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career roadmap and job steps

Helpful Guides for First Responders

            Youtube Walk through link

 

Step 1) When to apply & Where to look?

  • Federal seasonal hiring is typically September to February. (Apply as early as possible)  

  • Apply at https://www.usajobs.gov.

  • Some search terms to use:

    • “Wildland Fire”

    • “Forestry Aid”

    • “Firefighter”

    • “Fire”

    • “0455”

    • “0462” 

  • West = more federal wildland fire jobs (USFS, BLM, BIA, FWS, NPS) 

  • Southeast/South = more state forestry focused

USFS: U.S. Forest Service

BLM: Bureau of Land Management 

BIA: Bureau of Indian Affairs

FWS: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

NPS: National Park Service

 

Most likely states for the most wildland fire hiring

  • California

  • Alaska

  • New Mexico

  • Texas

  • Oregon

  • Arizona

  • Nebraska

  • Oklahoma

  • Washington

  • Montana

Step 2) Use USAJOBS filters correctly

  • In the sidebar, set the Grade to GS-3 and GS-4 if you're relatively new to applying 

  • Using the filters you can also select your ideal employment type 

Step 3) Confirm the job is related to your goal

  • Read each job announcement. Some of these listings are not wildland fire positions.

  • Side comment (it's okay if you don't have any previous experience). 

Step 4) Watch the application window

  • Many announcements are only open for a short window (often a couple of weeks or less).

  • To avoid missing it:

    • Call districts/forests/parks you’re interested in and ask when their posting opens

    • Check USAJOBS frequently during hiring season. 

Step 5) Build your USAJOBS profile and federal resume

  • Create a USAJOBS profile and build a resume in their system

  • In your resume, include:

    • Work Experience

    • Education 

    • Hours worked including dates worked 

    • Reference Contact info

Step 6) Call places you want to work for 

  • Start calling as early as October (sooner is better).

  • If this is your first time applying do not call hotshot crews or smokejumping

  • Call the front desk and ask for whoever handles hiring for what you are applying for

  • Remember everyone you contact knows each other so treat them with respect and professionalism 

What to say / ask: 

  • Prepare questions: The why and the reason

    • Why you would be a good hire

    • Reason why you desire to work their

    • What resources they have (handcrew, engine, lookout, helicopter, etc.)

    • If there app is open

    • When/where to apply and what to apply to

If they don’t answer:

  • Leave a voicemail. Fire managers often will call back.

Step 7) Treat the online application as necessary, but not sufficient

  • Applying online is required, but direct contact (calls and, if possible, in-person visits) is often what gets you hired.

    • If you don't want to get hired just send emails. Pick up the phone are start dialing 

  • People do travel to meet crews/districts in person and often get picked up because of it.

Step 8) Track your outreach

Step 9) Apply to many 

  • Apply to at least 10 or more. To increase probability you must dig wide and dig deep. Getting in can take volume and persistence.

Step 10) Be physically ready

  • Although the pack is relatively easy, you will be tested beyond the minimum requirements

    • The pack test consists of a 3 mile with 45 lbs in 45 minutes

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • GED or high school equivalent 

  • Relatively clean background

  • Minimum age of 18

  • Driver's license

  • Drug screening

  • EMT certification (highly recommended)

  • Military Background (highly recommended) 

  • FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 (recommended) 

  • NWCG 130, L-180, 190 (highly recommended)

  • S-212 Wildland Fire Chain Saw (highly recommended)

  • Manual labor experience (highly recommended)

  • Any Higher education (highly recommended) ideally in the subjects of:

    • Forestry

    • Fire Science/Technology
       

How to Apply for a Federal Wildland Firefighting Job (10 Steps)

 Renewing your California EMT Card

             Youtube Walk through link 
 

Renewing your EMT card can be a pain, but staying ahead is much better than procrastinating and having to redo work, or worse, retake tests later on. 
 

Your California EMT certification must be renewed every two years. To prevent a lapse in your ability to work, aim to submit your renewal application at least a couple of months before your card expires. Here’s what you’ll need:
 

  • A valid CPR card: This also expires every two years. It’s recommended that you renew through the American Heart Association. Click here to find available courses near you.

