Bureau of Land Management
Wildland Firefighter (Squad Leader) - Direct Hire Authority
Bureau of Land Management, Miles City, Montana, United States, 59301
Duties
Serves as a lead wildland firefighter and member of a wildland fire module or crew.
Directs the work of a small crew of firefighters in building firelines, burnout, mopping up, and patrolling firelines.
Performs administrative lead duties such as: timekeeping, travel, government credit card management, maintaining records, etc.
Applies an understanding of firefighter safety, fire behavior, topography of the area, weather, fuels, and training in fire management.
Plans action and directs utilization of fire line resources.
Directs assigned suppression operations and recommends and implements tactical strategies on fires.
Directs the operation and use of special tools and equipment.
Directs and ensures proper equipment and supplies needed for fire assignments.
Manages fuels projects such as: prescribed fire, mechanical and biological treatments, inventorying fuel beds, and piling vegetation debris.
Duties listed are at the GW-07 full performance level.
Conditions of Employment
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Be sure to read the HOW TO APPLY and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Sections.
You cannot hold an active real estate license; nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Land.
Direct Deposit Required.
Background Investigation Required.
Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination. Failure to possess or obtain a favorable determination will result in the cancellation of the offer or will be grounds for termination.
You must meet specified levels on annual physical fitness tests, and pass periodic medical exams for wildland fire personnel, commensurate with current incident management qualification.
You must be 18 years of age or older to be assigned to a hazardous position.
You must pass a pre‑employment physical. You must also pass the work capacity test for arduous positions.
Applicant(s) tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use and to pass the test prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
This position requires regular and recurring overtime and shift work during peak fire season.
May require completion of a one year probationary period.
Position requires a valid state driver's license to operate light vehicles and 4x4 vehicles. May require additional specialized training and certification to operate specialized vehicles and equipment.
Driver's License required - GSA Form 3607 will be required to be completed during onboarding process.
Specialized Experience Requirements In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement(s); please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled.
To qualify for the GW/GS-05 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-04 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: On-the-line wildland fire experience in forest/range fire control, prevention or suppression work as a skilled wildland firefighter and utilizing a variety of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment.
To qualify for the GW/GS-06 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-05 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: Experience serving as a senior wildland firefighter on a wildland fire module or crew with on-the-line wildland fire experience in fire control, prevention or suppression work, and utilizing and maintaining a variety of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment.
To qualify for the GW/GS-07 grade level, 1 year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-06 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: Experience serving as a lead wildland firefighter on a wildland fire module or crew with on-the-line wildland fire experience in fire control, prevention or suppression; utilizing and maintaining specialized wildland fire equipment; and assisting with analyzing and predicting fire behavior when responding to wildland fire incidents.
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.
Substitution of Education for Experience GW/GS-05: Successful completion of a 4‑year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, from an accredited college or university, in a major study in Wildland Fire Science, Wildland Fire Training, Wildland Fire Technology or other related fields which included 24 semester hours of coursework such as forestry, range management or conservation, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography). Education and experience may be combined to meet the specialized experience requirement.
GW/GS-06/07: There is no substitution of education for experience at the GW/GS-06 and above grade levels.
Selective Placement Factors 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 factors will be rated not qualified.
✓ Primary Firefighter Position – Maximum Entry Age (MEA) The MEA is the date immediately preceding your 37th birthday. Applicants must not have reached age 37 at the time of appointment, unless proof is provided of prior Federal service in another primary covered position, or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. Applicants must supply a copy of their Defense Department Form 214 (DD‑214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement.
Failure to provide this documentation with your application may result in loss of consideration. Please refer to the Required Documents section for further guidance on what documentation is required to meet this requirement. If over the MEA and you are not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted prior to employment. Acceptable proof consists of SF‑50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments and copies of approved letters based on individual claims.
✓ IFPM – Senior Firefighter (GW/GS-06 and GW/GS-07) This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. It requires selectees to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found here: .
To meet IFPM requirements, you must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required at time of referral, but may be required to obtain and maintain currency if selected):
Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
Intermediate Fire Behavior (S‑290)
If selected at the GW/GS-05, you must meet the IFPM training requirements above (#2) for the GW/GS-06 as a condition of employment before being eligible for promotion to the GW/GS-06 grade level.
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.
Work 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°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.
Additional Information Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
CTAP eligibility will confer selection priority. If you are a CTAP or ICTAP eligible employee, provide proof of eligibility with your application. Reemployment Priority List (RPL) may give additional consideration.
Government facilities are required to provide a smoke‑free environment for employees. Smoking will be permitted only in designated areas.
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.
Evaluation You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Resume Requirements Resumes must not exceed two single‑sided pages. 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. Resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted.
Resumes must list your education and work experience including: dates (mm/yy) of each employment, number of hours worked per week, salary information, and work experience duties under each job entry. Civil Service employees must provide current OPM title, series, and grade.
Required Documents
If you are qualifying with education for the GW‑05 grade level, you must provide copies of all official or unofficial transcripts from an accredited U.S. college/university by the closing date.
If you are applying for GW‑06 or GW‑07, you must provide a copy of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record or equivalent documentation verifying NWCG minimum qualifications for this IFPM position.
Proof of Age: include government‑issued documentation indicating date of birth. If over the MEA and not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted. If over the MEA and a veteran, provide DD‑214 and Standard Form 15.
CTAP or ICTAP eligibility: verify eligibility with agency notice, recent SF‑50 noting current position, grade, and duty location.
Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.
Key Competencies
Leadership
– Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations.
Fire Management
– Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of fire management, including the characteristics, behavior, and ecology of fire; methodologies, strategies, and equipment used in prescribed fires; fire detection, prevention, and suppression strategies; and integration of fire with natural resource management.
