Between $58k and $81k Per Year Position range in Southwestern Region $34k - $50k Per Year Lead Wildland Firefighter (Helitack) Forest Service

Occupation:

Firefighters

Location:

Hurley, NM - 88043

Job Type:

Regular, Full Time (30 Hours or More)

Posted:

08/24/2026 Positions available: 1

Source:

USAJobs.

OPM.GOV

Web Site:

www.usajobs.gov

Expires:

09/22/2026 Job #: jo_2013742550 Job Requirements and Properties Help for Job Requirements and Properties. Opens a new window. Work Onsite Full Time Schedule Full Time Job Type Regular Job Description Help for Job Description. Opens a new window. Duties

• Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-07 level.
• Lead a highly mobile aerial delivered firefighting squad that utilizes agency contracted helicopters to rapidly attack wildfires in varied terrain and fuels.
• Direct helicopter operations including; water drops, crew shuttle and other support missions.
• Independently instruct formal/informal training to squad members/other personnel in specific tasks and techniques associated with helicopter and fire suppression operations.
• Responsible for proper site selection/construction of remote helicopter landing areas that meet agency safety specifications and guidelines, assigns work accordingly to squad members to accomplish that task. Additional Information Help for Additional Information. Opens a new window. Requirements 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.

In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications 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. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

Specialized Experience Requirement:

For the GW-06 level: 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,... Visit the Employer site for more details