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Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Specialist)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Scottsdale, AZ Full Time
POSTED ON 8/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/23/2026
These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.

Primary responsibilities of the position are preparing and implementing prescribed fire plans, fire effects monitoring plans, manual and mechanical hazardous fuels treatments, and smoke and wildland fire monitoring plans

See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for contact information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.

Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

Specialized Experience Requirement:

For the GW-08: You must have one-year specialized experience at least equivalent to the (GW-07) grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized Experience is defined as examples of the following: Served as burn boss using various methods in broadcast burning, pile burning, and under burning operations. Performed fire pre-suppression or suppression duties on a fire line controlling wildfire and using fire to accomplish fuel treatment prescriptions. Assisted in monitoring fire behavior, evaluating fire effects, identifying potential problems and making basic recommendations.

For the GW-09: You must have one-year specialized experience at least equivalent to the (GW-08) grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized Experience is defined as examples of the following: Assisted in development and execution of prescribed burning plans for complex burn projects and a wide variety of fuel types. Addressed a broad range of technical fire management problems, such as analyzing on-the-ground fuel conditions and weather. Assisted in developing specific plans for burning projects after analyzing fuels. Recommended direction on priorities, objectives and deadlines for prescribed fire, wildland fire and/or other natural resource activities.

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.

Selective Placement Factors

Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (RXB2) -AND- successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Engine Boss (ENGB) -OR- Crew Boss (CRWB) -OR- Helicopter Manager Boss (HMGB) -OR- Felling Boss (FELB -OR- Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB).

Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.

In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.

FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.

WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.

To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

Salary : $67,617

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