Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper) - Direct Hire Authority
What you'd do
This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority This Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-5 working in the following location(s): Boise, ID (NIFC) Fairbanks, AK Applicants will not be considered for locations not selected.
Major duties
Cost of Living Allowance: In addition to the base salary, including 32.36% locality pay, you will receive a 1.49% cost of living allowance for Fairbanks, AK as determined by https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/nonforeign-areas/#url=COLA-Rates. This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment, and rate decrease. Housing is available but not required in Fairbanks, AK For contact information, housing availability, and additional details regarding temporary fire positions with DOI, click here. As a GW-5 Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper), your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Parachutes into mountainous, remote, and/or rugged terrain and performs fire suppression and related duties. As a fire crew member or Initial Attack Commander incumbent utilizes fire behavior knowledge and firefighting experience to perform wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire operations safely and effectively in accordance with identified appropriate management response. May direct fire line activities and tactics for firefighters, equipment, aircraft and other resources. Maintains a variety of smokejumper and firefighting equipment, tools and supplies such as hand tools, chain saws, portable pumps and other equipment in suppressing fires. Repairs, packs and maintains parachutes and related equipment. For information on Boise Smokejumpers, visit their website or view this video. For information on Alaska Smokejumpers, visit their website. Additional Requirements: ADEPTNESS: In addition to the physical requirements, smokejumper candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the various aspects of parachuting and smokejumper related tasks. These include but are not limited to: Aircraft procedures, Parachute Malfunction procedures, Parachute landing rolls, Parachute maneuvering, Timber let-down procedures, Parachute and cargo retrieving, Tree climbing, Hand tool and chainsaw use, and Equipment checks. TRAINING: To become qualified as a US Wildland Fire Service Smokejumper, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete an intensive training program in RAM Air Parachute Jumping and fire suppression methods and techniques. A minimum of 15 training jumps is conducted during the training period beginning with jumps into simple terrain, progressing into more difficult terrain and environmental conditions. Candidates will be evaluated continuously. Failure in any portion of training or the Adeptness Test will be grounds for removal from the program. PHYSICAL TEST: When you report for duty, you will be given a physical condition test. Any candidates who cannot meet these minimum physical requirements will be terminated. The test is given in one time period with a 5-minute break between exercises. The test consists of performing the following exercises: 30 push-ups, 6 pull-ups, run 1.5 miles in 10.47 minutes and carry 110 pound pack over 3 miles of flat terrain within 65 minutes.
What you need to qualify
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the Selective Factor(s) and possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below. You must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management (qualifications to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required): Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required. Only experience and education obtained by 09/25/2026 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. To qualify for a GW-5, you must meet at least one of the following: 1). One (1) year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS-4 level duties. Examples of specialized work experience may include: On-the-line wildland fire experience in forest or rangeland fire suppression and fuels mitigation work gained as a member of a fire crew such as Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Engine Crew, or Fire Use Module. Experience may also include instructing or leading firefighters with both fire and non-fire assignments. -OR- 2). Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, from an accredited college or university, in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields. -OR- 3). A combination of education and specialized work experience described above. 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: Arduous exertion for protracted periods of time such as, but not limited to, extensive running, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, pulling hoses, jumping and twisting, prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 120 pounds for 5 miles or more through rugged terrain, and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity. The smokejumper is expected to parachute into this remote terrain under hazardous conditions. Work Environment: Forest, range, and desert environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick tangled vegetation, smoky conditions, etc. Temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees F and may fall below freezing. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material. Employee must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor bivouac and eating situations under an unpredictable set of circumstances. Firefighters may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (e.g., boots, hard hat, gloves, flame resistant clothing). Work will require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft. The majority of the work is performed outdoors in a wide variety of weather and terrain conditions or in a crowded airplane.
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