Wildland Firefighter Hiring

Recruitment Events

Join us for one of our in-person recruitment events to hire permanent and permanent seasonal wildland fire positions across various forests in California. We will host recruitment events in Redding, Reedley, and Sacramento, where you will be able to meet with regional fire staff, get application help, and learn about the benefits of working with the Forest Service. 

Now, offering recruitment bonuses up to $7,500 for a one-year agreement and up to $15,000 for a two-year agreement! 

RSVP to one of our events

Locations, Dates, and Times

Tips for a successful event: 

• Bring your SSN card or know your number. 

• Create a USAJOBS account beforehand.

• Bring your own device(laptop, iPad, smart phone) if available. 

Fire Job Announcements

Wildland Firefighters 

Our firefighters are involved with wildland fire suppression/ management/control and perform this work on an engine, as a member of a helitack crew, or on a handcrew.

Details About the Openings

Apply January 2nd through January 24th, 2024. Positions are available in various locations throughout California, each with different targeted grade levels. These positions are open to the public. We will be using a Direct Hire Authority.

• Forestry Technician (FIRE) 

What does Direct Hire Authority mean?

A Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is an appointing (hiring) authority that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) can give to Federal agencies for filling vacancies when a critical hiring need or severe shortage of candidates exists. DHA speeds the hiring process along by removing competitive rating and ranking, veterans' preference, and "rule of three" procedures. 

Duty Locations

Duty locations coming soon. The opportunities can vary by location and may be for permanent or permanent seasonal employment.

 

Eligibility

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen or national who is at least 18 years of age. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill the available wildland firefighter positions and veterans' preference does not apply to these vacancies. 

Drug Testing

As an applicant for a permanent position, you may be subject to drug testing as part of the hiring process and must receive a negative drug test prior to reporting for duty. In addition, these positions are subject to random testing for illegal drug use. 

Selective Service Registration

Selective Service registration is the law. As a federal agency, the Forest Service must make sure any candidate required by law is either registered for Selective Service or has a qualifying exemption. If you are unsure if you are required to register, the Selective Service System offers guidance on Who Needs to Register.

Work Capacity Test (Pack Test)

Some positions may require you to take a Work Capacity Test in order to determine if you are physically capable of completing the duties outlined in your position. 

GS-03 Requirements

Six months of general experience that demonstrates the applicants ability to perform the work of the position that provided familiarity with subject matter or processes of the occupation; Examples of qualifying general experience are: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants; animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store; volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc.           
OR           
Successful completion of 1 year of study above high school that included at least 6 semester hours/9 quarter hours in a combination of courses such as range management or conservation, agriculture, forestry, wildlife management, engineering, biology, mathematics, or other natural or physical sciences.

GS-04 Requirements

Six months of general experience and six months of specialized experience; Examples of qualifying general experience are: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants; animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store; volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc. Examples of qualifying specialized experience are: Performed a variety of suppression work such as fire line construction, mop-up, patrolling OR Performed fuels reduction work such as thinning projects, hand piling slash, prescribed burning, and/or used a variety of hand and/or power tools to control spreading wildland fires and to prepare lines prior to prescribed burning.           
OR           
Successful completion of 2 years of study above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 3 semester hours in mathematics is creditable;           
OR           
Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

How to Apply

1. Visit USAJobs.gov. 

2. Create a profile.

3. Upload a resume or create a resume.

4. Search for jobs in USAJOBS.

5. Review the job announcement.

6. Apply anytime between January 2nd through January 24th, 2024.

More Information

Visit the Careers in Wildland Fire page for a full list of benefits, information on eligibility requirements, and to find out which job is right for you. Wildland firefighting vacancies are open year-round.

Questions?

For questions specific to this event, email us at sm.fs.fire_hire@usda.gov. 

For questions about career opportunities and applications call 1-877-372-7248 (select Option 2 and follow prompts). We're open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mountain Time) Monday through Friday and closed on all federal holidays.