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FS
Forest Service
Lead Wildland Firefighter (IHC Squad Leader)
Career Insights for Firefighter
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Scorecard
Based on New Mexico data
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What they do
A Firefighter responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls. Puts out fires and rescues people from buildings. Responds to medical emergencies and assists with search and rescue efforts and industrial or hazardous waste accidents. Provides fire prevention programs or inspections in the community. May be specially trained to fight forest fires.
$57,810 / year median in New Mexico
+8% projected growth
Job Description
Between $58k and
$81k
Per Year
Position range in Santa Fe MSA $31k - $45k Per Year Lead Wildland Firefighter (IHC Squad Leader)
Forest Service
OPM.GOV
Occupation:
FirefightersLocation:
Santa Fe, NM - 87501Job Type:
Regular, Full Time (30 Hours or More)Posted:
08/24/2026 Positions available: 1Source:
USAJobs.OPM.GOV
Web Site:
www.usajobs.govExpires:
09/22/2026 Job #: jo_2013742473 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.
- Serve as a highly trained and skilled fire suppression team leader on an Interagency Hotshot crew of firefighters in wildland fire suppression situations.
- Prepares the crew to perform a wide variety of interrelated tasks, applying specific rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent, assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, difficulty of assignments, and the capability of employees.
- Articulates and communicates to the team the assignment, project, problems to be solved, actionable events, and deadlines and timeframes for completion.
- Presents formal and informal training programs in such areas as initial refresher courses, fire weather, fire behavior, line construction, safety and first aid, air operations, water handling and and hose lays, hand tool, and other related courses. 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.