Wildland Firefighter - Direct Hiring Authority

These positions are located within their respective Division/Branch of Wildland Fire and/or Aviation. Many positions are available to serve as an Assistant Engine Captain, Assistant Module Leader of a Type 2 WFM or a Helitack Squad Boss.

The DOI Standard PD of DX00500, Wildland Firefighter, GS-0456-7 is being used to fill these positions. Positions are non-supervisory in nature and is considered Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

• Engine: Drives and operates a wildland fire engine, positioning the engine for proper use and operation.
  
  Performs/conducts engine operations techniques, including tandem operations, mobile attack, pump and roll, firing and holding operations, stationary attack, engine protection, simple and progressive hoselays. Ensures adequate supply of water and chemical agents are maintained to the fire, particularly on critical areas of the fireline. Locates water sources and checks for volume and cleanliness for engine resupply. Performs specialized duties such as water handling specialist or maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland urban interface/intermix situations.

• Crews: Identifies lookout locations and assigns lookout.
  
  Scouts fireline in critical areas and patrols fireline for spot fires and slop overs, leading fireline construction implementation and determining adjustments based on current conditions. Reassesses and adjusts escape routes and safety zones. Directs water handling logistics and operations for crew (e.g., portable pumps, hoses, fold-a-tanks). Leads mop-up and suppression repair efforts on assigned portion of line.
  
  Gathers intelligence, independently scouts and assesses fuels, and leads suppression crews. Leads and assesses complex tree felling operations.

• Helitack: Directs helicopter crewmember duties such as: prepares internal and/or external cargo loads, briefs passengers before takeoff, follows proper procedures for loading/unloading the helicopter, constructs helispots or landing areas, monitors dipsites, and prepares sling load sites.
  
  Leads aviation mission planning in coordination with pilot to include evaluation of environmental conditions, application of aviation safety plans, and briefing mission objectives. Participates in and may direct helicopter operations to include accompanying pilot on flights, providing radio communications to dispatch and/or ground firefighters, navigating with use of maps and applying aviation safety regulations. May serve as a rappeller or short hauler. All of the positions represented in this vacancy announcement have a Full-Time, permanent work schedule.

Salary in the vacancy announcement represents the Rest of US salary (RUS). Yearly salary will based on duty station selected. For more information on salary, click HERE

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 04/30/2024 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience.

For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

SELECTIVE FACTORS: The applicant must have possessed all the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position:

Qualifications for Assistant Engine Captain:

1.Engine Boss (ENGB)

2.Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)

3.NWCG Training of S-211, Portable Pumps and Water Use.

• OR-

Qualifications for the Assistant Module Leader

1.Incident Commander Type 5

2.Crew Boss (CRWB) -or- Engine Boss (ENGB)

3.Firing Boss (FIRB)

• OR-

Qualifications for the Helitack Squad Boss

1.Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and

2.Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and

3.Helicopter Crew Member (HECM),

4.NWCG Training of S-211 (Portable Pumps and Water Use)

5.NWCG Training of S-212 (Wildland Firefighter Chainsaws)

Currency is required for these certifications. You must provide proper documentation via an IQCS (Incident Qualifications and Certification System) Master Record or equivalent that these certifications are up to date and current.

• AND-

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENT:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service. Examples of qualifying specialized for this position is experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position.

Examples of specialized experience include: (1) personally leading a crew in Wildland Fire Operations, and at least one of the following wildland fire-fighting functions: Initial attack and Fire-line Suppression Operations; Prescribed Fire Operations; Helitack Operations; and (2) personally leading or supervising others in any two of the following functions: initial attack and suppression hand-crew operations; prescribed fire operations; wildland fire engine crew operations; helitack fire crew operations; providing on-the-job training and conducting daily crew briefings, safety sessions, and/or other basic wildland fire training.

NOTE: If your firefighting experience includes both structural and wildland, it is essential that your application materials clearly separate and document your wildland experience.

• AND-

This position is covered by the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d) as a Primary/Rigorous Firefighter. Applicants must be 18 years of age, but not have reached their 37th birthday by the closing date of this announcement.

These positions are covered by the special enhanced annuity retirement provisions for Federal Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers and have a mandatory retirement age of 57. Two exceptions are allowed: 1) an applicant has prior Federal service in documented special retirement covered position(s) sufficient to count toward 20 years of covered service on or before the mandatory retirement age of 57; or 2) an applicant is a qualified veterans' preference eligible, in which case the MEA is waived and their corresponding retirement age may be higher than 57 after completing 20 years of service. Applicants must submit proof of their previous and/or current status in the Fire Fighter or Law Enforcement special enhanced annuity retirement system.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYEMENT, CONTINUED:

• Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and also pass a medical examination (which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. You will also be required to periodic medical examinations throughout employment.

• The Work Capacity Test (WCT-Pack Test) as a method for assessing an employee's fitness levels for fire qualifications in the positions covered by this recruitment notice. Arduous fitness (WCT-Pack Test) will consist of completing a three-mile hike, within 45 minutes, while carrying a 45 pound pack. NOTE: Arduous Work Capacity Test