Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) - Airtanker Base

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This Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-6 working in the following location:

• Pocatello, Idaho

For contact information, housing availability, and additional details regarding temporary fire positions with DOI, visit the DOI FIRES website.

Qualifications:

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the Selective Factor and possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.

Selective Placement Factor: 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 factor will be rated not qualified.

Prior on-the-line firefighting: This experience must be clearly documented in your resume with specific to and from dates, description of work performed, and hours worked per week in order to be considered. This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission and is 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 substantial wildland firefighting experience, gained through fire line work in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. The Department of the Interior defines wildland firefighting experience as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Wildland firefighting experience is gained through work on the fire line in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. This experience can be met by serving in a temporary, seasonal, or equivalent private sector fire position. Wildland fires are categorized into two distinct types: (1) Wildfires - Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires; and (2) Prescribed Fires - Planned ignitions. This description includes only fireline experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.

In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required.

Only experience and education obtained by 04/22/2026 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-6, you must meet at least one of the following:
1). One (1) year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS-5 level duties.
Examples of specialized experience include:
Ensuring ramp operations are conducted in a safe manner, including parking, loading, and movement around the aircraft; operating two-way radios to monitor and conduct communications with ramp personnel, aircraft, or dispatch centers; and compiling data for daily summaries and yearly reports.

NOTE:There is not an option to qualify for the 0456 series utilizing education at this grade level.

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.

*Applicants must meet all minimum qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement.

Physical Demands: Long irregular hours are required, much of it occurring during periods of fire operations. Frequent standing, walking and long periods outside in high temperatures and direct sunlight may be required while working around multiple arriving and departing aircraft. Activities in and around moving aircraft and other equipment require constant monitoring and alertness for hazardous conditions and safety of personnel. Work in an office environment and long periods of sedentary work occurs when reports and flight records are prepared. Lifting and carrying heavy equipment/materials and operating a variety of hand and power tools is required for base set-up, tear down, and maintenance/repair.

Work Environment: Majority of activities are performed in an airbase environment, both inside and outdoors. Extreme variations in temperature and climactic conditions are common. Work requires use of safety equipment including hearing and eye protection and high visibility clothing. Exposed to irritant chemicals is possible. The work involves exposure to operating aircraft that result in high noise levels and exposure to turning propellers, prop wash, jet intake areas and jet-blast, and flying dust and debris. Concurrent movement of multiple mixed aircraft types and service vehicles in the ramp area creates potential for serious accident, injury, or property damage. Fatigue and mental stress could be present due to extensive work periods and emergency nature of work. Performance in an NWCG position is required.

Responsibilities:

As a GW-6 Wildland Firefighter (Aviation),your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Serves as a crewmember at an airtanker base.
• Ensures ramp operations are conducted in a safe manner, including parking, loading, and movement around the aircraft.
• Works with wildland support aircraft performing duties such as aircraft start-up, loading, taxiing and parking.
• Has the ability to operate two-way radios to monitor and conduct communications with ramp personnel, aircraft, or dispatch centers.
• Compiles data for daily summaries and yearly reports.

Salary : $28