We expect to fill multiple vacancies at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.Qualifications:
This announcement is being used to fill any of the following positions:
- Senior Firefighter (Engine), GS-05
- Senior Firefighter (Fuels), GS-05
- Senior Firefighter (Handcrew), GS-05
- Senior Firefighter (Hotshot), GS-05
- Senior Firefighter (Wildland Fire Module), GS-05
**NOTE - Locations listed on this announcement may not have a vacancy for each of the above positions. If you are referred to the manager for consideration and called for an interview, the manager will let you know at that time which of the three positions you are being considered for.
Specialized Experience Requirements: In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement - please be sure to include this information in your resume. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled.
To qualify for the GS-05 grade level, 1 year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: 1) Serving as a crewmember utilizing a variety of specialized fire tools, equipment, and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires; and 2) Performing basic fireline activities such as line construction, hose layout, operations of pumps and accessories, lopping and scattering of fuels using hand tools.
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.
Substitution of Education for Experience:
GS-05: Successful completion of 4-year (120 semester hours) of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above. No more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable.
Selective Placement Factor(s): 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(s) will be rated not qualified.
1) This position is a Primary Firefighter position and is subject to a maximum entry age (MEA). The MEA is the date immediately preceding your 37th birthday. Applicants must not have reached age 37 at the time of appointment, unless proof is provided of prior Federal service in another primary covered position, or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application may result in loss of consideration. If over the MEA and you are not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted prior to employment. Acceptable proof consists of SF-50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments and copies of approved letters based on individual claims.
2) 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 all of 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)
* You must meet all qualification and selective placement factor requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Physical Demands: Duties involve rigorous fieldwork requiring above average physical performance, endurance, and superior conditioning. Work requires prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of heavy items.
Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in forest and range environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with vegetation, and in smoky conditions.
FACT SHEET for Fire & Law Enforcement Positions: Information on Special Retirement.