National Firefighter Health Branch Chief

This position is located within the National Office Fire and Safety, Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) organization. The incumbent serves as the National Firefighter Health Branch Chief within the Risk Management Program with a focus on wildland firefighter health and wellness program coordination and leadership, working closely with the Department of the Interior's Wildland Fire Service in the implementation of programs.

Duties listed are at the full performance level GW-14. Plan and coordinate national firefighter studies and analysis of feedback and trends to determine the effectiveness in the implementation of federal health and wellbeing programs. Develop new ways to measure program accomplishments, results, and effectiveness. Responsible for the effective design and implementation of the Forest Service's wildland firefighter medical program, encompassing pre-employment medical screening and Medical Qualifications. Evaluate the expansion of firefighter health and wellness efforts across the federal agencies, and partner with non-federal entities for comprehensive approaches across the broader wildland fire system. Coordinate and evaluate firefighter health training with clinical experts and peers in training management programs to meet the needs of the federal wildland fire programs. Organize and supervise work groups and committees responsible for scoping, developing, revising and implementing programs or policies intended to improve the health and resilience of wildland firefighters. Determine priorities for initiatives, programs or capabilities that would serve to increase wildland firefighter support before, during, and after critical incidents. Studies and analyzes the wildland firefighter behavioral health program and develops national policy to provide for consistency across the entire fire management program. Recommends the preferred course of action for adoption of new and evolving programs or capabilities to reduce trauma and increase resilience. Provide consultation and advice on safety management systems; Agency doctrine, policy, principles; standards; and current and proposed legislation and regulation. Actively participates in high level conferences, negotiations and meetings concerning integration of the agency interest in behavioral health programs, which includes cancer prevention, physical wellness, medical surveillance, and suicide prevention.

Work Schedule: Full-time. This is a permanent, full-time position and may include weekend work. Travel Required: 25% or less - You may be expected to travel overnight on fire suppression, fire related assignments, meetings and/or training for this position.

Work site options: Telework eligible—Situational/Limited determined by the agency policy. Remote job: No. Relocation expenses reimbursed: Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.

Conditions of Employment: Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Must be 18 years of age. This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

To apply, click the Apply Online button, answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. You must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

Salary: $112,824 - $168,420 Per Year

Application Deadline: 2026-11-19