Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority

In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below. Only experience and education obtained by 11/04/2026 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.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for a GW-03, you must meet at least one of the following: 1). Six (6) months of general work experience or six (6) months of Firefighter training obtained as part of a high school curriculum (any firefighter training at the high school level and above), may be substituted for experience on a month-for-month basis.

General Experience can include: Any work experience or military service that demonstrates the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform, or learn to perform, the duties of the position. -OR- 2). One (1) year of education or training above high school related to the work of the position. -OR- 3). A combination of education and general work experience as described above.

To qualify for a GW-04, you must meet at least one of the following: 1). Six (6) months of general work experience, which can be any work experience AND six (6) months of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS-3 level duties.

Examples of specialized work experience may include the following: controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade forest fire control, prevention, or suppression work rescue operations detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards operation of fire communications equipment when it requires specialized knowledge of firefighting techniques, equipment, and procedures to prevent and manage fires controlling hazardous materials incidents developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention -OR- 2).

Successful completion of a 2-year course of study above high school, from an accredited college or university, in Fire Training, Fire Science, Fire Technology or in other related fields. -OR- 3). A combination of the education and work experience described above. To qualify for a GW-05, you must meet at least one of the following: 1). One (1) year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS-04 level duties.

Examples of specialized work experience include: On-the-line wildland fire experience in forest/range fire control, prevention or suppression work as a skilled wildland firefighter, utilizing a variety of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment such as fireline radios, chainsaws, and portable pumps and hose lays. -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.

Physical Demands: This position requires 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 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity.

Work Environment: This position works in 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 may require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft.

For general information about the application process and temporary fire positions with the Department of the Interior, please visit our website. As a Wildland Firefighter (GW-03), your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Serves as an entry level wildland firefighter on the following types of crews: hotshot Participates in fuels management and fire suppression duties under the direction of higher-graded firefighters by attacking, controlling, or mopping up fires, building or patrolling firelines May assist in more specialized assignments such as backfire, burnout, and chainsaw operations Receives on-the-job training, instruction, and orientation in activities such as maintenance of fire tools and equipment; managing risks and hazards; and safety protocols Participates in physical fitness programs As a Wildland Firefighter (GW-04), your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Serves as a trained wildland firefighter on the following types of crews: hotshot May assist in specialized assignments such as tree felling, backfire, and burnout operations Performs portable pump operator duties such as pump site selection, set up, and operation Program and utilizes handheld and mobile radios to maintain communication Utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment and techniques while actively managing wildland fires; may be required to operate light vehicles and 4X4s As a Wildland Firefighter (GW-05), your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Serves as an experienced wildland firefighter on the following types of crews: hotshot Performs all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding and mop-up Serves as lookout and as directed, locates fireline and implements appropriate fireline construction methods necessary (e.g., mineral soil scrape, cup trenching, removal of ladder fuels) to stop fire spread, making adjustments based on terrain and other conditions and assessing escape routes and safety zones Gathers and considers information on weather data, topography, fuel types and fire behavior in responding to wildland fire incidents As assigned, ensures proper refurbishing and resupply of tools, vehicles, food, water, and other supplies Duty locations for these positions are: Flowood, Mississippi Sierra Vista, Arizona Zuni, New Mexico (Indian Preference Applies)