Wildland Fire Fighter (Aviation) - Airtanker Base

Summary

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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) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW\-0456\-3/4/5 working in the following locations:

• Battle Mountain, NV
• Elko, NV
• Lakeview, OR
• Las Vegas, NV
• Pocatello, ID
• Reno, NV
• Wells, NV
• Winnemucca, NV

You may select up to SEVEN locations. Not all locations may be hiring for all grades.

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

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### The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

### Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

### Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. DIRECT HIRING AUTHORITY will be used to fill this position. Veterans' Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position.

Duties

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For contact information, housing availability, and additional information regarding temporary fire positions with DOI, visit the DOI FIRES website.

As a GW\-3 Wildland Firefighter (Aviation), your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Serves as a crewmember at an airtanker base.
• Assists in directing aircraft /vehicle parking in assigned area.
• May monitor activities such as fueling and loading fire retardant chemicals, and performs tasks associated with risk management and safety.
• Assists with wildland fire chemicals and retardant loading into airtankers and maintaining airtanker base, aircraft ramp facilities, vehicles and equipment.

As a GW\-4 Wildland Firefighter (Aviation), your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Directs aircraft / vehicle movement, monitors activities such as fueling and loading fire retardant chemicals, and performs tasks associated with risk management and safety.
• Assists with loading of retardants into aircraft to meet contract and product specifications and limitations.
• Responsible for maintaining airtanker base, aircraft ramp, facilities, vehicles and equipment along with recording aircraft times on forms and documents pertinent activity in logs.
• Utilizes computer system to record information, produce reports and detailed documents as necessary.

As a GW\-5 Wildland Firefighter (Aviation), your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs as functional leader in various aviation, ground support, and logistical activities related to airtanker and retardant base operations and all other fixed wing operations that may be used at designated bases.
• Ensures airtanker base ramp operations are conducted in a safe and efficient manner, including parking, loading, and movement around the aircraft.
• Performs administrative work, such as compiling and sharing documentation, which includes the daily activity log, data entry and querying reports, answering phones, and utilizing base radios.

Requirements

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### Conditions of employment

* Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.

* Suitability for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.

* Direct Deposit Required.

• You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
• This position may require the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee may need to hold and maintain a valid state driver's license throughout their employment in this position.
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12\-31\-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
• You may be required to work on\-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
• Subject to occasional travel particularly during fire season, and you may need to obtain a government charge card for travel.
• You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.

### Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.

Selective Placement Factor: 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.

Prior on\-the\-line firefighting: This experience must be clearly documented in your resume with specific to and from dates, description of work performed, and hours worked per week in order to be considered.This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission and is in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government, is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE. Candidates must possess substantial wildland firefighting experience, gained through fire line work in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. The Department of the Interior defines wildland firefighting experience as any non\-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Wildland firefighting experience is gained through work on the fire line in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. This experience can be met by serving in a temporary, seasonal, or equivalent private sector fire position. Wildland fires are categorized into two distinct types: (1\) Wildfires \- Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires; and (2\) Prescribed Fires \- Planned ignitions. This description includes only fireline 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.

In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required.

Only experience and education obtained by 04/22/2026 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.

To qualify for a GW\-4, you must meet at least one of the following:

1\). Six (6\) months of general work experience, which can be any work experience AND six (6\) months of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS\-3 level duties.

Examples of specialized work experience may include the following:

• controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade
• forest fire control, prevention, or suppression work
• rescue operations
• detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards
• operation of fire communications equipment when it requires specialized knowledge of firefighting techniques, equipment, and procedures to prevent and manage fires
• controlling hazardous materials incidents
• developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention

\-OR\-

2\). Successful completion of a 2\-year course of study above high school, from an accredited college or university, in Fire Training, Fire Science, Fire Technology or in other related fields.

\-OR\-

3\). A combination of the education and work experience described above.

To qualify for a GW\-5, you must meet at least one of the following:

1\). One (1\) year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS\-4 level duties.

Examples of specialized experience include:

Working around general airtanker base operations, general clerical/administrative experience, or experience with inputting data and using computer software programs.

\-OR\-

2\). Successful completion of a 4\-year course above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, from an accredited college or university, in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields.

\-OR\-

3\). A combination of the education and specialized work experience 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: 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 departingaircraft. 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.

Work Environment: 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.

### Education

PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full\-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full\-time or part\-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full\-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications \| International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

### Additional information

Pay rates vary depending on location. For additional information on pay rates: Click here for the OPM Salaries and Wages to calculate locality pay.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1\) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2\) be rated well\-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF\-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee\_guides/career\_transition.asp.

Reemployment Priority List (RPL): The RPL is the mechanism agencies use to give reemployment consideration to their former competitive service employees separated by a RIF or who have fully recovered from a compensable injury after more than one year. If you are currently on an RPL, you may be given priority consideration.

Telework: This position is not suitable for telework.

Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Wildland Fire Service offices in the local commuting area.

Reasonable Accommodation: The USWFS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center \| Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

Temporary employees hired in wildland fire or wildland fire support positions are eligible for the following:

• Annual, sick leave, and paid federal holidays
• Depending on tour of duty \- Sunday, holiday, shift differential and/or hazard pay
• Participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) program \- Employees electing to participate in the FEHB will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles, which is deducted from bi\-weekly earnings. After separating from federal employment, employees will be offered to continue participation in FEHB under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option. Employees electing to continue coverage under the TCC provision will be responsible for the full premium amount plus a 2% administration fee.