Technical Competence
– Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on‑the‑job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
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Serves as a lead wildland firefighter and member of a wildland fire module or crew.
Directs the work of a small crew of firefighters in building firelines, burnout, mopping up, and patrolling firelines.
Performs administrative lead duties such as: timekeeping, travel, government credit card management, maintaining records, etc.
Applies an understanding of firefighter safety, fire behavior, topography of the area, weather, fuels, and training in fire management.
Plans action and directs utilization of fire line resources.
Directs assigned suppression operations and recommends and implements tactical strategies on fires.
Directs the operation and use of special tools and equipment.
Directs and ensures proper equipment and supplies needed for fire assignments.
Manages fuels projects such as: prescribed fire, mechanical and biological treatments, inventorying fuel beds, and piling vegetation debris.
Duties listed are at the GW-07 full performance level.
Conditions of Employment
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Be sure to read the HOW TO APPLY and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Sections.
You cannot hold an active real estate license; nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Land.
Direct Deposit Required.
Background Investigation Required.
Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination. Failure to possess or obtain a favorable determination will result in the cancellation of the offer or will be grounds for termination.
You must meet specified levels on annual physical fitness tests, and pass periodic medical exams for wildland fire personnel, commensurate with current incident management qualification.
You must be 18 years of age or older to be assigned to a hazardous position.
You must pass a pre‑employment physical. You must also pass the work capacity test for arduous positions.
Applicant(s) tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use and to pass the test prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
This position requires regular and recurring overtime and shift work during peak fire season.
May require completion of a one year probationary period.
Position requires a valid state driver's license to operate light vehicles and 4x4 vehicles. May require additional specialized training and certification to operate specialized vehicles and equipment.
Driver's License required - GSA Form 3607 will be required to be completed during onboarding process.
Specialized Experience Requirements In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement(s); please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled.
To qualify for the GW/GS-05 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-04 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: On-the-line wildland fire experience in forest/range fire control, prevention or suppression work as a skilled wildland firefighter and utilizing a variety of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment.
To qualify for the GW/GS-06 grade level, 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-05 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: Experience serving as a senior wildland firefighter on a wildland fire module or crew with on-the-line wildland fire experience in fire control, prevention or suppression work, and utilizing and maintaining a variety of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment.
To qualify for the GW/GS-07 grade level, 1 year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to GW/GS-06 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: Experience serving as a lead wildland firefighter on a wildland fire module or crew with on-the-line wildland fire experience in fire control, prevention or suppression; utilizing and maintaining specialized wildland fire equipment; and assisting with analyzing and predicting fire behavior when responding to wildland fire incidents.
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.
Substitution of Education for Experience GW/GS-05: Successful completion of a 4‑year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, from an accredited college or university, in a major study in Wildland Fire Science, Wildland Fire Training, Wildland Fire Technology or other related fields which included 24 semester hours of coursework such as forestry, range management or conservation, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography). Education and experience may be combined to meet the specialized experience requirement.
GW/GS-06/07: There is no substitution of education for experience at the GW/GS-06 and above grade levels.
Selective Placement Factors 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 factors will be rated not qualified.
✓ Primary Firefighter Position – Maximum Entry Age (MEA) The MEA is the date immediately preceding your 37th birthday. Applicants must not have reached age 37 at the time of appointment, unless proof is provided of prior Federal service in another primary covered position, or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. Applicants must supply a copy of their Defense Department Form 214 (DD‑214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement.
Failure to provide this documentation with your application may result in loss of consideration. Please refer to the Required Documents section for further guidance on what documentation is required to meet this requirement. If over the MEA and you are not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted prior to employment. Acceptable proof consists of SF‑50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments and copies of approved letters based on individual claims.
✓ IFPM – Senior Firefighter (GW/GS-06 and GW/GS-07) This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. It requires selectees to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found here: .
To meet IFPM requirements, you must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required at time of referral, but may be required to obtain and maintain currency if selected):
Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
Intermediate Fire Behavior (S‑290)
If selected at the GW/GS-05, you must meet the IFPM training requirements above (#2) for the GW/GS-06 as a condition of employment before being eligible for promotion to the GW/GS-06 grade level.
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.
Work 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°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.
Additional Information Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
CTAP eligibility will confer selection priority. If you are a CTAP or ICTAP eligible employee, provide proof of eligibility with your application. Reemployment Priority List (RPL) may give additional consideration.
Government facilities are required to provide a smoke‑free environment for employees. Smoking will be permitted only in designated areas.
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.
Evaluation You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Resume Requirements Resumes must not exceed two single‑sided pages. 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. Resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted.
Resumes must list your education and work experience including: dates (mm/yy) of each employment, number of hours worked per week, salary information, and work experience duties under each job entry. Civil Service employees must provide current OPM title, series, and grade.
Required Documents
If you are qualifying with education for the GW‑05 grade level, you must provide copies of all official or unofficial transcripts from an accredited U.S. college/university by the closing date.
If you are applying for GW‑06 or GW‑07, you must provide a copy of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record or equivalent documentation verifying NWCG minimum qualifications for this IFPM position.
Proof of Age: include government‑issued documentation indicating date of birth. If over the MEA and not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted. If over the MEA and a veteran, provide DD‑214 and Standard Form 15.
CTAP or ICTAP eligibility: verify eligibility with agency notice, recent SF‑50 noting current position, grade, and duty location.
Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.
Key Competencies
Leadership
– Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations.
Fire Management
– Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of fire management, including the characteristics, behavior, and ecology of fire; methodologies, strategies, and equipment used in prescribed fires; fire detection, prevention, and suppression strategies; and integration of fire with natural resource management.
Technical Competence
– Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on‑the‑job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
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