The GMUG NF Fire program combines elements of fire prevention, fire suppression, and fire use to effectively manage forest fuels and suppress wildfires. The GMUG coordinates with the Upper Colorado River (UCR) Fire Management Unit, the Bureau of Land Management, other federal and state agencies and the communities surrounding our forest.
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest encompasses 3 million acres managed by 5 Ranger Districts: Grand Valley, Paonia, Ouray, Norwood and Gunnison. Vegetation types in the area range from those typifying high desert species such as native bunchgrasses, sagebrush and various types of brush, to woodland species such as pinyon-juniper, aspen and mixed conifer species at higher elevations.
The Grand Valley Ranger District is dispatched out of the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Dispatch Center in Grand Junction. The other ranger districts are dispatched out of the Montrose Fire Dispatch Center.
Application deadlines vary but usually must be submitted through USA Jobs by January or early February. Hiring for seasonal fire positions begins in February. Each national forest should have a listing of their current job openings on their website. Please check current job openings on the GMUG.
The Heart of a Firefighter
The men and women involved in Fire and Aviation Management represent the pride exemplified by all Forest Service and other employees in "caring for the land and serving people." The video portrays the brave wildland firefighters of all federal, state and local agencies serving to protect millions of acres of our forests, our communities, and our natural resources.