This is a Public Notice for positions being filled under the Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for Wildland Fire. Under this recruitment procedure applications will be accepted for each location identified in this Public Notice. Veterans' Preference is not applicable to this announcement. To learn more about Direct-Hire Authority, go to: OPM.GOV Hiring Information - DHA.The National Park Service (NPS) is looking for temporary employees to work on Engine Crews and Wildland Fire Modules (WFM). For more information on Types of Crews, click here.
A Wildland Firefighter (GS-03) is an entry level member on a wildland fire crew. Performs assignments such as developing a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices, and terminology; may assist in more specialized assignments such as backfire and burnout, mobile and stationary engine attack.
A Wildland Firefighter (GS-04) is a trained wildland firefighter. May be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree felling, backfire, and burnout operations; utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment and techniques while actively managing wildfires. May be required to operate light vehicles and 4X4s.
A Wildland Firefighter (GS-05) is a trained and experienced wildland firefighter performing all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding and mop-up. Gathers and considers information on weather data, topography, fuel types and fire behavior in responding to wildland fire incidents. May be required to operate light vehicles and 4X4s.
Locations for these positions are:
Middlesboro, KY (Cumberland Gap NHP)
Bushkill, PA (Delaware Water Gap NRA)
Luray, VA (Shenandoah NP)
Glen Jean, WV (New River Gorge NP)
Harpers Ferry, WV (Harpers Ferry NHP)
For contacts and information regarding housing availability visit Fire Contacts on the DOI FIRES Jobs website and select the state you are interested in.
For more information about temporary fire positions with DOI, go to the following link: https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/.
Hours worked per week must be stated for each season and position held in your resume.
***Experience listed will need to include specific duties about the work being performed and should not be only the general language stated below in the examples.
To qualify for a GS-03
You must meet at least one of the following:
1). Six months of general work experience or 6 months of Firefighter training obtained as part of a high school curriculum (any firefighter training), may be substituted for experience on a month-for-month basis.
General Experience can include:
Any work experience or military service that demonstrates the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform, or learn to perform, the duties of the position.
-OR-
2). One year of education or training above high school related to the work of the position.
-OR-
3). A combination of education and general work experience as described above.
To qualify for a GS-04
You must meet at least one of the following:
1). Six months of general work experience, which can be any work experience AND 6 months of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-03 level duties.
Examples of specialized work experience may include the following:
- Wildland Fire Suppression such as digging hand line, building or patrolling fireline, suppressing spot fires, mopping up fires, hose lays, connecting buckets to drop water or retardant during firefighting operations, etc.
- Wildland Fuels Management such as prescribed burning, clearing up burned areas within fireline, felling snags or trees and/or cutting brush around fireline, collecting fuel loads, etc.
- Monitoring Wildland Fire such as weather, topography, smoke, fire effects, fire behavior, fire location, collect and record fire related data, etc.
- Wildland Fire Preparedness such as maintains fire tools and equipment - Pulaski's, shovels, McLeods, chainsaws, fire hose, pumps, drip torches, power equipment, vehicles, radios, etc.
-OR-
2). 2-year course of study above high school, from an accredited college or university, in Wildland Fire Training, Wildland Fire Science, Wildland Fire Technology or in other related fields which included at least 12 semester hours of coursework such as forestry, range management or conservation, or natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography).
-OR-
3). A combination of the education and work experience described above.
To qualify for a GS-05
You must meet at least one of the following:
1). One year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-04 level duties.
Examples of specialized work experience include:
On-the-line wildland fire experience in forest/range fire control, prevention or suppression work as a skilled wildland firefighter, utilizing a variety of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment.
-OR-
2). 4- year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, from an accredited college or university, in Wildland Fire Science, Wildland Fire Training, Wildland Fire Technology or other related fields which included 24 semester hours of coursework such as forestry, range management or conservation, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography).
-OR-
3). A combination of education and specialized work experience described above.
**All locations may not be hiring for all grades; check with each location.**
You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Physical Demands: Arduous exertion for protracted periods of time such as, but not limited to, extensive running, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, pulling hoses, jumping and twisting, prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity.
Work Environment: Forest, range, and desert environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick tangled vegetation, smoky conditions, etc. Temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees F and may fall below freezing. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material. Employee must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor bivouac and eating situations under an unpredictable set of circumstances. Firefighters may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (e.g., boots, hard hat, gloves, flame resistant clothing). Work may require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft.
Proof of Education:
To qualify based on education, you MUST submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education:
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you MUST show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.