  • 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE): You must complete and submit proof of at least 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE) with your renewal application. Many employers offer CE opportunities for free, so check with your current job first. If not, there are several affordable online EMT refresher programs available. One reliable option is CME Education.

  • Skills validation: Most employers provide this in-house. If yours doesn’t, you can usually find a local provider who offers it.

     

🚑 California Ambulance Driver’s License

              Youtube Walk through link
 

To drive an ambulance in California, you need to obtain a DL 61. Before heading to the DMV, there are a few things you’ll need to take care of:

  • Complete a DOT physical (DL-51): This includes your Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875) and the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876). These two forms are done at your physical.

  • Get a DMV Live Scan: The specific form you’ll need depends on your location. You will need to submit a completed request for Live Scan service application (DMV 8016)

  • Study for the written test:This will be taken at the DMV. It’s highly recommended to read the Ambulance Driver handbook and take some online practice tests beforehand.

  • Bring ID and residency documents: You may be asked to show a government-issued ID and provide two proofs of residency. It’s better to be safe than sorry in this situation, as many of you are aware this process can take several hours.
     

For more information about the DMV Ambulance Driver Certificate, scroll down on this page using this Link

🪓 Reciprocity to get your CA Firefighter I & II

Step 1: Prep

  1. Review Firefighter I Requirements
    Visit this page to review the Firefighter I state Fire Training requirements
     

  2. Request a State Fire Training ID
    Complete the SFT ID Request Form to obtain your SFT ID.
     

  3. Gather Your Certifications
    Go to The Pro Board Certification Lookup to download your certifications.

    • Use your 4-digit Total Force Number as the PIN to access records.

Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Application

​

  1. Download and Fill Out the Application
    Access the Firefighter I Reciprocity Application Instructions.

  2. Prepare and Submit Required Documents (as PDFs, ideally compressed):
     

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter II

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Awareness

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations PPE

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Product Control

    • FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800

  3. Payment
    Pay the $125 Pro Board®/IFSAC Reciprocity Review Fee (non-refundable).

You must obtain the following two certifications, which you do not have yet

  • Confined Space Rescue Awareness
    (Must be from SFT, IAFF, or IFSAC/ProBoard)

  • Wildland Courses: S-130, S-190, and L-180
    (Accepted through CICCS and/or NWCG providers)

Step 3: Submit Your Reciprocity Application via Email and Via Mail

Print out all your certification (if you don't have a printer it could be cheaper or free to go to a library or at a school campus).

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter II

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Awareness

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations PPE

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Product Control

  • FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800

  • SFT Confined Space Awareness 

  • S-130, S-190, and L-180 (CICCS and/or NWCG)

State Fire Training

PO BOX 944246, Sacramento, CA 94244-2460

Sample Email Template

  • Feel free to modify this email but this is the basics of what you should say

Subject: Firefighter I Reciprocity Application - SFT ID #: (SFT ID)

“Good morning/Good afternoon 

My name is (Full Name), and I am currently applying for my California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I certification through the reciprocity process (Option B). My SFT ID number is (Your SFT ID).

I have completed the following certifications:

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter II

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Awareness

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations PPE

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Product Control

  • FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800

I have paid the $125 Reciprocity Review Fee through the SFT Online Payment Portal for Option B.

I am currently in the process of obtaining the following additional certifications:

  • Confined Space Rescue Awareness (SFT, IAFF, or IFSAC/ProBoard)

  • Wildland Firefighting: S-130, S-190, and L-180 (CICCS and/or NWCG)

Please find my certification documents attached as PDFs. If physical mailing is preferred, I am happy to send hard copies to the SFT mailing address of PO Box 944246, Sacramento, CA. 94244-2460.

Kindly let me know if any additional information or documentation is needed. I appreciate your time and assistance with my application.

