Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority

Summary

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans' Preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority This GW-0456-06 Wildland Firefighter position is with the US Wildland Fire Service working in Sierra Vista, Arizona. For general information about the application process and temporary fire positions with the Department of the Interior, please visit our website.

Duties

• As a Wildland Firefighter (GW-06) your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Serves as a senior wildland firefighter on the following types of crews: hotshot Performs and leads fireline activities such as line construction, hose layout, operations of pumps and accessories, and mop-up operations. Applies an understanding of firefighter safety, fire behavior, topography of the area, weather, fuels, and training in fire management work to direct suppression operations and to recommend and implement tactical strategies. Serves as an experienced lookout. Responsible for operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations; inspects tools, equipment, and supplies required to complete assigned task for amount/quantity, serviceability, and safety.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below. Selective Placement Factors: This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factors will be rated not qualified. Requirement for the GW-06 level: This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. This position has been categorized as a Senior Firefighter and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found at www.ifpm.nifc.gov. To meet IFPM requirements for this position, you must have possessed the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required): A.) Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1); AND B.) Intermediate Fire Behavior (S-290) In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required. Only experience and education obtained by 11/10/2026 will be considered. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. Please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. Minimum Qualifications: To qualify for a GW-06, you must meet the following: 1). One (1) year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS-05 level duties. Examples of specialized work experience include: serving as an experienced wildland firefighter on a wildland firefighting module or crew with on-the-line wildland fire experience in forest/range fire control, prevention, suppression, or prescribed fire work; operating and maintaining specialized wildland fire tools/equipment/vehicles; assessing escape routes and safety zones; serving as a lookout; may include leading crewmembers. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. 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. Physical Demands: This position requires 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: This position works in 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.

Education

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: There is not an option to qualify for the 0456 series utilizing education at the GW-06 grade level.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Suitability for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation. Direct Deposit Required. You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use. Selectees must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if they are maintaining the fitness standards for this position. You must also pass the work capacity test for arduous positions. This position may require the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee may need to hold and maintain a valid state driver's license throughout their employment in this position. Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit sss.gov. You must be 18 years of age or older to be assigned to a hazardous position. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. Subject to frequent extended particularly during fire season, and you may need to obtain a government charge card for travel. You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.

Grade: GW 6. These are temporary appointments. These positions will not convey permanent status and will be for a period not-to-exceed 1039 hours in a service year dependent on the agency's authority.. Apply by 2026-11-10 on USAJOBS.