Fire Hiring

Updated 8/26/2026 to include links to USAJOBS announcements and update announcement number for Job Corps Handcrew/Fire Module Supervisor GW-07/08

Northern Region 1 Fire Hire 2027
Outreach Notice — Wildland Firefighter Permanent Positions [PDF]

GW-03 through GW-10 0462/0456 Series

The US Forest Service Northern Region is outreaching for the yearly hiring event known as “Fire Hire”. Announcements will be opening soon in USAJOBS for many permanent wildland firefighter positions for the 2027 fire year.

Application Period: August 24th through September 22nd, 2026

The Northern Region fills hundreds of permanent wildland firefighter positions across 10 National Forests and Grasslands in Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota. Specialized positions include dispatch, engine crews, fire and fuels management, hotshot crews, hand crews, helitack, smokejumpers, and prevention. All positions could engage in a spectrum of fire management activities including, fire suppression efforts, project work such as fuel inventories, preparing associated reports, and hazardous fuels reduction projects. Region 1 will be filling permanent full-time and permanent seasonal fire and fuels positions ranging from GW-03 to GW-10.

The Fire Hire process is used to standardize hiring of permanent wildland firefighter positions to provide consistent practices around the Region and throughout the agency. Fire Hire is currently utilizing a Direct Hire Authority, which has been granted by OPM for the Forest Service to fill critical positions in an accelerated manner. The announcements are open to the public, but many require NWCG qualifications. Each announcement will define what the requirements are.

The vacancy announcements for these positions will be posted on the US Government's official website for employment opportunities at USAJOBS.

All Fire Hire specific announcements can be searched in USAJOBS by keyword 27-FIRE. Applicants may also search by City, State (duty location). 

Applicants are encouraged to apply to any position and duty station you may be interested in, as those positions may become vacant throughout the Fire Hire process.

The announcements listed in this outreach will be part of national and multi-regional announcements, pay close attention to duty location selections. Announcements will not be available in USAJOBS until the opening date of August 24th, 2026.

Application Period: August 24th through September 22nd, 2026

AIRTANKER BASE/AVIATION

DISPATCH

DISTRICT / ZONE ASSISTANT FIRE MANAGEMENT OFFICER

ENGINE

FUELS

HANDCREW

HELITACK

HOTSHOT

JOB CORPS

OPERATIONS

PREVENTION

SMOKEJUMPER

WILDLAND FIRE MODULE

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER

• August 24th, 2026 ─ Vacancy Announcements OPEN in USAJOBS. 
  Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple locations (where they would accept a position if offered), even if positions for certain locations in which you are interested are not currently vacant. Vacancies may occur during the hiring process and could be filled during Selection Week.
• September 22nd, 2026─ Vacancy Announcements CLOSE. 
  To be considered for these announcements during the centralized fire hire event, applicants must complete the application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date.
• September 2026 – HR Qualification Review period begins. Applicants may receive qualification review notices from USAJOBS / HR in this timeframe.
• October 2026─ Reference checks begin (this timeframe is an estimate). 
  Monitor your email for an automated request to provide references and notify your supervisors they will be getting reference check requests.
• October 2026 – Hiring Managers will begin the hiring process. 
  All applicants who have applied to the announcements and are found to be qualified will be referred for consideration. Applicants should check the status of their application during this time in USAJobs.
• October 2026 – November 2026 ─ Selections. 
  Representatives from each unit will make recommendations for hiring. It is critical to be available via phone and email during this time.
• December 2026 – March 2027 – HRM Processing. 
  Selected applicants will be processed through onboarding including personnel security, background checks, drug testing, etc. as required.
• March 2027 ─ Anticipated effective date (report to duty).

Direct Hire Authority

These Wildland Firefighter positions are filled utilizing a Direct-Hire Authority. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, to include any selective placement factor(s), if applicable, will be referred to the selecting official.

Preference Eligibility (Veterans Preference), Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA), and traditional rating and ranking of applicants is not applicable within Direct Hire Authority.

Who May Apply

Applications can be submitted from any U.S. citizen. Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application.

Applicants may still be referred even if they do not meet IFPM qualifications at the time of application submission, but they will be required to submit an updated IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book at time of selection to show they do meet the qualification requirements.

Transfer of Station and Incentives

Transfer of Station expenses will most likely not be offered for selected candidates in Region 1. Selected applicants may qualify for incentives in accordance with agency policy.

USAJOBS

Thoroughly read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin. Address specialized experience in your resume as denoted in “how you will be evaluated”.

Create a USAJOBS account

(If you do not already have one) at www.usajobs.gov. As part of your profile, set up automatic email notification to be informed of status of your application as it changes. Without automatic notification, you must log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.

Create a Resume with USAJOBS or upload a Resume into your USAJOBS account.

Customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have that directly relate to the position to verify qualifications are met. Your resume must directly support your responses to the online questionnaire. Preview the questionnaire at the link at the end of the “How You Will Be Evaluated” section.

