How to Apply for a Federal Wildland Firefighting Job (10 Steps)
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
Create a spreadsheet/notes with the following fields that includes information from calls, emails, and your own research
Organization name
Contact name
Contact phone
Contact Email
Resources
Hiring dates
Notes
Website
Progress (called, emailed, etc)
I have also attached a spreadsheet template you can use to start tracking your applications. Access below
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