Lead Wildland Firefighter; Hotshot​/Handcrew

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.

The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to lead crews performing such work. These crews perform work directly related to wildland fire suppression and control activities including suppression, preparedness, prevention, monitoring, hazardous fuels reduction, and prescribed burning.

See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the specific contact information.

• Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-06 level.
• Serve as a lead wildland firefighter on a handcrew on a prescribed/suppression fire crew. Performs prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop up. Constructs handlines in various vegetative types.
• Make initial evaluation of fire situations, determine rate of spread, potential hazards to property and other improvements, suppression method to use, hose lays, deployment of crew, point of initial attack, and application of water.
• Provide daily leadership and training for the crew members. Serves as a working leader over 3 or more crew members, at least one of which is a GS-05. May also lead additional technicians and detailers.
• Use a variety of specialized tools, equipment and techniques to actively suppress fires and firing equipment. Perform the duties of a fully qualified chainsaw operator. Perform chainsaw maintenance and makes minor repairs.
• Provide training in wildland fire and safety techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• This is a drug testing 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.
• Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
• Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
• There may be additional Conditions of Employment not listed here, however applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time a tentative job offer is made.
• Under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the requirement.