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Los Padres Fire Employment Information
Welcome to the Los Padres National Forest Fire Recruitment Page!
Here you’ll find information about the types of positions the forest has to offer, helpful hints for applying, contact information for local Forest Hiring managers and links to USAJOBS for current vacancies.
The Los Padres National Forest is looking for committed, hardworking, highly skilled individuals to suppress wildfires and work in fuels management. The fire and aviation management program jobs are very rewarding. It requires talented people working safely as part of a team in a variety of specialized positions, including Dispatch, Engine Crews, Fire & Fuels management, Helitack, interagency Hotshot Crews, Dozers, and Prevention. The Fire Hire program is being implemented to streamline the hiring process for permanent fire positions. This hiring process assists the Los Padres National Forest to fill vacancies in a more efficient and timely manner.
We strongly encourage applicants to meet with the supervisors of the modules they are applying to work on. Check out this link for fire station list Los Padres National Forest Fire Stations - Google Maps
Forest Duty Locations
Monterey Ranger District: Big Sur, Bradley, Jolon
Santa Lucia Ranger District: Arroyo Grande, Los Olivos, Santa Margarita, Santa Maria
Santa Barbara Ranger District: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez
Ojai Ranger District: Fillmore, Ojai, Piru
Mt. Pinos Ranger District: Frazier Park
Los Padres Communication Center: Lompoc
Santa Maria Air Tanker Base: Santa Maria
Los Padres Module Descriptions
These firefighters are transported by helicopters to wildfires. They provide initial attack, facilitate arrival of additional personnel, and deploy the helicopter water bucket. Arroyo Grande H527, Santa Ynez H528, and Chuchupate H530
These intensively-trained, organized fire crews travel throughout the country to suppress wildfires with hand tools and firing operations. Ventana IHC, Arroyo Grande IHC, Los Padres IHC
These firefighters drive engines to fire locations, frequently via unimproved roads, and position engines in appropriate locations, considering the safety of the crew and equipment and how the equipment can best be used in control and mop-up operations.
Our dispatchers receive reports of wildfire and mobilize firefighters in response. Dispatchers also provide supplies and equipment to further support firefighters during a wildfire incident. Los Padres Communication Center add link Los Padres Communication Center (nifc.gov)
Our aviation positions include work at our retardant bases and aviation leadership positions. Santa Maria Airtanker Base
Personnel that mobilizes and loads aircraft with fire retardant, as well as provide safety and incident information to pilots for aerial retardant delivery.
Wildland Firefighters
Wildland Firefighters are involved with wildland fire suppression/ management/ control working on an engine, helitack module, or hand crew with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of specialized tools or equipment. Other wildland fire related duties may involve fire prevention, patrol, detection, or prescribed burning. Wildland firefighters may be required to work long hours in challenging and changing conditions, such as high temperatures and steep terrain. This job does have many rewards, including the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country and create friendships that last a lifetime.
How to get a Wildland Fire Job with the US Forest Service
The Forest Service advertises open positions using USAJOBS, the federal government's website for listing job opportunities (called vacancy announcements) with federal agencies. USAJOBS requires setting up a user profile and allows applicants to create a resume directly in the system, upload required documents and store this information for multiple applications. You must apply to each individual vacancy announcement if you are interested. Please read each vacancy announcement carefully; each position has specific requirements you must meet to qualify and documents you must provide. If you have never used USAJOBS before, it is highly recommended that you view our How to Apply | US Forest Service (usda.gov).
Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
- US Citizen
- Have High School Diploma or GED
- Males Born after 12/31/59 must be registered with the Selective Service Office
- To verify you are registered visit: Verify Registration | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)
- Selectees must meet the arduous fitness level and complete a Work Capacity Test (WCT)
Fitness
Wildland firefighting is a physically demanding job and there is a an arduous fitness requirement for employment. All candidates are required to conduct a Work Capacity Test (also known as a "Pack Test"), requiring one to walk 3 miles in 45 minutes or less wearing a 45-pound pack.
Many crews will be expected to hike several miles to the fire and begin to dig line or remove fuels (wood and timber) immediately. The physical endurance required is significant and you should be well prepared to work all day and night under hazardous conditions, Watch a video a to learn more about what participants can do to prepare for the Work Capacity Test.
Begin training before you report for work. Start by walking, training for the test level you will need to pass for the duties you will be required to perform. Start training without a pack, and gradually increase distance and for arduous and moderate duty, begin carrying appropriate weight. Increase the weight until you can meet the requirements for arduous or moderate duty.
Salary
Federal employees are paid based on the grade level identified in their position description. For example, a firefighter on a hand crew usually is paid at the GS-03, GS-04 or GS-05 level depending on qualifications, experience and prior federal service. The grade level(s) and pay rate will be shown on the individual vacancy announcement in USAJobs . This is the base pay rate; depending on the situation, other premium pay (such as overtime, night differential, hazardous duty pay, etc.) may be earned.
- Temporary seasonal GS-03 and GS-04 wildland firefighter pay will be set at a step to equal a minimum of $15 per hour.
- A supplemental pay increase of $20,000 or 50% of base pay per year, is authorized under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for firefighter positions.
- OPM Salaries-Wages 2024 General Schedule.
Types of Appointments (term of employment and work schedule)
These positions are typically only used for specific incidents or fires and are “on call” in nature. AD employees are not salaried. AD employees are paid a flat hourly rate and taxes are not deducted from the paycheck, so the AD employee is responsible for reporting this income.
