Wildland Firefighter (Aviation - Airtanker Base) (Seasonal) - Direct Hire Authority

Summary

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans' Preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority This GW-05 Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service working in Roswell, NM. For general information about the application process and temporary fire positions with the Department of the Interior, please visit our website.

Duties

• As a Wildland Firefighter [Aviation - Airtanker] (GW-05), your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Performs as functional leader in various aviation, ground support, and logistical activities related to airtanker and retardant base operations and all other fixed wing operations that may be used at designated base. Ensures airtanker base ramp operations are conducted in a safe and efficient manner, monitors critical turning radius for wing clearances to maintain safe operating distances from facilities, other aircraft and personnel as needed for different types and sizes of aircraft on the air base facility. Assists with the development and revision, and implements, as necessary, safety practices and emergency plans, trains personnel in safety and emergency procedures for airtanker/SEAT base operations, and ensures use of Personal Protection Equipment. Assists with safety and security at the base, reporting incidents as needed to supervisor. Performs administrative work, such as compiling and sharing documentation, which includes the daily activity log, data entry and querying reports, answering phones, and utilizing base radios.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below. 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 is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission and is clearly in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE. Candidates must possess Primary/Rigorous wildland firefighting experience, gained through fire line work in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. You must clearly demonstrate this experience in your resume, including the months, days, and hours per week at which the work was performed to be considered. Applicants must have documented prior primary firefighting experience, with substantial service defined as either: At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper, Wildland Fire Modules or Fire Suppression Crews, etc.) with a federal, state, tribal, local, or private-sector organization; - OR - At least 14 days of on-the-ground fireline experience (cumulative or consecutive). Prior primary wildland fire experience must be clearly documented in your resume. Note: an IQCS Master Record or equivalent document will not be used to determine or calculate prior primary wildland fire experience eligibility for this requirement. In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required. Only experience and education obtained by 11/10/2026 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-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: working around general airtanker base operations, general clerical/administrative experience, or experience with inputting data and using computer software programs. -OR- 2). Successful completion of a 4-year course 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: Long irregular hours are required, much of it occurring during periods of fire operations. Frequent standing, walking and long periods outside in high temperatures and direct sunlight may be required while working around multiple arriving and departing aircraft. Activities in and around moving aircraft and other equipment require constant monitoring and alertness for hazardous conditions and safety of personnel. Work in an office environment and long periods of sedentary work occurs when reports and flight records are prepared. Lifting and carrying heavy equipment/materials and operating a variety of ha…

Education

PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).