Wildland Firefigher (Forest-Fire Management Officer-Fire & Aviation Operations)
Job Description
Summary
These positions are located in the Pacific Northwest Region 6 on a Forest Service Unit.
This position serves as a principal assistant to a Forest Staff Officer or Forest Fire Management Officer (FFMO) in directing the complex aviation management program of the Fire & Aviation Operations on a Forest Service unit.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Jason Heinz at [email protected].
Duties
This position is responsible for the strategic oversight and safety management of all aviation operations on a National Forest.
Maintains close liaison with other aviation managers, Forest Fire Management Officer, Deputy Forest FMO, Interagency Dispatch Center Manager, and Dispatch Coordinator to exchange information on current aviation operations.
Advises project planners on utilization and suitability of aircraft needed for fire suppression and aviation projects.
Represents Forest Aviation at Forest, Regional, National training, workshops, task groups, and meetings.
Coordinates with Regional aviation management on Forest aviation operations, technical guidance, special projects for aviation support personnel, and other aviation related aspects.
Serves as the primary aviation operations advisor to the Forest Supervisor or Incident Commander during project fires, or other projects that may involve aircraft.
May be the designated Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for the Forest's aviation contracts.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
Must be 18 years of age.
This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
There may be additional Conditions of Employment not listed here, however applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time a tentative job offer is made.
Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-11: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-09 in the Federal service. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (coursework directly related to position being filled); OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.).
Examples of Specialized Experience are: Assisting with providing oversight and management of aviation activities including fire detection, suppression, use of fire retardant, aerial non-fire projects. Conducting contract management, safety training and risk assessment for aviation programs. Assisting with providing technical and administrative supervision for aviation programs.
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.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
See QUALIFICATION section for education.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available.
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email [email protected]
New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required new supervisory training program within a year of the effective date of the position.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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Date Posted
03/16/2026
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