Embark on a High-Stakes Career: Seasonal Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot)
Are you looking for a career that challenges you physically, tests your mental resilience, and allows you to make a tangible impact on the environment? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is currently accepting applications for seasonal Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot) positions across multiple locations. If you have a passion for the outdoors and a drive to serve the public, this is your chance to join an elite team.
Job Responsibilities
As a Wildland Firefighter, your daily life will be far from routine. Duties scale with your grade level (GW-03 to GW-05):
- Entry Level (GW-03): Participate in suppression efforts, maintain equipment, and undergo rigorous physical training.
- Intermediate (GW-04): Assist in specialized tasks like tree felling and portable pump operation, while mastering radio communications.
- Experienced (GW-05): Lead in fireline construction, monitor fire behavior, and manage complex ignition and mop-up operations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiring Authority | Direct Hire Authority (DHA) |
| Appointment Type | Seasonal (1,039 Hours) |
| Pay Range | $21.14 - $25.86 per hour |
| Locations | AZ, MS, NM |
Requirements
To be considered, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- US Citizenship or National status.
- 18 years of age or older.
- Ability to pass an arduous-duty work capacity test.
- Willingness to undergo drug testing and medical evaluations.
Salary and Benefits
Compensation for these roles starts at $21.14 per hour and scales up based on experience and grade level. While these are temporary, seasonal appointments, they offer invaluable experience that serves as a cornerstone for a long-term career in federal land management or wildland fire suppression.
Application Tips
- Be Specific: Detail every month and year of your experience and your average weekly hours.
- Formatting: Follow the resume limits (two pages) and margin requirements strictly.
- Preference: If you qualify for Indian Preference at the Zuni location, ensure BIA Form 4432 is attached.
This position is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety of our nation's wildlands. If you are prepared for the rigor of the hotshot lifestyle, start your application today.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority Job Matters
Launch your career on the front lines of fire management with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. Join an elite hotshot crew and protect our nation’s most vital public lands.
Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority Job Overview
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking motivated, physically fit individuals to serve as seasonal Wildland Firefighters. This is a unique opportunity to work on the front lines of fire suppression, prescribed burning, and emergency response in diverse, challenging environments across the United States. These temporary positions offer an unparalleled chance to gain hands-on experience in wildland fire management while supporting the Department of the Interior’s commitment to resilient landscapes.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Pass a pre-employment medical examination and drug screening.
- Must pass the arduous-duty work capacity test.
- Maintain a valid state driver's license as required for duties.
- Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Ability to work in remote, rugged, and high-stress environments.
- Willingness to travel and work long, unpredictable hours during fire season.
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority
- Prior experience in wildland fire suppression or prescribed fire operations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of fire behavior, meteorology, and fuel types.
- Technical proficiency with chainsaws, water pumps, and fireline radio equipment.
- Completion of fire science or fire technology coursework at an accredited institution.
- Proven leadership experience in team-oriented or outdoor field settings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Direct field experience with a premier federal agency
- ✓Professional development and training in fire suppression techniques
- ✓Exposure to diverse geographic and climate-specific fire management challenges
- ✓Opportunity to participate in national emergency response
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority Job
- Create or log in to your account on the official federal job portal.
- Preview the assessment questionnaire to understand the technical requirements.
- Prepare a resume that details your relevant experience, specific duties, and hours worked per week.
- Upload required documents, including transcripts and any applicable preference forms (like BIA Form 4432 for Indian Preference).
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 4, 2026.
- Monitor your status through your applicant dashboard for updates.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit and font requirements.
- Detail your experience in months/years and provide the average hours worked per week for every job listed.
- If claiming Indian Preference for the Zuni, NM location, ensure BIA Form 4432 is correctly completed and attached.
- Check your application status regularly, as the agency will not send personalized updates for every submission.
- Ensure your contact information is current and your email inbox is monitored for notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a seasonal appointment mean?
These positions are temporary and limited to a maximum of 1,039 hours of service per year. They do not convey permanent federal status.
What is the work environment like?
The work involves intense physical exertion in steep, remote terrains. Expect exposure to extreme heat, smoke, noise, and primitive camping conditions.
Do I need prior firefighting experience?
No, entry-level positions are available. You may qualify based on general work experience, education, or a combination of both.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service, under the Department of the Interior, is the backbone of the nation’s fire management infrastructure. Managing over 500 million acres of public and tribal lands, the agency leads the coordination of fire suppression, prescribed burning, and fire-resilient landscape initiatives. By joining the USWFS, you become part of a network of professionals dedicated to public safety and ecosystem health.