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Volunteering USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568
Fire Management - Fire Jobs
As the name implies, Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management is a wide field, encompassing firefighters, fire ecologists, fuels specialists, fire managers, administrative personnel, helicopter and fixed wing pilots, aviation and ground safety professionals, radio communications and electronic technicians, dispatchers, fire prevention specialists, and communicators. Generally, the Forest Service workforce reaches its highest numbers during the peak fire season each summer. There are many kinds of schedules available to work. Some sign on for a limited number of hours during the summer - they are called seasonals. Others have permanent seasonal positions, and work 26 weeks with 26 weeks off. Others work full time, year around, but have limited appointments or a "not to exceed" time limit of one to four years. And there is a large permanent, full time workforce as well - that have chosen Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management for their career.
Individuals who want to be seasonal firefighters need to think about wildland fire in January. That's when most applications are due. Anyone interested in a job (permanent or temporary) with the Forest Service, or other federal agencies, can check the Office of Personnel Management listing, USDA Forest Service Temporary Employment (List of announcements and other helpful information) or FS Jobs web sites to see what vacancies are open.
Some of the advantages applicants have when applying online are:
- Their application is made available for consideration immediately.
- Receive e-mail notification on the status of their application.
- Receive e-mail notification prior to their work registration update expiring.
- An e-mail account can be established when creating your profile.
- Ability to make changes to their personal information.
- Personal information can be applied automatically to each announcement.
- Electronic documents can be attached, i.e. transcripts, DD 214, etc.
If you do not have access to the Internet, you may contact our office toll free at 1-877-813-3476, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Mountain Standard Time, or write to the above address to request a hard copy application. Please review the list of recruitment notices prior to calling as there are several to choose.
Seasonal jobs in firefighting include working on a local unit handcrew, on a helitack/helirappeling crew, a Hot Shot Crew, as a smokejumper, or on an engine crew. Remember, these are tough jobs usually performed in primitive, backcountry conditions. In addition to specific requirements for each kind of job, it is essential that firefighter be in top physical condition for this demanding work. Employees and prospective employees must pass the Work Capacity Test annually before working on the fireline. The Forest Service will provide you Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) clothing, hardhat and fire shelter, but you must provide your own lug soled, leather eight-inch topped boots. The Forest Service also provides training in many specialty fields.
Author: Fire Staff
Last Updated:
May 4, 2007