Best regards,
(Your Full Name)
(Your email)

(Your phone #)

Let me know if you require anything else. Thank you for your time”

(Provide the certifications below as a PDF. You will need to compress them most likely) 

There are several free services to do this with, a couple are 

https://imagecompressor.com

https://www.onlineimagetool.com/

Step 4: Getting your Confined Space Rescue Awareness 

1 Option for Confined Space Rescue Awareness (SFT-Approved)

Red Helmet Training
They offer State Fire Training (SFT)-certified courses including Confined Space Awareness.

  • Primary Contact (via Text):
    Christa: (909) 466-4671
    Suggested message to send:

Hi Christa,

My name is (Name), and I'm interested in taking the Confined Space Rescue Awareness course. I’m a _____ Reservist Firefighter currently applying for my CA FF I through reciprocity.

My email is (Email) and my SFT ID is (SFT ID).
Please let me know if any upcoming classes are available.
Thank you!

  • Alternative Contact (Phone):
    Jesse Quinalty (760) 880-4572
    Call if you're unable to reach Christa, or if you want to confirm the next available course dates.

    Other Potential Training options 

If Red Helmet Training has no available classes, try these courses instead: 

You can also search for approved training centers in your area that offer SFT, IAFF, or IFSAC/ProBoard certified Confined Space Awareness courses.

Step 5: Complete Wildland Firefighting Courses

S-130, S-190, and L-180 (CICCS and/or NWCG)

Courses Required:

  • S-130: Firefighter Training

  • S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

  • L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service

These must be completed through a (CICCS and/or NWCG) approved provider and must include an in person part to meet reciprocity requirements.

Email Template to Inquire About Wildland Training

Subject: Wildland Portion of Fire Academy (S-130, S-190, L-180)

Good (Morning/Afternoon) _______

My name is (Full Name), I am currently completing my reciprocity to obtain California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I certification.

I have already obtained Firefighter I & II and Hazmat certifications through IFSAC, but my initial academy did not include the wildland component. In order to complete my reciprocity, I am now seeking to fulfill the in-person requirements for S-130, S-190, and L-180.

I am very interested in participating in the wildland portion of your program, if it’s available. Could you please share any upcoming class dates or enrollment options?

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,
(Your Full Name)
(Your email)

(Your phone #)

Here are some potential Options

​

⚕️ How to Become a EMT in California?

Part 1: Do you qualify

  • Are you 18 years old?

  • Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

Part 2: Things to do before applying to any EMT schools

  • To find accredited California EMT schools, go to this Link. Make sure the ones you are applying to are accredited. 

    • Use the filters to narrow down your search.

  • Get your CPR/AHA/BLS certification. There are other organizations that offer it but all EMT schools in CA will accept the American Heart Association certification. Most, if not all, other states will prefer the AHA certification above others. The certification lasts 2 years from the date you were certified. 

    • Go Here to check out available courses near you. 

    • Note: Some schools, training centers, etc sometimes have different specific requirements. I suggest calling the number on their website to confirm the prerequisites.

Part 3: EMT Course

  • Complete a state-approved EMT training course. 

    • This typically means passing the class with an 80% or higher score. 

    • Most courses require ambulance ride-alongs. (I suggest you review further details with them). 

  • Once you complete the course you will receive a Course of Completion Certificate.

    • Take the original and make a physical copy and a digital copy
       

Part 4: NREMT

  • Register and Schedule to take the NREMT.

    • Costs in the area of $100 - $200

    • I highly recommend taking it as soon as possible while you still have all the information fresh in your mind. 

    • Check the next steps Here to learn what comes next. 

  • Read through the Pre-Test Guide, the Exam Process and the Policy Instructions before taking the test. All those links can be found on the NREMT website. 

    • You should focus entirely on the test, so be sure to complete all the administrative requirements in advance to avoid any unexpected problems.

Part 5: Live Scan and Documents

  • Get a background check and complete this State of California Live Scan Form.

    • Go to This Website to find California approved Live Scan agencies. You can use this alternate site https://printscan.com/LiveScan/Locations.

    • You will receive a 10-digit ATN number that identifies a fingerprint background check. Make sure you get this from the Live Scan facility.

