Become a Training Program Officer with the U.S. Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service is currently looking for an expert to lead national workforce development initiatives. As a Training Program Officer within the Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) organization, you will play a critical role in shaping how the next generation of wildland firefighters and aviation specialists are trained. This is a high-level, impactful position designed for leaders with deep operational knowledge and a passion for organizational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as a primary advisor for fire and aviation training delivery. Your key responsibilities include:

Developing and overseeing comprehensive training curricula.
Evaluating instructional design methodologies to ensure alignment with agency needs.
Providing leadership to FAM Training and Workforce Development staff.
Integrating findings from interagency reviews into national training efforts.
Advising on the application of new technologies for fire problem-solving.

Requirements

This position requires a unique combination of administrative skill and operational field experience. Candidates must demonstrate:

Professional experience in wildland firefighting.
One year of specialized experience at the GW-12 or GW-13 level.
Proficiency in program oversight and policy development.
U.S. citizenship and passing a pre-employment drug screening.

Salary Overview

Grade Level	Annual Salary Range
GW-13/14	$112,824 - $168,420

Benefits

Employees of the U.S. Forest Service enjoy a competitive federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans through FERS, and generous paid time off. Incentives for recruitment or relocation may be authorized for the right candidate.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Going over this limit will lead to automatic removal from consideration.
Check Your Documents: Ensure all SF-50s and performance appraisals are included if you are a current federal employee.
Test Preparation: Utilize the practice materials provided for the USA Hire assessments to familiarize yourself with the process.

If you are ready to apply your expertise in fire management and training design to a national-level challenge, this role with the Forest Service offers an unparalleled opportunity to influence the safety and efficacy of our nation's firefighting workforce. Apply before the closing date to be considered for this vital role.

Why This Training Program Officer Job Matters

Shape the future of wildland fire safety and aviation excellence with the U.S. Forest Service as a Training Program Officer.

Training Program Officer Job Overview

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking a dedicated Training Program Officer to join the National Office Fire and Safety, Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) team. This pivotal role involves providing high-level technical and administrative oversight for the agency's fire and aviation training programs. You will supervise the FAM Training and Workforce Development staff, advise on emerging instructional technologies, and ensure agency standards are met through comprehensive curriculum development and policy integration.

Requirements for Training Program Officer

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GW-12 for GW-13, or GW-13 for GW-14).
Prior wildland firefighting experience is required (Secondary Firefighter position).
Must pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random drug testing.
Must satisfy background investigation and fingerprint check requirements.
New supervisors must complete a required training program within the probationary period.
Must serve a 1-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Training Program Officer

Experience managing and coordinating national fire and aviation training programs.
Proven ability to establish training curriculum and evaluate instructional design methodologies.
Experience providing oversight to interagency steering committees such as the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).
Demonstrated ability to align training standards with agency and interagency requirements.
Background in program management and determining workforce training needs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Competitive salary based on the General Schedule (GS) pay plan.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.

💡 How to Apply Training Program Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Training Program Officer Job

Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Gather required documentation, including SF-50s and performance appraisals for current federal employees.
Click the 'Apply Online' button to start your application.
Complete the mandatory questionnaires and assessments.
Submit all documentation by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to practice assessments before beginning.
Check your email notifications and set your USAJOBS profile to receive job-related updates.
Upload documents in standard formats like PDF or Word; avoid Adobe Portfolio files.
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is not listed as remote. It is based in one of the multiple designated locations, and you should be prepared to live and work in these areas.

Can I substitute education for the required experience?

No, there is no substitution of education for the specialized experience required for this position.

What is the Time-in-Grade requirement?

Current federal employees must have 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level to be eligible for promotion.

Job from Forest Service

The Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests to meet the needs of present and future generations. Joining the FAM team means contributing to a mission that protects lives, property, and natural resources across the country.