Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)

This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization. Serves as a smokejumper, performing a variety of duties in the areas of parachute jumping and fire suppression.

Serves as an experienced smokejumper, performing parachute jumps, and a variety of wildland fire suppression duties. Makes parachute jumps from various aircraft under many conditions while executing landings on rough terrain, open areas, mountain slopes, or timber. Performs wildland fire suppression duties using a variety of hand and power tools (such as Pulaski, shovel, chain saw, and McLeod). As assigned may jump as incident commander, determining fire strategy, making work assignments, reviewing work performance, completing fire and time reports. May also serve as single resource boss. Participates in and successfully completes annual refresher training in parachute jumping, parachute handling, firefighting, and use of specialized tools and techniques. Coordinates with spotter to select jump spot. Makes advanced tactical decisions, evaluates fire behavior and potential fire risk to determine resource needs. Plans logistical needs for multiple shifts. May obtain FAA certifications such as Senior or Master Parachute Rigger. Packs and maintains parachutes for intentional jumping for self and others, packs reserve parachutes as well. Constructs and maintains gear such as parachute harness, jump gear and other equipment to ensure jump program functionality. May participate in training new smokejumpers to become proficient with physical and mental requirements of smokejumper positions. Ensures airplane is loaded properly. Constructs and maintains cargo containers and cargo parachutes for paracargo operations. May serve as Assistant Spotter, during fire and paracargo missions, using CRM skills to assist with paracargo and smokejumper deployments. Travel to fire assignments may vary from parachute jumping to foot travel, truck, bus, helicopter, etc. May be assigned to other resource management activities such as recreation, timber, or reforestation when not performing fire suppression duties. May inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions during fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire.

Work schedule: Full-time. Travel Required: Occasional travel - Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or fire related assignment.

Conditions of employment: You must be a US Citizen or US 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. Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing. Must be 18 years of age. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination. This is a Test Designated Position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice. Incumbent is subject to medical screening and must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous duty wildland firefighting. Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable). Occasional overnight travel may be required for fire suppression or fire related assignment. Must pass the appropriate level of the Work Capacity Test for Wildland Firefighters.

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.

How to Apply: Please view Tips for Applicants - a guide to the Forest Service application process. Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. Applying online is highly encouraged. To begin, click Apply and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.

Salary: $27 - $27 Per Hour

Application Deadline: 2026-11-12