  • Have all the following documents saved in a folder on your computer as a PDF.

    • NREMT card. 

      • Where to find this? Login on the NREMT Website > Dashboard > Print Card & Print Certification. 

    • EMT course completion certification. 

    • CPR/BLS course.

Part 6 Final Steps: California State Card

  • In order to get your California certification you have to go through the Local EMS Agency. (Unfortunately this also costs money) 

    • Click on the link associated with your county or the county you are going to work in. From there follow the steps it provides you or call their number if you need additional help. 

    • This is where you will submit all your saved documents which includes

      • NREMT card

      • Course of Completion Certificate

      • CPR card

      • Live Scan

      • Gov issued photo ID 

​

Once you have completed all these steps, you will be a nationally and state-recognized EMT. If you have taken care of everything above, it will save you time when getting hired whichever employer you choose. I hope this guide has simplified the process for you

​

If you want further assistance in finding jobs, managing certifications, and advancing your career within EMS, check out our app - app.myemspath.com

​

How to Apply For a Federal Firefighting Job

Usually required or commonly required qualifications:

  • U.S. citizenship

  • Must have a valid state drivers license

  • Must have ProBoard/DoD/IFSAC Certifications

  • Must be able to obtain a security clearance

  • FSAC, Pro Board FF I / FF II 

  • DD-214, SF-15

  • NREMT 

  • MUST BE UNDER THE AGE OF 37

  • Be at least 18 years old
     

Highly recommended Certifications, Education, and Experience:


Certifications

  • BLS/CPR

  • FEMA IS-100

  • FEMA IS-200

  • FEMA IS-700

  • FEMA IS-800

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Airport Firefighter 

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Marine Fire Fighter

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator - Pumper

  • Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator - ARFF 

  • Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator -Aerial

  • Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator - Mobile Water Supply

  • Fire Instructor I 

  • Fire Instructor II

  • Fire Instructor III

  • Fire Officer I 

  • Fire Officer II

  • HazMat Awareness

  • HazMat Operations

  • Hazmat technician 

  • Fire Department Incident Safety Officer

  • Public Safety Telecommunicator I

  • Public Safety Telecommunicator II


Education

Associates Degree or even better a Bachelors Degree from a Regionally Accredited College or University ideally in:

  • Fire Science

  • Fire Technology

  • Fire Protection Technology

  • Emergency Medical Services

  • Paramedicine

  •  Emergency Management

  •  Public Safety

  • Criminal Justice

  • Disaster Preparedness / Disaster Management

  • Emergency Services Management


Experience

  • EMT experience 

  • EMS, public safety, law enforcement experience 

  • Military 

    • Especially Marine Corps - Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (Arff) Specialist, Airforce - Fire Protection Specialist, Army - MOS 12m, Navy - Damage Controlman

  • Volunteer Firefighting

  • Structure firefighting experience

  • Fire academy 

  • Wildland firefighting  


Step 1) Search for the right job  
 

Some search terms to use on USAJOBS for federal structural firefighting jobs:

  • “Firefighter”

  •  “0081”

  •  “Fire Protection and Prevention”

  •  “Firefighter BLS”

  •  “Firefighter Hazmat Technician”

  •  “Firefighter HAZMAT Tech”

  •  “Firefighter EMT”

  •  “Firefighter Driver Operator”

  •  “Airport Firefighter”

  •  “ARFF”

  •  “Lead Firefighter”
     

Inspection/prevention side:

  • Fire Protection Inspector

  • Fire Inspector

  • Fire Prevention

  • Fire Protection Specialist
     

Note: Not every federal firefighter job is structured firefighting so make sure to read the announcement closely before applying. Some are fire prevention or inspection. There's also federal wildland jobs which have a different keyword search title of “Forestry Aid” “Firefighter” “Fire” “0455” “0462”. If you your interested in getting wildland firefighting job watch this video How to get Wildland firefighting job 


Step 2) Know the most common federal employers
 

The biggest category to watch is Department of Defense civilian fire departments such as large federal installations, military bases, airfields, shipyards, research facilities, or industrial federal property. Some examples include: 


Some of the biggest federal labor unions in the US are American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE)
 

  • Department of the Navy

  • Department of the Air Force

  • Department of the Army

  • Marine Corps installations

  • National Guard bases

  • NASA facilities

  • Federal research or industrial facilities

  • Federal shipyards and depots
     

Step 3) Use USAJOBS filters correctly
 

Apply through USAJOBS. Use the occupation/job series filter for 0081 Fire Protection and Prevention when possible. USAJOBS allows filtering by pay grade, agency, job type, hiring path, work schedule, location, etc. 
 

