Wildland Firefighter (Aviation)

• Operates complex airtanker equipment systems with numerous components that must be carefully synchronized or calibrated.
• Performs various aviation and ground support activities such as servicing and operating batch mixers tanks and related components including pumps valves and hoses.
• Mixes stores inspects tests and delivers fire retardants to various specifications.
• Performs duties of parking and launching firefighting aircraft to/from base.
• Assists in airtanker Hot Loading and Simultaneous Loading operations. Computes compiles and summarizes data for preparation of recurring and special Forest Service reports and records.

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit .
• Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state drivers license; a commercial drivers license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
• This is a Test Designated Position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
• Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or fire related assignment.
• This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions.

In order to qualify you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position visit the Office of Personnel Managements General Schedule Qualification Standards.

Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

GW-05: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-4 grade level in federal service or equivalent; OR Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science Fire Training Fire Technology or other related fields of study is qualifying for GW-5; OR a combination of education and experience.

Examples of specialized experience include: Performed work directly related to wildland fire suppression and control activities including suppression preparedness prevention monitoring and hazardous fuels reduction and serviced and made minor repairs to airtanker equipment or inspected checked and serviced accessories such as pump water lines tanks reels or pump power plant to keeps in fire readiness.


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.

In accordance with USDA Department Regulationthis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing. All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis after appointment as directed.

To receive consideration for this position you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.