Become a Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service
Are you a seasoned fire professional ready to take the next step in your career? The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is currently hiring for the role of Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management). This position is perfect for those who want to pivot from direct suppression into a strategic administrative role that shapes how we manage fire-resilient landscapes across the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As a specialist in fuels management, your primary duties will include:
- Developing and evaluating complex fire management plans.
- Analyzing fuel loads and determining appropriate treatment methods.
- Coordinating between federal, state, and local partners.
- Providing expert guidance on smoke management and ecological fire application.
Role Comparison Table
| Feature | Field Firefighter | Fuels Management Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Suppression | Strategy & Planning |
| Environment | Primarily Field | Office & Field Hybrid |
| Certification | FFT1/FFT2 | RXB2 & Resource Boss |
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-11 equivalent position, you must demonstrate significant experience in fire line work. You must possess the RXB2 (Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Type 2) qualification, along with one resource boss certification (ENGB, CRWB, or HMGB). Because this is a federal position, you must be a U.S. citizen and successfully pass a drug screening.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $83,639 to $108,738 per year. Beyond the salary, employees receive a robust benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and generous paid leave.
Application Tips
Your resume is your most important document. Ensure it is strictly under two pages, utilizes 10-point font, and clearly details your fire line experience in hours per week. Failure to include these specific details will result in your application being deemed ineligible.
If you have the experience and the drive to protect our natural resources through strategic fire management, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the unique chance to balance administrative expertise with the physical realities of land management.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) Job Matters
Step into a leadership role as a Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and help shape the future of fire-resilient landscapes.
Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) Job Overview
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is seeking experienced professionals to serve as Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) at the GW-11 level. This is a critical role responsible for developing, evaluating, and implementing fire management strategies to protect public lands. You will work across diverse ecosystems, analyzing fuel loads, executing prescribed burns, and coordinating interagency efforts to maintain ecological balance. If you are a seasoned firefighter looking to transition into a strategic administrative role that directly impacts fire safety and land management, this is your opportunity.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Mandatory prior firefighting experience in a primary, rigorous wildland firefighter role (e.g., Hotshot, Smokejumper, Engine Crew).
- Must possess current or past NWCG incident management qualifications: RXB2 (Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Type 2) AND one of the following: ENGB, CRWB, or HMGB.
- Must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment drug test and participate in random drug testing.
- Must hold and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must be physically capable of performing duties in hazardous, uncontrolled wildland fire environments.
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)
- Strong analytical skills for evaluating fire management plans.
- Ability to interpret land use policies and environmental coordination objectives.
- Demonstrated expertise in smoke management and ecological fire analysis.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
- ✓Comprehensive life insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Accrued annual and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that explicitly lists hours worked per week and specific dates for all experience.
- Compile required supplemental documents, including your IQCS Master Record.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked within the announcement.
- Submit your full application package via USAJOBS before the deadline on November 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages; HR will not review longer documents.
- Use standard 10-point font and 0.5-inch margins to meet formatting requirements.
- Explicitly detail your firefighting experience, including fire line hours and specific incident types.
- Do not include personal information like social security numbers or photos in your resume.
- Verify your IQCS records are up-to-date and clearly accessible for upload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is veterans' preference applied to this position?
No, this position is being filled under Direct-Hire Authority, so traditional veterans' preference and ranking do not apply.
Can I work remotely or telework?
No, this position requires field presence and is not suitable for telework or remote status.
What specific NWCG qualifications are required?
You must hold a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Type 2 (RXB2) qualification, plus an Engine Boss (ENGB), Crew Boss (CRWB), or Helicopter Manager (HMGB) certification.
What is the deadline to apply?
*A: The deadline is November 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.*
Will I need to travel?
*A: Yes, you may be required to travel for work up to 25% of the time.*
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of The Interior
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) is a division of the Department of the Interior responsible for managing fire programs across 500 million acres of public and tribal land. We are committed to fostering coordination between federal, state, and tribal agencies to ensure a unified approach to wildfire resilience.