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

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Review our benefits

How you will be evaluated

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You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Resumes must not exceed two single\-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10\-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0\.5\-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

You will be evaluated based on how your application materials reflect the minimum qualification requirements of this position. Once the job opportunity announcement closes, your resume and all supporting documents will be reviewed by HR to determine if you are minimally qualified for the position. If an applicant's resume is incomplete or does not support the requirements for minimum qualifications or specialized experience a rating of "ineligible" or "not qualified" will be applied and no consideration for employment will be granted. Due to this vacancy being filled through OPM's Direct Hire Authority, Veterans' Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to positions filled under this announcement. Applications received as a result of job fairs, recruitment events, and emergency hiring mechanisms in support of this hiring initiative will also be accepted during the duration of the announcement. All minimally qualified candidates will be referred for consideration. Please note that the hiring office may conduct interviews at their discretion. Interviews may be conducted on a pass/fail basis.

The competencies below provide an overview of what this position entails once encumbered:

GW\-3:

* Standards \- Knowledge of standards that either are compliant with or derived from established standards or guidelines.

* Technical Competence\- Knowledge of how to perform one's job. Refers to specialized knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on\-the\-job experience.

* Computer Skills \- Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.

GW\-4:

* Standards \- Knowledge of standards that either are compliant with or derived from established standards or guidelines.

* Technical Competence\- Knowledge of how to perform one's job. Refers to specialized knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on\-the\-job experience.

* Oral Communication \- Expresses ideas and facts to individuals or groups effectively; makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others; facilitates an open exchange of ideas.

GW\-5:

* Technical Competence\- Knowledge of how to perform one's job. Refers to specialized knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on\-the\-job experience.

* Oral Communication \- Expresses ideas and facts to individuals or groups effectively; makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others; facilitates an open exchange of ideas.

* Computer Skills \- Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.

Required Documents

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You must submit a complete application package. The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/22/2026

Resumes must show relevant experience and other information. Your resume MUST list your education and work experience including:

• From and To dates
(month/year to month/year) for each position held. (Ex: 08/2025 \- 02/2026\)
• Work schedule
(number of hours worked per week) for each position held. One year of experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week (full\-time). Part\-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for a position listed that does not indicate hours per week.
• Current OPM title, series, and grade level for each position that was in the federal service.

* Complete Duties for each position held.

Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). Failure to provide required information will result in loss of eligibility. No assumptions will be made about your experience and/or education. You are welcome to submit a cover letter.

Resumes must also include your full name and how to best contact you, including email address and phone number.

Do not include the following types of information in your resume:

• Classified or government sensitive information
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Photos of yourself
• Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
• Encrypted and digitally signed documents

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. Visit the USAJOBS Help Center for more information on What should I include in my federal resume and/or OPM Resume Writing Tips.

In addition to the online application (resume and responses to the questionnaire), you are required to submit the following supplemental documentation as applicable:

High School Transcript \- If you are using Firefighter training obtained as part of a high school curriculum for the GW\-3, you MUST submit a legible copy of your high school transcript from an accredited institution, to include your name, the schools name and location, and the information showing successful completion of courses with the number of credits given.

College Transcripts: If you are qualifying with education, you must provide copies of all your official or unofficial transcripts for verification from an accredited U.S. college/university by the closing date. Transcripts must include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average, or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If your degree is from a Foreign Institution, See Foreign Education. All selections and tentative offers of selection are contingent upon submission and verification of 'official' transcripts.

CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: Documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility \- this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF\-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location. Failure to submit any of the above\-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

### If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

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Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility criteria, you will not be considered for this position under this announcement.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.

Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

• Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12939674\.
• Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
• Applications must be received by 04/22/2026, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
• Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how\-to/application/status/.

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which may be available from the Human Resources Office. Please refer to the contact information listed at the bottom of the announcement.

### Agency contact information

DOI FIRES Program Office

Phone

888\-364\-6432

Email

BLM\_FA\_FIRES@BLM.GOV

Website

https://www.firejobs.doi.gov/

### Next steps

Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.

You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.

If you were not referred and/or have questions or concerns regarding your rating determination or referral status, in the interest of time, please submit your inquiry in writing within seven (7\) calendar days of receiving a Notice of Results and Referral notification email. Inquiries may be submitted to contact listed on this announcement. Be sure to include the announcement number to assist our team in reviewing your inquiry.

Overview

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Accepting applications

Open \& closing dates

04/17/2026 to 04/22/2026

Salary

$21\.14 \- $25\.37 per hour

Pay scale \& grade

GW 3 \- 5

Locations

FEW vacancies in the following locations:

Pocatello, ID

Battle Mountain, NV

Elko, NV

Las Vegas, NV

Show morefewer locations (4\)

Reno, NV

Wells, NV

Winnemucca, NV

Lakeview, OR

Remote job

No

Telework eligible

No

Travel Required

Occasional travel \- You may be expected to travel for this position.

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Temporary \- These are temporary appointments. These positions will not convey permanent status and will be for a period not\-to\-exceed 1039 hours in a service year. Hours may be extended up to 1560 hours dependent on the agency's authority.

Work schedule

Full\-time

Service

Competitive

Promotion potential

None

Job family (Series)

• 0456 Wildland Fire Management

Supervisory status

No

Security clearance

Not Required

Drug test

Yes

Financial disclosure

No

Bargaining unit status

No

Announcement number

WFS\-FIRE\-2026\-017\-DHA

Control number

865759300