.g., Los Angeles-Long Beach locality versus RUS pay tables).
Benefits
- Competitive federal salary.
- Health and life insurance coverage.
- Generous federal retirement plan (FERS).
- Career advancement opportunities within the USWFS.
Application Tips
- Highlight Your Experience: Your resume must explicitly state the hours worked per week and the exact nature of your fireline experience.
- Documentation is Key: Attach your IQCS Master Record to your application. Missing this document results in automatic disqualification.
- Follow Formatting Rules: Keep your resume to two pages or less with at least 0.5-inch margins.
This role is a gateway to high-level fire management. By joining the USWFS, you are ensuring the longevity of our public lands while advancing your career. Apply by November 9, 2026, to secure your spot.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) - Direct Hiring Authority Job Matters
Take your wildland firefighting career to the next level with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service—where your experience on the front lines shapes the future of land stewardship.
Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) - Direct Hiring Authority Job Overview
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is seeking dedicated, experienced professionals to fill multiple Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) positions. Operating under Direct Hiring Authority, this role is essential to our mission of managing fire-resilient landscapes across 500 million acres of public and tribal lands. You will transition from pure suppression into a critical role focusing on fuels reduction, prescribed fire implementation, and long-term land management strategy in scenic California locations.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) - Direct Hiring Authority
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must possess substantial prior primary wildland firefighting experience (defined as at least one full fire season or 14 days of fireline experience).
- Must meet IFPM (Interagency Fire Program Management) standards for the target grade level.
- Must possess a valid state driver's license.
- Must pass a pre-appointment drug test and be subject to random testing.
- Must undergo a suitability background investigation.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (if male and born after 12/31/59).
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) - Direct Hiring Authority
- Expertise in prescribed fire plan implementation and fuels monitoring.
- Documented Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) qualifications.
- Strong proficiency in using fire behavior modeling tools.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate with interagency partners and stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the federal retirement system (FERS).
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives based on agency need.
- ✓Career ladder promotion potential to the GW-09 level.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) - Direct Hiring Authority Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) - Direct Hiring Authority Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the specific eligibility criteria for this announcement.
- Prepare a resume that explicitly lists dates (mm/yy), hours worked per week, and specific duties for every position.
- Gather your IQCS Master Record or equivalent documentation to verify IFPM qualifications.
- Complete the assessment questionnaire and upload all required documents.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages; HR will not review supplemental pages.
- Be precise with your fire experience; include the number of days or seasons spent on the fireline.
- Use standard fonts and maintain 0.5-inch margins to ensure readability.
- Double-check that you have uploaded your IFPM-required documentation, as failure to do so results in immediate disqualification.
- Select all duty locations you are willing to work in; you will not be considered for locations not explicitly selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IFPM requirement for this position?
This position requires specific NWCG incident management qualifications. For the GW-08, you must hold Engine Boss, Crew Boss, Firing Boss, or Helicopter Manager, plus Incident Commander Type 4. For the GW-09, you must hold Engine Boss, Crew Boss, or Helicopter Manager, plus Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2.
Can I use my education to qualify instead of fire experience?
No. There is no educational substitution for the required specialized wildland firefighting experience at the GW-08 or GW-09 levels.
Is veterans' preference applied to this job?
No. This vacancy is being filled through Direct Hiring Authority, so traditional veterans' preference and rating/ranking procedures do not apply.
How does Direct Hire Authority impact my application?
*A: It bypasses the traditional ranking process, meaning all qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager.*
What is the probationary period?
*A: All new hires must complete a one-year probationary period to demonstrate their suitability for the role.*
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service manages fire programs across over 500 million acres of public and tribal lands. By integrating suppression activities with proactive fuels treatment, the agency plays a vital role in national safety and ecological health. Employees work closely with interagency partners, including the Forest Service and state agencies, to provide a unified response to the nation's most complex fire management challenges.