Wildland Firefighter

Wildland Firefighting Positions

This is a Public Notice for positions being filled under the Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for Wildland Fire. Applications will be accepted for each location identified in this Public Notice. Veterans' Preference is not applicable to this announcement. To learn more about Direct-Hire Authority, go to OPM.GOV Hiring Information - DHA.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is looking for temporary employees to work on a variety of wildland firefighting crews in Belcourt, ND (Turtle Mountain Agency). Work may include working as a crew member on any of the following crew types : Engine, Fuels, Wildland Fire Module.

A Wildland Firefighter (GW-03) is an entry level member on a wildland fire crew. Performs assignments such as developing a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices, and terminology; may assist in more specialized assignments such as backfire and burnout, mobile and stationary engine attack.

A Wildland Firefighter (GW-04) is a trained wildland firefighter. May be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire, and burnout operations; utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment and techniques while actively managing wildland fires. May be required to operate light vehicles and 4X4s.

Government housing is unavailable for the location advertised on this announcement. For contact information, visit Fire Contacts on the DOI FIRES website. To view a list of contacts by agency, select North Dakota. For more information about temporary fire positions with DOI, go to the following link.

Conditions of Employment :

• SELECTIVE SERVICE : Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS : Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and / or fingerprint check.
• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / TESTING : You must pass an initial pre-employment physical examination and must be able to pass the work capacity fitness test (must carry a 45 lb pack for 3 miles within 45 minutes). Failure to meet any of the required medical qualifications will disqualify you for employment. Any condition, which would cause you to be a hazard to yourself or to others, will disqualify you for employment.
• DRUG TESTING : Positions require a mandatory pre-employment drug test. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received. The drug test will be provided at Government direction and expense. Once hired, employees are also subject to random drug testing during employment.

Qualifications :

To qualify for a GW-03 you must meet at least one of the following :

To qualify for a GW-04 you must meet at least one of the following :

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

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 degrees 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. Employee must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor bivouac and eating situations under an unpredictable set of circumstances. Firefighters may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (e.g., boots, hard hat, gloves, flame resistant clothing). Work may require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft.

Proof of Education : To qualify based on education, you MUST submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work. Foreign Education : If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you MUST show that your 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.

Indian Preference Policy : Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472). Verification form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) / Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) : CTAP / ICTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. For more information about CTAP / ICTAP eligibility, click here.

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