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Duties
Fire Suppression, Monitoring, and Post-Fire Activities
As an experienced leader within a wildland fire module or crew in fuels management, fire suppression, monitoring, and post-fire activities, applies an understanding of firefighter safety, fire behavior, topography of the area, weather, fuels, and training in fire management work to: 1) mentor and instruct lower graded employees on crewmember duties; 2) plan action and direct utilization of fireline resources on less complex fires; and 3) for more complex fires, direct assigned suppression operations and recommend and implement tactical strategy on attacking, controlling, or mopping up fires, building or patrolling firelines, cleaning up burned areas within firelines, suppressing spot fires, felling snags or trees, and cutting brush. Adjusts actions based on changing information and evolving situational awareness. Uses firing devices on a firing operation according to the ignition/firing plan (verbal or written). Coordinates with aircraft for aviation support missions. Coordinates module or crew logistics and places caches of equipment and supplies at strategic points.
Fire Preparedness
Directs the operation and use of special tools and equipment such as, but not limited to power saws, portable pumps, firing devices, and communication equipment (e.g., programming radio frequencies), and makes decisions as to when, where, and how equipment can be utilized to the greatest advantage. Directs and ensures proper assembly of equipment and supplies needed for fire assignments or daily work assignments. May serve as a subject matter expert on regional, state, and/or national interagency committees.
Fuels Management and Prevention
Directs moderately complex fuels management projects or participates in more complex hazard fuel reduction projects by conducting project assessments and gathering data (e.g., fuel quantity and conditions), planning (e.g., drafting or reviewing fuels management plans, assessing and recommending fuel treatment alternatives), preparing (e.g., ensuring proper training, placement and instruction of crews), and implementing (e.g., ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation) treatments. Fuels management projects include prescribed fire, and mechanical and biological treatments; inventorying fuel beds; and piling vegetation debris. May be required to use/operate specialized firing equipment.
Leadership
Leads firefighting personnel by directing their activities when suppressing wildland fires or by serving as a situational leader on wildland fires by directing the work of a small crew of firefighters in building firelines, burning out, mopping up, and patrolling firelines. During wildland fire and fuels management assignments, directs and provides on-the-job training opportunities to lower graded firefighters on the use of tools and equipment. Accounts for crewmembers' location, health, safety, and welfare. Briefs situational assessments to higher level leadership and crews and modules.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
- Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
- Drug testing position
- Medical Requirements
- Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform required
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
- Must meet the minimum/maximum age requirement
- Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Qualifications
This key fire management position is a categorized under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. Minimum IFPM qualification standards must be met prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found at https://www.ifpm.nifc.gov/.
Prior experience in wild land firefighting is required in order to carry out the duties of this position. You will not be considered for this position if you do not have prior wild land firefighting experience.
The maximum age is 37 (except for veterans preference eligibles). Individuals must be selected for these positions prior to their 37th birthday. Qualified preference eligibles may apply and be considered for vacancies regardless of whether they meet the maximum age requirements identified at 5 U.S.C. 3307, unless the hiring agency has determined age is essential to the duties of the job.
Only experience and education obtained by 04/11/2025 will be considered.
***Your resume
MUST include
BEGINNING and
END DATES specified in
MONTH/YEAR to MONTH/YEAR format. In addition, your resume
MUST reflect
FULL-TIME/PART-TIME or total number of
HOURS worked per week***
Qualifications For The GS-06 Level
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to perform fire prevention activities such as patrolling to gauge fire potential and occurrence; distribute literature explaining the fire prevention program to the public, and prepare fire reports; instruct and provide on-the-job training to personnel in the use of wildland fire control equipment, methods, and safety procedures; operate wildland fire engines weighing up to 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW); assist in maintaining records of fire time and attendance work done by fire crews, and related activities.
Qualifications For The GS-07 Level
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to lay out and organize lines of attack for a wildland fire; locate and construct firelines; dispatch fire crews and provides onsite direction and support to crew members on the fireline; ensure availability of equipment, water, and supplies; train others in equipment safety, maintenance and use; conduct informal on-the-job fire training sessions; distribute literature and explain the fire prevention plan to the general public; use computer software for database creation, management, and manipulation (e.g., Microsoft Access, WIMS, Fire Base, etc.).
Primary Core Requirement
IFPM Qualifications for GS 0456-06/07 Wildland Firefighter(Selective Factor):
Engine Boss
(ENGB)
and
Secondary Core Requirement
Incident Commander, Type 5
(ICT5)
Training Requirement: Portable Pumps and Water Use (S211)
NOTE: You must provide a copy of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record or other equivalent documentation.
Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and also pass a medical examination (which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. You will also be required to periodic medical examinations throughout employment.
The Work Capacity Test (WCT-Pack Test) as a method for assessing an employee's fitness levels for fire qualifications in the positions covered by this recruitment notice. Arduous fitness (WCT-Pack Test) will consist of completing a three-mile hike, within 45 minutes, while carrying a 45 pound pack. NOTE: Arduous Work Capacity Test (https://www.nwcg.gov/how-to-become-a-wildland-firefighter)
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-6/7. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-6/7. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and availability of funds. The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Education
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)
Additional information
Region 1 locations:
- Inland Northwest National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Cheney, WA
- Central Washington National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Burbank, WA (two vacancies)
- Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Princeton, OR
Region 6 location:
- North Dakota Fire Management Zone, Upham, ND
Region 8 location:
- San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Los Banos, CA
West Region
Air Force Wildland Fire Program vacancies are located at:
- Beale AFB, CA
- Mountain Home AFB, ID
Midwest Region:
Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit
USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.
To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx
Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
Telework
All positions are suitable for telework only in an emergency or natural disaster with the exception of:
Princeton, OR - No telework is authorized
Pcs Information
No PCS entitlements authorized for Upham, ID; Burbank, Cheney, WA; Princeton, OR and all Air Force Fire Program locations.
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Los Banos, CA
Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. Discretionary entitlements are not authorized for this position.
Conditions Of Employment
TESTING DESIGNATED POSITION: All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: You must pass a pre-employment medical examination. Also, you may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if you are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
DRIVER'S LICENSE: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver's license throughout their employment in this position
The salaries listed in this announcement reflect the permanent pay increases for federal and tribal wildland firefighters, effective March 23, 2025. In addition to the listed base salary, firefighters are eligible for Incident Response Premium Pay when deployed to a qualifying incident, which may significantly increase overall compensation. Salaries may be adjusted for individuals onboarding on or before 4/14/25 once the updated GW pay schedule is finalized. The new pay schedule will be accessible here once released: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants will be evaluated based on how they meet the qualification requirements.
Upon receipt of the completed application package, a review of your application will be made to ensure basic qualification requirements are met.
This vacancy will be filled through a
Direct Hire Authority. Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to positions filled under this Authority. All qualified applicants, as determined by the SHRO, will be referred for consideration. While managers and supervisors are not required to conduct interviews, it is highly recommended that they do so in order to assess the competencies of each applicant.
If an applicant's resume is incomplete or does not support the requirements for minimum qualifications or specialized experience a rating of "ineligible" or "not qualified" will be applied and no consideration for employment will be granted.
If a determination is made that an applicant has inflated qualifications or experience on the resume, the applicant will receive no consideration for the position, as per OPM regulations.
All applications that are verified to meet the basic qualifications will be referred to the selecting official.