USAJOBS resumes have a 2-page limit for all positions.

• Example 2-page Resumes
  • Sample 2-Page Resume 1
  • Sample 2-Page Resume 2
  • Sample 2-Page Resume 3

Apply Online

Within the vacancy announcement for which you are applying, click “Apply Online”. Follow the prompts to complete the Questionnaire, to attach documentation, and to submit. Your application and attached documents can be edited anytime while the announcement is open by selecting “Update Application” under "Application Status."

The following documents are examples of what may be required and/or attached to constitute a complete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are current copies, correctly attached, within the required timeframe, and legible. Read the entire announcement for requirements and specialized experience needed to qualify for position.

• Resume that includes the following information: 1) job information for which you are applying; 2) personal information; 3) education; 4) work experience, including start/stop dates and hours worked per week; and 5) other qualifications (including IQCS/IQS Master Record). Check supervisor emails to ensure they are updated and correct.
  • Applicants should include a COVER LETTER outlining their current situation, desired/acceptable location(s), current home and work address, and any additional information to assist the hiring managers in making decisions. Resumes should include document headers with the applicant’s name.
  • If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document.
  • Resume can only be 2 pages when uploaded to USAJOBS.
• IQCS Master Record showing your current training and
• College Transcripts if education is required for meeting basic qualifications and/or you are substituting education for specialized experience.

Human Resources Office Contact Information

HRM Contact Center 
Phone: 877-372-7248 Option 2 
TDD: 800-877-8339 
Email: HRM_Contact_Center@usda.gov

Things to keep in mind when applying

• Vacancy Announcements in USAJOBS will give examples of specialized experience for each position. Ensure your resume matches the listed specialized experience requirement in plain language. This should be listed under a work experience that shows title, series, grade, and time period (include dates in a month/year format and hours/week) performed so HR can properly credit. If you possess specialized experience outside your current series and grade, identify that separately for credit.
• Ensure all required documents are attached to your application. Review them for accuracy and ensure you have a current IQCS Master Record.
• Allow adequate time to apply for The USAJOBS application process takes time and detailed attention to requirements.

Other places to get further information

• FS Application Tips and Webinars
• USAJOBS YouTube Videos: How to Apply for Federal Jobs

R1 2027 Fire Hiring Outreach Response Form

Outreach responses should go directly to the Fire Management contacts for each Forest/Grassland and District listed below. Specific information about the position(s) and duty location(s) is available from the units. Your response is important if you are interested in filling a position through the Fire Hire process.

