Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) Unit Aviation Manager - Direct Hire Authority
Office of the Secretary of the Interior
Posted: February 27, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Office of the Secretary of the Interior
Department of the Interior
Location
Richfield, Utah
Salary
$21.14 - $21.14
per hour
Type
Closes
This entry-level job involves working on a wildland fire engine crew to fight forest and range fires, performing tasks like suppression and learning fire management basics in tough outdoor conditions.
It's ideal for physically fit individuals who can handle demanding physical work in extreme environments and are eager to gain hands-on experience in firefighting.
No prior specialized experience is required, making it suitable for beginners with general work background or related education.
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 position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-3 working in the following location: Richfield, Utah For contact information, housing availability, and additional information regarding temporary fire positions with DOI, visit the DOI FIRES website.
In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below. Only experience and education obtained by 03/05/2026 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 Qualifications: To qualify for a GW-3, you must meet at least one of the following: 1).
Six (6) months of general work experience or six (6) months of Firefighter training obtained as part of a high school curriculum (any firefighter training at the high school level and above), may be substituted for experience on a month-for-month basis.
General Experience can include: Any work experience or military service that demonstrates the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform, or learn to perform, the duties of the position.
-OR- 2). One (1) year of education or training above high school related to the work of the position. -OR- 3). A combination of education and general work experience as described above.
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.
Physical Demands: Arduous exertion for protracted periods of time such as, but not limited to, extensive running, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, pulling hoses, jumping and twisting, prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity.
Working Environment: Forest, range, and desert environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick tangled vegetation, smoky conditions, etc.
Temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees F and may fall below freezing.
Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material.
Employee must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor bivouac and eating situations under an unpredictable set of circumstances.
Firefighters may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time.
The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (e.g., boots, hard hat, gloves, flame resistant clothing).
Work may require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft. Major Duties:
As a Wildland Firefighter (GW-3), your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Serves as an entry level wildland firefighter on an engine crew.
Performs assignments such as developing a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices, and terminology.
May assist in more specialized assignments such as backfire and burnout, mobile and stationary engine attack.
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