Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Fire Helicopter Crew Supervisor) - Direct Hire Authority

Full Job Description

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement.

Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority This Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Fire Helicopter Crew Supervisor) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-8 working in the following location(s): Burns, Oregon Lakeview, Oregon Vale, Oregon Ensure desired locations are selected.

Applicants will not be considered for locations not selected. 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 position is a Primary Firefighter position and is subject to a maximum entry age (MEA). The MEA is the date immediately preceding your 37th birthday.

Applicants must not have reached age 37 at the time of appointment, unless proof is provided of prior Federal service in another primary covered position, or you are a preference eligible veteran.

If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday.

You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement.

Failure to provide this documentation with your application may result in loss of consideration.

Please refer to the Required Documents section for further guidance on what documentation is required to meet this requirement.

If over the MEA and you are not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted prior to employment.

Acceptable proof consists of SF-50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments and copies of approved letters based on individual claims.

2.) This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard.

This position has been categorized as a Senior Firefighter, and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position.

Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found here: Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM).

To meet IFPM requirements, you must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required at time of referral, but may be required to obtain and maintain currency if selected): Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), AND; Intermediate Fire Behavior (S-290) 3.) 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): Incident Commander, Type 4 (ICT4) or higher AND; Helicopter Manager, Single Resource (HMGB) AND; Helibase Manager - Trainee (HEBM-T) You must meet all qualification and selective placement factor requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required. Only experience and education obtained by 04/23/2026 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 Qualification For the GW-08 level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW/GS-07 level, or higher, in the Federal service, or equivalent, which includes all of the following: Experience assisting with implementing strategies, tactics, and wildland fire suppression methods for a fire helitack crew; maintaining helicopter support accessories and safety equipment; and mentoring and leading small groups of lower graded crewmembers performing wildland fire helitack duties.

*Applicants must meet all minimum qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement.

This position is covered by the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d) as a Primary/Rigorous Firefighter.

Applicants must be 18 years of age but not have reached their 37th birthday by the closing date of this announcement.

These positions are covered by the special enhanced annuity retirement provisions for Federal Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers and have a mandatory retirement age of 57.

Two exceptions are allowed: 1) an applicant has prior Federal service in documented special retirement covered position(s) sufficient to count toward 20 years of covered service on or before the mandatory retirement age of 57; or 2) an applicant is a qualified veterans' preference eligible, in which case the MEA is waived and their corresponding retirement age may be higher than 57 after completing 20 years of service.

Applicants must submit proof of their previous and/or current status in the Fire Fighter or Law Enforcement special enhanced annuity retirement system.

Physical Demands: Arduous duties involve rigorous fieldwork requiring above average physical performance, endurance and superior conditioning.

Work requires prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds.

Duties include demands for strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time.

Working Conditions: Work is primarily performed in forest and range environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with vegetation, and in smoky conditions.

Temperatures vary from above 100 degrees Fahrenheit to below freezing.

Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material.

May be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. Major Duties:

As a Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Fire Helicopter Crew Supervisor) - Direct Hire Authority your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Serves as an Assistant Fire Helicopter Crew Supervisor on a helitack crew.

Applies an experienced understanding of aviation safety, fire behavior, topography of the area weather, fuels, and training in fire management.

Supervises, mentors, and instructs employees on crewmember duties. Plans, coordinates, and directs helicopter operations in support of mission requirements.

Oversees the development and implementation of training programs to comply with policy, regulations, and development.