Temporary seasonal positions are just that - temporary and seasonal. The work is full time (40 hours or more per week), but employees in these types of positions can only work 6 months in a row.
Career seasonal positions are the same as permanent full-time jobs in the federal government and carry the same full benefits package, except employees may not work year-round depending on the needs of the agency.
Permanent Full-time positions Permanent full-time positions work 40+ hours per week, 52 weeks per year.
Current Fire Job Opportunities on the Los Padres National Forest
2025 Fire Season
The Los Padres National Forest is excited to participate in a series of in-person recruitment events! The region will be hosting various wildland firefighter recruitment events throughout California, providing you with the opportunity to connect with regional fire staff, get assistance with your application, and learn about the amazing benefits of working with the Forest Service.
Announcements will open on USAJOBS.GOV from Jan 6, 2025 – Jan 27, 2025.
There will be three job announcements flown. Permanent Job announcement for GS-3/4 Firefighter with promotion potential to the GS-5. Additionally, two temporary seasonal announcements for GS-3 and GS-4 general suppression. Announcement numbers
- FS3867 GS03 Forestry Aid 25-TEMPFHE-R5-3867-3DH
- FS3868 GS04 Forestry Technician 25-TEMPFHE-R5-3868-4DH
- 25-FIRE-P2RE-FFTR-34DH
January 17, 2025, 10:00 am–6:00 pm
-
Creveling Lounge, the Quad, and Parking Lot
1570 E Colorado BLVD
Pasadena, CA 91106
-
Cafeteria
11555 Old Oregon TRL
Redding, CA 96003
January 18, 2025 10:00 am–4:00 pm
-
Creveling Lounge, the Quad, and Parking Lot
1570 E Colorado BLVD
Pasadena, CA 91106
-
Cafeteria
11555 Old Oregon TRL
Redding, CA 96003
January 24, 2025, 10:00 am–6:00 pm
-
Cafeteria or Reedley
995 N Reed AVE
Reedley, CA 93654
-
Wildland Fire Training and Conference Center
Rattlesnake and Dude Rooms
3237 Peacekeeper Way
McClellan Park, CA
January 25, 2025, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
-
Cafeteria or Reedley
995 N Reed AVE
Reedley, CA 93654
-
Wildland Fire Training and Conference Center
Rattlesnake and Dude Rooms
3237 Peacekeeper Way
McClellan Park, CA
Helpful Links and Information
Create a USAJOBS Account
Visit USAJOBS.gov and select "Create Profile" on the front page. Use an email address that you will always have access to, not a work or school email.
Entering your eligibility information in USAJOBS will take you through a survey to gather information about which hiring authority you may fall under, contact information, citizenship status,
and education.
Add or Create a Resume
Under the Documents section, you can add resumes. If you don't have a resume, visit the Building a Federal Resume webpage for tips. You can also use the resume builder tool within USAJOBS. Find it under the Resumes section of your profile.
Federal Resume Requirements
For each job listed on your resume, you must also include:
- The start and end dates (including the month and year). The number of hours you worked per week.
- The level and amount of experience - for example, whether you served as project manager or a team member can help show your level of experience. All relevant experience and accomplishments that prove you can perform tasks at the level required for the job. All work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, with your most recent experience showing at the top of your resume.
- It is also recommended that you include your supervisor’s name and contact information for reference checks.
- Salary information is optional, but may give the Human Resources reviewer and hiring manager a better understanding of your current and past experience.
- Include references with updated contact information.
Add other Documents
If you don't have a resume, visit the Building a Federal Resume webpage for tips. You can also use the resume builder tool within USAJOBS. Find it under the Resumes section of your profile.
- Not including months and/or years & hours worked per week for each individual season or position.
- Instead, ensure your resume includes your name and a list of each season and position held, duties performed, dates specified in month/year to month/year format. In addition, the resume must reflect full-time or total number of hours worked per week. Part-time hours can be pro-rated based on number of hours worked per week provided. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
- Example 1: 05/2018 to 08/2018 could be credited as 3 months if 40 hours worked per week (full-time) are listed -or- 2.25 months if 30 hours worked per week are listed -or-1.5 months if 20 hours worked per week are listed.
- Example 2: 05/2015 to 10/2015 could be credited as 5 months of experience if 40 hours worked per week (full-time) are listed -or- 3.75 months if 30 hours worked per week are listed -or- 2.5 months if 20 hours worked per week are listed.
- Example 3: Dates listed with month/day/year to month/day/year could be given credit for each to/from date in its entirety if hours worked per week are listed. 05/1/2018 to 08/16/2018 could be credited as 3 months, 16 days -or- 1 month, 23 days if 20 hours worked per week are listed.
- You will NOT receive credit for a position listed missing months or years and/or hours worked per week.
- Not listing position duties in resume
- List in detail all duties performed in each season and position held. Expand on your duties and be as specific as you can.
- Failure to bubmit supporting documentation for Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) positions - GS-5 and above only
- Be sure to submit your Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record or equivalent documentation; refer to the vacancy announcement you applied to for more information.
Let·s Connect!
Phone
(805) 272-0952
Email
sm.fs.lpfjobs@usda.gov or sm.fs.lpffireadmin@usda.gov
Website
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/Los Padres Fire Employment