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Forest Service Fire and Aviation Jobs - Fire Hire
Fire Hire
Are you looking for a job that is anything, but ordinary?
The USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region Fire and Aviation Management program is in the process of hiring permanent positions. Help protect our nation's resources for generations to come!
Applications will open again June 26 - July 5, 2023.
A highly skilled, hardworking cast of thousands is needed to battle wildland fires. The USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region Fire and Aviation Management program requires talented people working safely together to be successful. We hire positions in wildland firefighting across Region 9, including both permanent and permanent seasonal opportunities. Join the Forest Service and those who serve to protect our national forests, communities, and natural resources.
The March Application Period has Closed
View ALL Eastern Region Fire Hire Jobs -- Pay rate information
The application period has closed. Please reference for the hiring event timeline for additional information. The next open application period will begin in June 2023.
Location Negotiable: Final determination of the duty station(s) will be made by the selecting official at the time of the job offer. Pay rates vary depending on location.
March Fire Hire Timeline
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Recorded webinars
Recorded webinars for jobseekers include, Tips for Job Seekers, Hiring Eligibility and Qualifications, How to Write a Federal Resume, and Navigating USAJOBS.gov.
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March 20 - March 29, 2023 - apply
The application period has closed.
- Apply through USAJOBS.gov.
- The application deadline is March 29, 2023, 11:59 Eastern standard time.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple locations (only where you would accept a position if offered) even if positions for certain locations you are interested in are not listed as vacant.
- Vacancies may occur during the hiring process and could be filled during Selection Week.
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April 17 - May 2, 2023 - review and select
- Applications are reviewed.
- Interest and reference checks will occur during this time.
- Please ensure your references are notified and available at the email address (preferred), or phone number provided on your application.
- Selections - Representatives from each forest will make recommendations for hiring.
- Candidates selected will be notified by a Forest Service representative by phone.
- If you were not selected, check your USAJOBS account for status updates.
- Candidates will be given 4 hours to respond to voicemails or emails from the recommending officials.
- It is highly encouraged to be available via phone during this time.
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June 18, 2023
June 18, 2023, is the first possible effective date.
Prepare for June Fire Hire
Apply June 26 - July 5, 2023
A commonly asked question is whether it is difficult to become a firefighter. Learn more.
- Take the required basic fire courses at the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) website.
- L180, S110, S130, S190
- Review the videos, The Heart of a Firefighter and It's Not Just Fire, about wildland firefighting.
- Learn more about jobs in the Eastern Region (R9) of the Forest Service.
Tips for Applying to be a Wildland Firefighter
- Start your profile on USAJOBS.gov.
- Review how to apply for a Forest Service Job for helpful tips.
- Join a webinar about how to apply for a federal job or search recruitment events.
- Join the jobseeker database and be notified of upcoming hiring events and webinars.
- Email Brian Hicks for more information or call 520-343-0235.
Wildland firefighters work in a variety of specialized positions, including air attack, fire engine crews, fuels management, hand crews, helirappel, helitack, interagency hotshot crews, patrol and prevention technicians, and smokejumping. These crews often travel throughout the Eastern Region and other regions of the country. Learn more about people working in fire and explore addition firefighter programs.
Additional firefighter programs
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Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program
The intent of the Program is to take a career entry firefighter and provide education, training and paid work experience over a 12 to 48 month period, depending on experience. Upon successful completion of all the requirements of the Apprenticeship Program, the apprentice will reach journey-level status as a wildland firefighter.
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Pathways program
The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with an advanced degree. There are three different paths available.
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USDA 1890 National Scholars Program
USDA 1890 National Scholars Program scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Each award provides full tuition, as well as room and board, for the term of the scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.