Become a Smokejumper: An Elite Career with the U.S. Forest Service
Are you looking for a career that pushes your limits, demands peak physical fitness, and contributes to the preservation of our nation's wildlands? The U.S. Forest Service is currently hiring for the 2027 season, seeking specialized professionals to join their elite Smokejumper crews. This role is not just a job; it is a commitment to excellence, teamwork, and high-stakes firefighting in the most rugged environments imaginable.
Job Responsibilities
As a Smokejumper, your duties go far beyond basic fire suppression. You are a highly trained specialist tasked with:
- Performing parachute jumps from aircraft into remote, inaccessible areas.
- Executing tactical landings on mountain slopes, timber, and open terrain.
- Leading fire suppression efforts using specialized hand and power tools.
- Functioning as an Incident Commander, determining strategies, and managing crew assignments.
- Maintaining complex parachute gear and cargo containers.
- Participating in prescribed fire projects and fuel reduction management.
Requirements
To maintain the highest standards of safety and operational readiness, all applicants must meet strict criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Ability to pass the Arduous-level Work Capacity Test (WCT).
- Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.
- Medical clearance for strenuous wildland firefighting duties.
- One year of specialized firefighting experience at the GW-5 level or equivalent.
Comparison of Firefighting Roles
| Feature | Standard Fire Crew | Smokejumper |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Access | Vehicle/Foot | Parachute/Aircraft |
| Training Intensity | High | Elite/Specialized |
| Deployment Speed | Moderate | Rapid |
| Operational Environment | Variable | Remote Backcountry |
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position is set at $27.63 per hour. As this is a national announcement, pay rates may vary slightly based on specific regional locality adjustments. Please consult the OPM pay scales for detailed information on how locality impacts the base salary.
Benefits
While this is a temporary appointment, the benefits of working with the Forest Service are substantial. You will gain unrivaled experience in wildland fire tactics, work with state-of-the-art fire technology, and network within a prestigious government agency known for its commitment to natural resource management.
Application Tips
Securing a position as a Smokejumper is highly competitive. Ensure your application is flawless by following these guidelines:
- Tailor Your Resume: Clearly delineate your experience with fire crews, specifically highlighting your leadership roles and technical skills.
- Mind the Page Limit: Submissions exceeding two pages will be automatically removed from consideration.
- Test Your Links: Ensure all your documents (transcripts, certifications) are in non-encrypted formats and are easily readable.
- Monitor Your Email: Keep an eye on your USAJOBS notifications for status updates and requests for further information.
Serving as a Smokejumper is an opportunity to protect our nation's treasures while mastering a unique set of life-saving skills. If you possess the courage, discipline, and stamina required for this role, we encourage you to apply. Start your journey with the U.S. Forest Service today and prepare for the 2027 fire season.
Why This Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper) Job Matters
Take your firefighting career to the skies as a Smokejumper with the U.S. Forest Service.
Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper) Job Overview
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking courageous and highly skilled individuals to serve as Smokejumpers. As part of an elite fire management crew, you will perform parachute jumps into remote, challenging environments to suppress wildland fires. This is a temporary, high-intensity role that demands exceptional physical conditioning, expert decision-making, and the ability to operate effectively in unpredictable, backcountry conditions.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
- Successful passing of the Arduous-level Work Capacity Test (3-mile hike with 45lb pack in 45 minutes)
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and participate in random testing
- Successful adjudication of background investigation and fingerprint check
- Meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW-5 grade level
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)
- Prior experience as a squad boss on a Fire, Helitack, or Pump crew
- Experience as a Fire Boss, Crew Boss, or Sector Boss
- FAA certification as a Senior or Master Parachute Rigger
- Proven experience performing parachute jumps into rough terrain, mountain slopes, or timber
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Opportunities to work in diverse national forest environments
- ✓Advanced tactical and specialized firefighting training
- ✓Career development within a premier land management agency
- ✓Competitive hourly compensation
- ✓Potential for overtime and incident-based travel
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper) Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to start your application.
- Complete the online Assessment Questionnaire.
- Submit a resume not exceeding two pages, detailing your experience and qualifications.
- Attach supporting documents, including unofficial transcripts if required.
- Verify your documents have successfully transferred from your USAJOBS profile to the agency staffing system.
- Submit the final package electronically by 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Clearly link your work experience to the major duties outlined in the announcement.
- Ensure your document uploads are under 5MB and in supported formats like PDF or Word.
- Double-check that all required documents (transcripts, SF-50 if applicable) are legible.
- Apply early to avoid technical issues or potential system fatigue on the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Work Capacity Test (WCT)?
The WCT is a physical fitness test for wildland firefighters. The arduous level requires you to hike three miles while carrying a 45-pound pack within 45 minutes.
Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a temporary appointment (not to exceed 6 to 12 months) for the FY2027 season, though extensions may occur based on funding and project needs.
Can I substitute education for experience?
At the GW-06 level, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized firefighting experience.
Job from Forest Service
The Department of Agriculture's Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. From cutting-edge fire suppression research to active land management, the agency serves a critical role in conservation. Joining the Forest Service means becoming part of an organization that values integrity, resilience, and the stewardship of America’s great outdoors.