Between $53k and $75k Per Year Position range in Eastern Region $35k - $50k Per Year Lead Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot/Handcrew) Forest Service

Occupation:

Firefighters

Location:

Sacramento, NM - 88347

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_2013739604 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-06 level.
• Serve as a lead wildland firefighter on a handcrew on a prescribed/suppression fire crew. Performs prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop up. Constructs handlines in various vegetative types.
• Make initial evaluation of fire situations, determine rate of spread, potential hazards to property and other improvements, suppression method to use, hose lays, deployment of crew, point of initial attack, and application of water.
• Provide daily leadership and training for the crewmembers. Serves as a working leader over 3 or more crewmembers, at least one of which is a GS-05. May also lead additional technicians and detailers.
• Use a variety of specialized tools, equipment and techniques to actively suppress fires and firing equipment. Perform the duties of a fully qualified chainsaw operator. Perform chainsaw maintenance and makes minor repairs.
• Provide training in wildland fire and safety techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression. 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-5 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-4 grade level OR; a bachelor's degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school (120 semester/180 quarter hours) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources, outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science (no more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable); OR an appropriate combination of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester/90 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.

Examples of specialized experience include:

Served as a skilled wildland firefighter on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress a full range of fires and/or independently, or with one or two other crew members, carried out specialized assignments su... Visit the Employer site for more details