Northern Region Forests and Grasslands Offices

• Aerial Fire Depot – Kurt Rohrbach kurt.rohrbach@usda.gov
  • Missoula Smokejumper Base – 406-329-4942
  • Missoula Tanker Base – Jared Bohrman 406-829-7328
• Beaverhead-Deerlodge – Joe Sampson joseph.sampson@usda.gov / Eric Reiner eric.reiner@usda.gov
  • Anaconda Job Corps – Monica Thomas 406-546-0695
  • Butte Jefferson District - Kevin Smith DFMO 406-491-0202
  • Dillon District – Aaron Knudson DFMO 775-846-3056
  • Wisdom/Wise River District – Richard Griffin DFMO 406-925-1951
  • Wise River Helitack – Randy Gilbert Helicopter Program Manager 406-925-3779
  • Madison District - Jim King DFMO 406-682-4253
  • Pintler District – Jerod Russell DFMO 208-946-6803
  • Dillon Interagency Dispatch – Claire Smith 406-683-3992 or Alex Horton 406-683-3939
• Bitterroot – Matt Young matthew.young@usda.gov
  • Stevensville District - John "Jay" Wood DFMO 406-777-7436
  • Darby / Sula Districts Chris Marabetta DFMO 406-821-4255
  • West Fork District – Bret Lewis DFMO 406-821-1247
  • Trapper Creek Job Corps – Craig McDonald Job Corp FAFMO 406-821-2159
  • Bitterroot IHC – Cache Gibbons 406-529-5554
  • Bitterroot Helitack – Josh Woodard Superintendent 406-529-2713
• Custer-Gallatin – Jeff Flick jeffrey.flick@usda.gov
  • Ashland District – Spencer King DFMO 406-784-2344
  • Beartooth District - Luke Fosness DFMO 406-425-0181
  • Bozeman / Hebgen Districts – Tanner Eccles DFMO 406-223-3957
  • Yellowstone / Gardiner Districts – Zac Krohn DFMO 406-223-0140
  • West Yellowstone Smokejumper Base - Eric Held 406-646-7691
  • Sioux District – Jason Donahey 605-797-4432
  • Gallatin Rappellers – Curtis Parkhouse 208-859-7838
  • Billings Interagency Dispatch – Angie Pollock 406-896-2900
• Dakota Prairie – Lee Nelson lee.nelson@usda.gov, Jake Thelen jacob.thelen@usda.gov, and Dave Kannas david.kannas@usda.gov
• Flathead – Rick Connell richard.connell@usda.gov
  • Hungry Horse / Glacier View District - Andy Huntsberger DFMO 406-387-3833
  • Spotted Bear District - Jim Flint DFMO 406-758-6471 / 406-387-3845
  • Swan Lake - Brett Pargman DAFMO 406-837-7549
  • Tally Lake District - Manny Mendoza DFMO 406-758-3522
  • Flathead Helitack – Seth Schaub 406-387-3864
  • Flathead IHC – Shawn Borgen 406-387-3836
  • Kalispell Interagency Dispatch – Sarah Whetzel 406-758-5260
• Helena - Lewis and Clark – Kendal Wilsonkendal.wilson@usda.gov / David Nunn David.nunn@usda.gov
  • Belt Creek / White Sulphur Springs District - Ted Frazer DFMO 406-223-5799
  • Helena District - Mike Kaiser DFMO 406-495-3931
  • Townsend District - Cody Crismore DFMO 406-266-3425
  • Judith-Musselshell District - Matt Plagenz DZFMO 406-566-2292
  • Lincoln District - Jarel Kurtz DFMO 406-362-7031
  • Rocky Mountain District - Anthony Emacio ADFMO 406-889-5343
  • Helena IHC - Charlie Palermo 406-495-3957
  • Lewis and Clark IHC – Nick Wydra 406-791-7788
  • Helena Aviation Center/Central Montana Helitack – Bjorn Troberg FAO 406-495-3832
  • Helena Interagency Dispatch – Kim Beaver 406-449-5475 or Travis Collier 406-731-5311
• Idaho-Panhandle – Mike Behrens mike.behrens@usda.gov / Shawn Pearson shawn.pearson@usda.gov
  • Bonners Ferry District - Mitch Prophet 406-291-3750
  • Coeur d’ Alene District – Evan Ratcliffe 206-582-2204 / Ryan Nipp 208-659-1921
  • Priest Lake District - Waylon Meek 208-290-4664
  • Sandpoint District – Bryce Barth 208-449-2950
  • Joe District – Jerrod Scheffelmaier 208-245-6218 / Casey Lovell 208-245-6025 / Richard Lyons 406-334-7463
  • Panhandle Helitack – Phillip Norton 208-631-5605
  • Coeur d’Alene Interagency Dispatch – Melanie Roose 208-762-6915
  • Idaho Panhandle IHC - Will Bowman 208-620-8839
  • North Idaho Rappellers - Anthony Waite 208-866-6516
• Kootenai – Jacob Jeresek jacob.jeresek@usda.gov
  • Cabinet District - Dusty Pierson DFMO 406-827-0709
  • Libby District - Brent Cooper DFMO 406-293-8768
  • Rexford District - Raymond Flanagan DFMO 406-296-7170
  • Three Rivers District - Beau Macy DAFMO 406-295-7477
  • Kootenai Interagency Dispatch – Jacob Jeresek 406-283-7795
  • Kootenai Helibase - Teagen Blaz 406-283-7868
• Lolo – Jesse Kurpius 406-329-1089 jesse.kurpius@usda.gov Travis Pfisher 406-250-0365
  • Missoula District - Sean Rivera 480-299-2927
  • Ninemile District – Greg Anderson 406-626-5422
  • Plains District - Daniel Stevens AFMO 406-826-4340
  • Seeley Lake District – Robert Spence DFMO 406-677-3915
  • Superior District – John “Teo” DiGiando DFMO 406-822-3916
  • Lolo IHC – Shawn Faiella – Superintendent– 406-329-3808
  • Missoula Helitack – Andrew Nepstad – Helitack - 541-531-7260
  • Missoula Interagency Dispatch – Rachel Simpson - Center Manager 406-829-7050
• Nez Perce-Clearwater – Josh Bransford joshua.bransford@usda.gov / Brandon Skinner brandon.skinner@usda.gov
  • Lochsa District - Jonathan Moore DFMO 208-926-6427
  • Moose Creek District - Jon Norman DFMO 208-926-8948
  • North Fork District – Aaron Skinner DFMO 208-476-8206
  • Palouse District – Alan Carlson DFMO 208-875-1702
  • Powell District – Jonathan Moore DFMO 208-926-6427
  • Red River District – Craig Roach DFMO 208-842-2123
  • Salmon River District – Matt Myers 208-839-2102
  • Grangeville Interagency Dispatch – Brandon Skinner 208 819 6905
  • Grangeville Smokejumper Base – Nick Stanzak 208-404-1119
  • Helicopter Programs – Jeremy Beeson 208-451-6710

For questions regarding overall Fire Hire process, contact Tiffany Counts at tiffany.counts@usda.gov or 406-241-8305