Wildland Firefighter (Fuels) Job at U.S. Office of the Secretary of the Interior Full Time

This isn’t an entry-level fire position. The agency is searching for people who already understand fuels management prescribed burns wildfire suppression and the realities of field operations during fire season. Applicants with advanced certifications and previous line-fire experience will likely be the strongest fit.

Pay for the role ranges from $74,678 to $97,087 per year depending on duty station and federal pay adjustments. Some candidates may also qualify for relocation assistance.

Job Overview

What the Job Looks Like

The position serves as a Deputy Fuels Manager and focuses heavily on wildfire prevention and fuels reduction work across public lands. Day-to-day responsibilities can shift between planning work in the office and active field assignments tied to prescribed burns or fuels projects.

A large part of the job centers on reducing wildfire risk before fires start. That includes evaluating fuel conditions helping plan prescribed burns coordinating treatment projects and supporting long-term fire management goals.

The role also involves working closely with fire crews land managers environmental specialists and other federal teams involved in wildfire operations.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

People hired into this role will take part in both technical planning and field coordination tied to wildfire fuels management.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading fuels treatment and prescribed fire projects
• Supporting smoke management and air-quality compliance
• Reviewing fire management plans and treatment strategies
• Monitoring fuel conditions and fire behavior trends
• Coordinating prescribed burn operations from planning through rehabilitation
• Conducting field assessments in wildfire-prone areas
• Working with interdisciplinary land management teams
• Helping oversee wildfire prevention initiatives on federal lands
• Assigning work to support staff and monitoring project progress
• Making sure operations follow federal safety and environmental standards

The position also supports long-range wildfire mitigation efforts designed to protect forests wildlife areas and nearby communities.

Work Environment

This is not a desk-only federal job. Field work is a major part of the position especially during active fire periods.

Employees regularly work in remote areas and rough terrain where smoke heat wind and changing weather conditions are common. Some assignments may involve long hikes extended outdoor operations or travel by helicopter and small aircraft.

Protective gear and official wildfire uniforms are required during field assignments.

Travel can increase during major wildfire events or during periods of intensive fuels treatment work.

Salary and Federal Benefits

Along with federal pay the position includes access to government employee benefits programs.

Benefits may include:

• Federal retirement programs
• Health and life insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Federal holidays
• Relocation reimbursement for eligible employees
• Training and career development opportunities
• Government travel support
• Employee assistance programs
• Telework options in approved situations

Specific benefits can vary depending on employment status and agency policies.

Required Experience and Qualifications

Applicants need professional wildland firefighting experience before applying. This role is intended for people who already have technical knowledge and operational fire background.

Required Experience

Candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW-9 level or comparable non-federal experience.

Relevant experience may include:

• Prescribed fire operations
• Fuels management planning
• Wildfire suppression
• Smoke monitoring
• Fire behavior analysis
• Fuels reduction projects
• Fire effects monitoring
• Wildland fire planning work

Knowledge of weather behavior fuel conditions and wildfire safety procedures is also important for this role.

Mandatory Certifications

Applicants must already hold the required qualifications before applying.

Required certifications include:

• Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) or higher
• Engine Boss (ENGB) Crew Boss (CRWB) Helicopter Manager (HMGB) or higher qualification
• Previous on-the-line wildland firefighting experience
• Current IQCS Master Record or equivalent documentation

Applications missing these qualifications will not move forward.

Conditions of Employment

Selected applicants must meet standard federal employment requirements including:

• U.S. citizenship
• Background investigation clearance
• Valid driver’s license
• Drug testing before employment and random testing afterward
• Medical and physical fitness standards
• Government travel card eligibility
• One-year probationary period
• Selective Service registration when applicable

Emergency response work may occasionally require evening weekend or extended assignments during wildfire activity.

Federal Firefighter Retirement Coverage

This position falls under federal firefighter retirement provisions. Eligibility depends on an applicant’s previous federal firefighting service and employment history.

Applicants transferring directly from qualifying federal firefighting positions may be eligible for special retirement coverage under federal law.

Documents Needed for Application

Applicants must submit a complete package through USAJOBS.

Required documents may include:

• Federal resume
• IQCS Master Record or equivalent certifications
• College transcripts if education is being used for qualifications
• CTAP or ICTAP documentation if applicable
• BIA Form 4432 for Indian Preference claims
• Additional supporting records requested by the agency

Federal resumes should clearly show duties dates of employment and hours worked per week.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official USAJOBS system before the closing deadline.

Applicants should:

1. Create or log into a USAJOBS account
2. Complete the application questionnaire
3. Upload all required documents
4. Review the application carefully
5. Submit before May 29 2026 at 11:59 PM ET

Incomplete applications can be disqualified during the review process.

Official application page:
USAJOBS Wildland Firefighter Listing

Hiring Process

After the announcement closes Human Resources staff will review applications to confirm minimum qualifications and certification requirements.

Qualified applicants may be referred to hiring officials for interviews. Interviews are not guaranteed for every applicant.

Application updates are typically provided through the applicant’s USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a government job?

Yes. This is a federal government position with the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Is prior wildfire experience required?

Yes. Applicants must already have professional wildland firefighting experience and required fire certifications.

Does the job include travel?

Yes. Travel up to 25% may be required depending on assignments training and wildfire activity.

Is this a remote job?

No. The role is field-based although limited telework may be approved in some situations.

When is the application deadline?

Applications are scheduled to close on May 29 2026.

About the Department of the Interior

The U.S. Department of the Interior oversees public lands natural resources wildlife conservation and wildfire management operations across the country.

Wildland fire teams play a major role in reducing fire risks supporting emergency response operations and protecting federal lands and nearby communities from large-scale wildfire damage.

Official website:
U.S. Department of the Interior

Final Notes

For wildfire professionals with strong field experience this opening offers a chance to step into a higher-level federal fuels management role with long-term career potential.

The work can be demanding especially during fire season but it also places employees directly inside major wildfire prevention and land management operations across the Pacific Northwest.

Applicants who already hold advanced qualifications and operational fire experience may find this role especially relevant for long-term federal fire service careers.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the hiring agency. Applicants should review the official USAJOBS posting for complete qualification requirements hiring details and application instructions.