Wildland Firefighter (Helitack Squad Leader)

## **Summary**

This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.

The primary purpose of these positions is to lead a small crew of highly effective and trained firefighters in wildland fire suppression and wildland urban interface/intermix incidents.

See **ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

for regional contacts.

## **This job is open to**

[Help](https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/job-announcement/this-job-is-open-to){rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}

### **[The public](https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/public){rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}**

[U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.](https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/public){rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}

### **[Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)](https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition){rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}**

[Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.](https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition){rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}

### **Clarification from the agency**

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

## **Duties**

[Help](https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/job-announcement/duties){rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}

• Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-07 level.
• Lead a highly mobile aerial delivered firefighting squad that utilizes helicopters to rapidly attack wildfires in varied terrain and fuels.
• Operate complex helicopter equipment and systems with numerous components that must be carefully synchronized or calibrated and are critical to safety.
• Train squad members and other personnel in specific tasks and techniques associated with helicopter and fire suppression operations.
• Oversee site construction for remote helicopter landing areas that meet a
  
  

gency safety specifications and guidelines.

• Serve as an aerial observer and navigator to provide fire detection, location, size-up, direct ground forces, order additional resources, and communicate with fire dispatch on mission status.
  
  

## **Requirements**

[Help](https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/job-announcement/requirements){rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}

### **Conditions of employment**

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
• 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. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
• 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. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
• Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
• 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.
• There may be additio al Conditions of Employment not listed here, however applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time a tentative job offer is made.
• Under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the requirement.
  
  

### **Qualifications**

In order to qualify, you must meet the [eligibility](http://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/eligibility){rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}

and [qualifications](http://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/eligibility/difference-from-qualifications){rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}

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.](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series){rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}

Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.

Specialized Experience Requirement

**For the GW-06**

: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-05) in the Federal Service.** Examples of specialized experience may include**

: Conducted training in the techniques of aviation, fire suppression, prescribed burning and fuels reduction methods; communicated critical information pertaining to incident objectives, situations, and tactics to pilot(s), crews and dispatchers; assist in developing burn plans, lead and/or assist with on the ground implementation.

**For the GW-07**

: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-06) in the Federal Service. **Examples of specialized experience may include**

: Oversaw helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions; conducted training in the techniques of aviation, fire suppression, prescribed burning and fuels reduction methods; independently performed many technical specializations such as helicopter rappelling, long line, felling, saw repair or water handling used in fire suppression and prescribed burning; served on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) or assigned to lead fire suppression under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain.

**Selective Placement Factors**

Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirements of Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) -**AND**

• successfully completed the NWCG Course Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) -**AND**
• Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement Firefighter 1 (FFT1).
  
  

Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.

In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. **Currency Requirement**

: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified