The Southwestern Region Fire Hire program streamlines the hiring process for permanent fire positions, and allow for more consistent hiring around the Region. The change in hiring process is in response to a continual vacancy situation that all of the national forests in the Southwestern Region currently face. The unique feature of this process is the ability to immediately backfill positions that have been vacated.
The Process and Timeline
December 7—Outreach begins. The Outreach Notice lists the most current permanent fire vacancies and locations, GS-4 through G-9 levels.
January 3, 2012—Application deadline. Applications can be made through AVUE Digital Services. Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple locations--only locations where you would accept a position if offered, even if vacancies for certain locations are not listed as vacant, as vacancies may occur during the hiring process.
January 23-27, 2012—Application evaluation. Subject matter experts will evaluate applicants against a defined set of criteria.
January 30-February 3, 2012—Selections. A representative from each forest will make recommendations for hiring.
The Forest Service will notify applicants selected by phone. (Applicants not selected will be notified by email.)
Late March to Early April—First effective date (excluding drug testing and transfer of station).
Note: Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) qualifications must be met prior to selection.
Forest Service, Fire Program Management (FS_FPM) qualifications must be met by October 1, 2013.
Employment Programs
Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)
This program provides an opportunity for students to earn money, continue their education, train with professionals, and combine academic study with on-the-job experience.
Wildland Firefighter Foundation
Wildland Firefighter Foundation will partner with private and interagency organizations to educate the public about wildland fires and will promote excellence and safety in firefighting.
Women in Fire Service
The purpose of Women in the Fire Service is to promote and facilitate the participation of women in the fire service.
Avue Central
A Federal employment service provided free to the public. Applications for Forest Service employment must be submitted via Avue.
FS Jobs
Information on job vacancies within the Federal Government.
The National Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program
An accredited, educational program designed to enhance and develop future Fire and Aviation Managers. This program operates under an agreement with the Department of Labor, U.S. Forest Service, USDI Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. The intent of the program is to assist individuals who want a career in Fire Management within the Federal fire agencies.
Key Contacts
SOUTHWEST ENGINE ACADEMY
James Burton, Engine Captain
Flagstaff Ranger District jburton@fs.fed.us
FIRE HIRE
James Villard
Regional Fire Training Officer
Office: (575) 434-7332
Cell: (575) 430-1250
Fax: (575) 437-0778 jvillard@fs.fed.us
The Southwestern Region Fire Hire program streamlines the hiring process for permanent fire positions, and allow for more consistent hiring around the Region. The change in hiring process is in response to a continual vacancy situation that all of the national forests in the Southwestern Region currently face. The unique feature of this process is the ability to immediately backfill positions that have been vacated.
