Fresh Listing

Posted: March 10, 2026 (3 days ago)

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Wildland Firefighter (Aviation)

Forest Service

Department of Agriculture

Fresh

Salary

$57,670 - $81,343

per year

Closes

March 19, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a wildland firefighter focused on aviation operations, such as managing airtankers that drop fire retardant on wildfires, coordinating aircraft and ground activities at a base, and ensuring equipment and safety protocols are followed.

A good fit would be someone with hands-on experience in firefighting or aviation support who thrives in high-pressure outdoor environments and has strong leadership skills for directing crews and inspecting contracts.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience equivalent to GW-5 (for GW-06) or GW-6 (for GW-07) in federal service, including facility maintenance, contract assistance, and airtanker equipment use
  • Prior wildland firefighting experience required for secondary firefighter retirement coverage
  • Ability to operate and oversee specialized airtanker equipment, retardant mixing, and delivery systems
  • Skills in coordinating aircraft, vehicle, and personnel movements while maintaining ramp safety
  • Experience providing flight briefings, hazard information, and directing personnel like loaders and mechanics
  • Proficiency in contract inspection, enforcement, and record-keeping for aviation and retardant operations
  • Capability to direct and participate in maintenance of base facilities, grounds, equipment, and water systems

Full Job Description

This position is located USDA Forest Service Unit.. The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to lead crews performing such work.

See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts. 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.

Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GW-06: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-5 grade level in Federal Service.

Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in providing facility maintenance, oversight and/or procedures for repairs and improvements; Assisted higher level personnel with contract preparation and/or administration; and Used specialized airtanker equipment and ensured equipment is in proper working order.

For the GW-07: You must have One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-6 grade level in Federal Service.

Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in the safe loading of fire retardant materials into airtankers; Provided facility maintenance, oversight and/or procurement for repairs and improvements; Assisted in administering aircraft and retardant contracts.

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. Major Duties:

  • Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-07 Level.
  • Performs various technical airtanker-related duties such as operating or overseeing the use of specialized equipment used by an airtanker base, retardant mixing and delivery systems.
  • Coordinates all movement of aircraft, vehicles and personnel on the ramp. Maintains the safety of ramp operations. Monitors and directs personnel (parking tenders, retardant loaders, fuel vendors and mechanics) in ramp operations.
  • Provides flight information such as incident locations, heading and radio frequencies to aircrew. Briefs on hazards and conditions that may affect air operations.
  • Serves as Project Inspector for the base's aviation and retardant contracts. Performs day-to-day contract inspections and enforces contractual provisions.
  • Maintains Daily Flight Invoices, Contract Daily Diaries, retardant deliveries, total gallons used and all costs associated with the operation.
  • Directs and participates in the maintenance of the base buildings, grounds, equipment and water systems.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/10/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/10/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 26-FIRE-P3VA-AIRTNKB-67DH