What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wildland Firefighter (Training) -Direct Hire Authority position at Office of the Secretary of the Interior?
Summary
This position is with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) Alaska Geographic Area Fire Operations and Resources within the Duty Office.
For more information regarding this position, contact Chris Wennogle @ cwennogle@blm.gov
Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Wildland Firefighter (Training) -Direct Hire Authority your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 08/11/2026, unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40 hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience.
You must clearly demonstrate this experience in your resume, including the months, days and hours per week at which the work was performed in order to be considered. NOTE: If your firefighting experience includes both structural and wildland, it is essential that your application materials clearly separate and document your wildland experience.
Selective Factor: This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission, and is clearly in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE
Basic Qualification Requirements:
Selective Factor: This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission, and is clearly in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE. Candidates must possess Primary/Rigorous wildland firefighting experience, gained through fire line work in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. You must clearly demonstrate this experience in your resume, including the months, days, and hours per week at which the work was performed to be considered.
- AND -
In addition, to qualify for this position, you must possess the following specialized experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS/GW -08 level in the Federal service. Special experience will include; Applying wildland fire management principles, fire behavior, suppression tactics, and the Incident Command System (ICS) to support interagency wildland fire training; assisting with the development, delivery, or evaluation of training programs; and collaborating with interagency partners to support firefighter qualification, operational readiness, and incident performance.
Volunteer Experience: 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.
Education
There is no educational qualifications for the GW-0456 Wildland Firefighter occupational series at the GW-09 grade level.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Physical Demands: The work involves prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer in an office environment, frequent interruptions, and participation in numerous meetings or other group activities. Standing and hiking in adverse climates may be required for fieldwork. Occasional travel may be required..
Working Conditions: The work environment varies from an office setting, where the incumbent is in contact with work associates, to field settings where the incumbent may work alone or in groups in remote and adverse conditions. The incumbent adheres to all safety rules and regulations as prescribed in applicable manuals, supplements, or by the designated Safety Officer.
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
Additional information
A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR §575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
This is a secondary-administrative firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U. S. C. 8412 (d) (FERS). PLEASE NOTE: Applicants may meet qualification requirements but may not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If such an applicant is selected, they will be placed in the regular retirement system. FERS TRANSITION REQUIREMENT: To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under FERS, an employee must: 1) transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position, AND 2) complete 3 years of service in a primary rigorous position including any such service during which no FERS deductions were withheld, AND 3) must be continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a primary rigorous position, except for any break in employment from a secondary position that began with involuntary separation (not for cause). It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your special retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your work history or other documentation that demonstrates work history of approved covered positions). You must let this office know if you are in a Primary coverage position.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) OR Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF50 noting position, grade level, duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For Information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: Career Transition (opm.gov)
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework with supervisors permission on case-by-case basis without a set schedule (e.g., result of inclement weather, personal appointment, or a special work assignment).
These are Career-Seasonal positions. Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. On an annual basis, employee signs a "career-seasonal" agreement with the supervisor which defines the work schedule for that year. After 90 days in this position, employee's work schedule may be changed to a permanent non-career seasonal position. In which case they will work 12 months per year.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
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.
This position is with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) Alaska Geographic Area Fire Operations and Resources within the Duty Office.
For more information regarding this position, contact Chris Wennogle @ cwennogle@blm.gov
Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
As a Wildland Firefighter (Training) -Direct Hire Authority your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Develop and update wildland fire training to support firefighter qualifications and operational readiness.
- Provide technical fire expertise to ensure training aligns with current standards and field operations.
- Coordinate interagency training activities with partners, subject matter experts, and stakeholders.
- Evaluate and improve training programs using incident feedback, lessons learned, and after-action reviews.
- Support incident readiness and response by maintaining qualifications and participating in operational assignments.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
- Direct Deposit participation required.
- Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males..
- You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required.
- You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
- You must be willing to live and work in remote locations.
- Government Housing is not available.
- You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
- If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
- Subject to frequent extended travel up to 15 nights per month particularly during fire season, and you must 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.
- You are required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
- This is a Drug Test Designated Position. 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.
- We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of 08/11/2026.
- Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
- This position is suitable for telework only in an emergency or natural disaster.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 08/11/2026, unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40 hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience.
You must clearly demonstrate this experience in your resume, including the months, days and hours per week at which the work was performed in order to be considered. NOTE: If your firefighting experience includes both structural and wildland, it is essential that your application materials clearly separate and document your wildland experience.
Selective Factor: This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission, and is clearly in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE
Basic Qualification Requirements:
Selective Factor: This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission, and is clearly in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE. Candidates must possess Primary/Rigorous wildland firefighting experience, gained through fire line work in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. You must clearly demonstrate this experience in your resume, including the months, days, and hours per week at which the work was performed to be considered.
- Applicants must have documented prior primary firefighting experience, with substantial service defined as either:
- At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper, Wildland Fire Modules or Fire Suppression Crews, etc.) with a federal, state, tribal, local, or private-sector organization.
- -OR-
- At least 14 days of on-the-ground fireline experience (cumulative or consecutive).
- Prior primary wildland fire experience must be clearly documented in your resume. Note: an IQCS Master Record or equivalent document will not be used to determine or calculate prior primary wildland fire experience eligibility for this requirement.;
- AND -
In addition, to qualify for this position, you must possess the following specialized experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS/GW -08 level in the Federal service. Special experience will include; Applying wildland fire management principles, fire behavior, suppression tactics, and the Incident Command System (ICS) to support interagency wildland fire training; assisting with the development, delivery, or evaluation of training programs; and collaborating with interagency partners to support firefighter qualification, operational readiness, and incident performance.
Volunteer Experience: 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.
Education
There is no educational qualifications for the GW-0456 Wildland Firefighter occupational series at the GW-09 grade level.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Physical Demands: The work involves prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer in an office environment, frequent interruptions, and participation in numerous meetings or other group activities. Standing and hiking in adverse climates may be required for fieldwork. Occasional travel may be required..
Working Conditions: The work environment varies from an office setting, where the incumbent is in contact with work associates, to field settings where the incumbent may work alone or in groups in remote and adverse conditions. The incumbent adheres to all safety rules and regulations as prescribed in applicable manuals, supplements, or by the designated Safety Officer.
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
Additional information
A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR §575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
This is a secondary-administrative firefighter position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U. S. C. 8412 (d) (FERS). PLEASE NOTE: Applicants may meet qualification requirements but may not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If such an applicant is selected, they will be placed in the regular retirement system. FERS TRANSITION REQUIREMENT: To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under FERS, an employee must: 1) transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position, AND 2) complete 3 years of service in a primary rigorous position including any such service during which no FERS deductions were withheld, AND 3) must be continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a primary rigorous position, except for any break in employment from a secondary position that began with involuntary separation (not for cause). It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your special retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your work history or other documentation that demonstrates work history of approved covered positions). You must let this office know if you are in a Primary coverage position.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) OR Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF50 noting position, grade level, duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For Information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: Career Transition (opm.gov)
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework with supervisors permission on case-by-case basis without a set schedule (e.g., result of inclement weather, personal appointment, or a special work assignment).
These are Career-Seasonal positions. Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. On an annual basis, employee signs a "career-seasonal" agreement with the supervisor which defines the work schedule for that year. After 90 days in this position, employee's work schedule may be changed to a permanent non-career seasonal position. In which case they will work 12 months per year.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
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.
Salary : $82,352 - $107,063