For this season only, the Office of Personnel Management authorized the increase of maximum hours for some of our temporary seasonal fire employees, including both suppression and fuels reduction and treatment up to a maximum of 1,560 hours. The non-fire positions in the table below are part of the fire militia. The exception will allow those supporting the 2022 fire season to work more than 1,039 hours without impact for future employment times and service year dates.

Approval

Any supervisor can authorize the extension as needed. There is no additional funding. Work with your region to determine funding.

Approved positions

There is no requirement to extend your employee. If there is a mission need to extend the appointment and if your region’s funding allows, speak with the employee to make sure that they would like to be extended. Follow these steps to request an extension.

• Request the additional 520 hours by submitting an SF 52 through eTracker:
• Choose New Request and choose Extension of Appointment-NTE
• Enter the NTE date of their 1039 current appointment
• Remarks: This extension is for the use of the additional 520 hours approved for 1039 appointments by OPM.
• Please submit at least two pay periods prior to when the original 1039 hours run out.
• Attach the following two letters for justification:
  • OPM Approval Letter and
  • Request for Exception OPM Letter

More information

• 2022 Temporary Extension Frequently Asked Questions

Help is available

Open an HR Help case:

• Call: 1-877-372-7248, Press 2
• Email: hrm_contact_center@usda.gov
• Self-Service: ConnectHR > HR Help link

For detailed instructions, visit the HR Help How-to Add a Case Guide.