Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) (Airtanker Base Manager) - 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 Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) (Airtanker Base Manager) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-9 working in the following location(s): Roswell, New Mexico 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.) 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): Ramp Manager (RAMP) In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required.

Only experience and education obtained by 03/24/2026 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-09 level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW-08 level, or higher, in the Federal service, or equivalent, which includes all of the following: Examples of specialized experience include: experience managing an aviation program in the absence of the Unit Aviation Manager and functioning as the Air Tanker Base Manager including, scheduling resource flights as needed, updating and developing the aviation plans, monitoring and evaluating aviation operations in both fire and resource activities; assisting with preparation, review, and disseminate aviation policy statements, safety bulletins, manuals and handbooks; administering applicable aircraft and retardant contracts as the Project Inspector (PI); performing day to day administration of the contracts in place and enforcing contract provisions.

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.

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

Secondary Firefighter Retirement Coverage - Applicants for this secondary administrative fire fighter position under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C.

8412 (d), must possess knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of wildland firefighting as demonstrated by direct wildland firefighting experience.

In order to receive credit, you must provide a written description of your experience in wildland firefighting.

Education without hands-on wildland firefighting experience does not meet this requirement.

Periods of wildland firefighting experience, gained through militia and rural fire departments, can also be credited. Wildland fire is defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland.

Two distinct types of wildland fire have been defined and include wildfire and prescribed fires as follows: Wildfire: Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires.

Prescribed Fires: Planned ignitions. This description includes only fire line experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages.

Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting 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 hand and power tools is required for base set-up, tear down, and maintenance/repair.

Working Conditions: Majority of activities are performed in an airbase environment, both inside and outdoors. Extreme variations in temperature and climactic conditions are common.

Work requires use of safety equipment including hearing and eye protection and high visibility clothing. Exposed to irritant chemicals is possible.

The work involves exposure to operating aircraft that result in high noise levels and exposure to turning propellers, prop wash, jet intake areas and jet-blast, and flying dust and debris.

Concurrent movement of multiple mixed aircraft types and service vehicles in the ramp area creates potential for serious accident, injury, or property damage.

Fatigue and mental stress could be present due to extensive work periods and emergency nature of work. Major Duties:

• As a Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) (Airtanker Base Manager) - Direct Hire Authority your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Directs and oversees the activities of an airtanker base in support of wildland fire suppression Serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in all elements of airtanker base operations for the unit Delegated the responsibilities of a project inspector of a full-service retardant contract and provides daily oversight and support for various aircraft contracts Serves as the primary point of contact with airport management Responsible for identifying and coordinating the logistical needs for the Airtanker Base