Fire Hire
A highly skilled, hardworking cast of thousands is needed to battle wildland fires. The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region Fire and Aviation Management program requires talented people working safely together to be successful.
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Fire Hire Information
Temporary Firefighter Announcements open January 5 through January 26, 2026.
The Pacific Southwest Region is looking for a committed, hardworking, highly skilled workforce to suppress wildfires and work in fuels management on National Forests located throughout California. The fire and aviation management program is very rewarding and requires talented people working safely as part of a team in a variety of specialized positions. The following positions will be available to apply for January 5 through January 26, 2026.
The following positions will be available:
Position Description Announcement
GW-3 Wildland Firefighter (General Suppression) 26-TEMPFHE-R5-2PC033-3DH
GW-4 Wildland Firefighter (General Suppression) 26-TEMPFHE-R5-2PC048-4DH
January 5, 2026 ─ Announcements open.
January 26, 2026 ─ Application deadline, 11:59 Eastern standard time.
February 2 – February 9, 2026, ─ Interest and reference checks will occur. Please ensure your references are notified of this and they are available at the email address provided on your application.
February 9 – February 20, 2026 ─ Selections. Candidates selected will be notified by a Forest Service representative by phone. Those not selected should check your USAJOBS account for status updates. During the selection week 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. During this time-period reference checks will occur. Please ensure your references are notified of this and they are available at the email address provided on your application.
June 2026 ─ Expected start date.
Tips for Applying
It is highly recommended that you read and understand how to develop a resume and what is required on the resume when applying. Many applicants do not make it through due to not having the required information on their resume. There are several tutorials and webinars available on how to apply for a job within the main webpage. It is recommended that you view this information if you are unsure what is needed.
Visit How to apply for a Forest Service Job for information on how to set up a profile in USA Jobs to Helpful Tips for applying.
Visit the Forest Service Hiring & Recruitment Events for upcoming webinars. Also, checkout the Hiring Events Calendar to find upcoming and past webinars to view.
To receive information about upcoming hiring events and webinars, please sign up for our Job Seeker Email Database.
Email Brian Grabowski at brian.grabowski@usda.gov if you would like more information on wildland fire positions within California.
Permanent Firefighter Announcements open January 5 through January 26, 2026.
The Pacific Southwest Region is looking for a committed, hardworking, highly skilled workforce to suppress wildfires and work in fuels management on National Forests located throughout California. The fire and aviation management program is very rewarding and requires talented people working safely as part of a team in a variety of specialized positions. The following positions will be available to apply for January 5 through January 26, 2026.
The following positions will be available:
Position Description Announcement
GW-3/4 Wildland Firefighter - Fire Suppression 26-FIRE-R5RE-FFTR-34DH
Positions will have promotion potential to GW-5
January 5, 2026 ─ Announcements open.
January 26, 2026 ─ Application deadline, 11:59 Eastern standard time.
January 19 – February 2, 2026, ─ Interest and reference checks will occur. Please ensure your references are notified of this and they are available at the email address provided on your application.
February 2 – February 13, 2026 ─ Selections. Candidates selected will be notified by a Forest Service representative by phone. Those not selected should check your USAJOBS account for status updates. During the selection week 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. During this time-period reference checks will occur. Please ensure your references are notified of this and they are available at the email address provided on your application.
June 2026 ─ Expected start date.
Tips for Applying
It is highly recommended that you read and understand how to develop a resume and what is required on the resume when applying. Many applicants do not make it through due to not having the required information on their resume. There are several tutorials and webinars available on how to apply for a job within the main webpage. It is recommended that you view this information if you are unsure what is needed.
Visit How to apply for a Forest Service Job for information on how to set up a profile in USA Jobs to Helpful Tips for applying.
Visit the Forest Service Hiring & Recruitment Events for upcoming webinars. Also, checkout the Hiring Events Calendar to find upcoming and past webinars to view.
To receive information about upcoming hiring events and webinars, please sign up for our Job Seeker Email Database.
Email Brian Grabowski at brian.grabowski@usda.gov if you would like more information on wildland fire positions within California.
More Information
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 California and other regions of the country.
Student and Recent Grad Pathways Internships
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.
Training: Includes links to National and Regional Fire and Aviation Training Sites.
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.
For any questions regarding the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program, please contact:
Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
USDA/1890 Programs
1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Stop 0170
Washington, DC 20250
Telephone Number: (202) 720-6350
Fax Number: (202) 720-7704
Email
Wildland Firefighter Foundation: Wildland Firefighter Foundation’s main focus is to help families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and to assist injured firefighters and their families.