For newer applicants, look for:

  • GS-3

  • GS-4

  • GS-5

  • GS-5/7 developmental positions

  • Open to the public

  • Direct Hire Authority

  • Permanent full-time

  • Trainee or developmental announcements


Step 4) Read the announcement before applying


Federal structure firefighting is certification-heavy. Read the sections carefully to ensure you don't waste time on your application and be rated ineligible due to a certain requirement or something else. Look at sections such as:


“This job is open to”
“Duties”
“Requirements”
“Qualifications”
“Specialized experience”
 

Step 5) Apply year-round


Federal structure firefighting has differentiated hiring openings. Many positions are posted as vacancies open, and some direct-hire or roster announcements stay open for months. 

To ensure you don't miss openings, create saved searches and job alerts for the keywords provided above in STEP 1. 
 

How to save a search on USA jobs and get notifications 

Step 6) Apply broadly
 

Do not apply to one job and wait. Apply to many federal job opportunities, especially if you are willing to relocate.
 

Step 7) Online application necessary - direct contact best

  • Applying online is required, but direct contact (calls and, if possible, in-person visits) is often what gets you hired in the end. 

    • If you don't want to get hired just send emails. Pick up the phone and start making calls to build relationships and learn about the agency you're applying to. You can use the calling to find a time to do a station visit. 
       

Professional outreach can still help you understand upcoming openings, if it's a good fit for you, tips on the hiring process, certifications to get prior, and other helpful information. 
 

Good contacts to reach out to: 

  • Agency HR contact listed on the announcement

  • Fire department admin number

  • Base civilian personnel office

  • Recruitment events

  • Veteran hiring events

  • LinkedIn contacts from federal fire departments
     

Step 8) Track your applications
 

USAJOBS lets you check your application status through your profile.

I also created a spreadsheet template you can use to start tracking your applications. Access below:

Best path for a brand-new applicant
 

A realistic beginner pathway:

  1. Get EMT and BLS/CPR.

  2. Complete FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800.

  3. If you have not completed one, attend a fire academy that provides your Firefighter I/II.

  4. Obtain other IFSAC/ProBoard certifications listed above 

  5. Gain experience through volunteer firefighting, EMT work, military, fire cadet programs, etc.

  6. Build a federal-style resume with important key words and upload all certifications
    ​​a. https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include

  7. Apply to GS-3, GS-4, GS-5, and GS-5/7 federal firefighter jobs.

  8. Keep every certificate organized and ready to upload.

  9. Apply consistently

  10. Track status and follow up only through appropriate channels.
     

Biggest mistakes to avoid

  • Applying without required certificates

  • Incorrect resume formatting

  • Lack of keywords in resume 

  • Uploading certifications incorrectly 

  • Uploading blurry or incomplete certificates

  • Not putting month/year dates on resume 

  • Claiming experience that is not proven in the resume

  • Missing the closing date

  • Not checking USAJOBS after applying

 

Common benefits of federal fire

  • FERS Special Retirement Coverage 

  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 

  • Federal Employees Group Life Insurance

  • Plan (FEGLIP) 

  • Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHB) 

  • Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) 

  • Federal Long Term Care Insurance Plan (FLTCIP) 

  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 

  • Paid Annual & Sick Leave 

  • Family & Medical Leave (FMLA) 

  • Paid Parental Leave (PPL) 

  • Uniform Allowance (Initial & Annual) 

  • Continual Education and Special Courses

  • Union Shop (International Association of Firefighters -IAFF)
     

Other helpful links

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