Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)

• Serves as an experienced smokejumper performing parachute jumps and a variety of wildland fire suppression duties.
• Performs wildland fire suppression duties using a variety of hand and power tools (such as Pulaski shovel chain saw and McLeod).
• As assigned may jump as incident commander determining fire strategy making work assignments reviewing work performance completing fire and time reports. May also serve as single resource boss.
• Participates in and successfully completes annual refresher training in parachute jumping parachute handling firefighting and use of specialized tools and techniques. Coordinates with spotter to select jump spot.
• Makes advanced tactical decisions evaluates fire behavior and potential fire risk to determine resource needs. Plans logistical needs for multiple shifts.
• May obtain FAA certifications such as Senior or Master Parachute Rigger. Packs and maintains parachutes for intentional jumping for self and others packs reserve parachutes as well.
• Constructs and maintains gear such as parachute harness jump gear and other equipment to ensure jump program functionality.
• May participate in training new smokejumpers to become proficient with physical and mental requirements of smokejumper positions.
• Ensures airplane is loaded properly. Constructs and maintains cargo containers and cargo parachutes for paracargo operations.
• May serve as Assistant Spotter during fire and paracargo missions using CRM skills to assist with paracargo and smokejumper deployments.
• Travel to fire assignments may vary from parachute jumping to foot travel truck bus helicopter etc.
• May be assigned to other resource management activities such as recreation timber or reforestation when not performing fire suppression duties.
• May inventory fuel beds prepare associated reports perform hazard fuel reduction projects monitor burning conditions pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions during fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire.

• 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.
• Incumbent is subject to medical screening and must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous duty wildland firefighting.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
• Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or fire related assignment.
• Must pass the appropriate level of the Work Capacity Test for Wildland Firefighters.

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-06: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-5 grade level in federal service or equivalent.

GW-06: Education cannot be substituted for this grade level.

Examples of specialized experience include: Performed parachute jumps under many conditions while executing landings on rough terrain open areas mountain slopes and/or timber; Suppressed the full range of difficult and complex wildland fire using common and proven basic techniques; Served as a Squad boss on a Fire Crew Helitack Crew Pump Crew or served as Crew Boss Fire Boss or Sector Boss.

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.

WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment. The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test consists of a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack.

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.