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Fire Hire
We're Hiring!
Are you looking for job that is anything but ordinary?
The USDA Forest Service, Southwestern Region is hiring permanent fire and aviation management positions. Take your career to new heights and help protect our nation's resources for generations to come!
The Southwestern Region employs firefighter and support personnel for ground and air-based wildland fire suppression and fuels management. This includes dispatchers and warehouse crews who assist frontliners with vital logistical and strategic services. Help protect 11 National Forest and National Grasslands in Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Please review information on this page and learn how you can prepare for the next Fire Hire event.
Phase 4 Fire Hire Timeline (2024)
This timeline is for the Permanent Non-Centralized, GS07 & Above (All WG) fire hire event.
Applications open May 7, 2024 and close May 20, 2024.
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Review the packet and recorded webinars
Recorded webinars for jobseekers include Tips for Job Seekers, Hiring Eligibility and Qualifications, How to Write a Federal Resume, and Navigating USAJOBS.gov.
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Apply
May 7, 2024 – May 20, 2024
- Review the complete list below and apply through USAJOBS.gov.
- The application deadline is May 20, 2024 (11:59 p.m. ET).
- Applications must be submitted through USAJOBS.gov.
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Recommendations and Selections
June 6, 2024 - July 2, 2024- Forests receive applicant names, evaluate applications, obtain references, conduct interviews were determined necessary, and make selections.
- Forest representatives may contact candidates and then make recommendations for hiring.
- It is highly encouraged to be available via phone and email during this time.
- If you were not selected, check your USAJOBS account for status updates.
- Earliest start date: September 22, 2024
Permanent Fire Hire Jobs
Applications are currently closed.
Southwestern Region Temporary Jobs - Including Fire Jobs
For more information, visit Southwestern Region Job Openings.
Past Phases
Phases 1-3 have passed. Select a phase to review relevant dates.
Permanent Hiring
Centralized, GS09 & Below/WFAP (All WF)
Application Period: 8/31/2023-9/29/2023
Reference and Evaluation: 10/23/2023-12/15/2023
Recommendations and Selections: 10/30/2023-12/15/2023
Earliest Start Date: 3/10/2024
Permanent Hiring
Non-Centralized, GS-10 & Above/GS-401s (all WG)
Application Period: 12/05/2023-12/14/2023
Recommendations and Selections: 1/17/2024-1/31/2024
Earliest Start Date: 4/21/2024
Permanent Hiring
Non-Centralized, GS03 & Above (All WG)
Application Period: 02/07/2024-02/16/2024
Recommendations and Selections: 03/22/2024-04/05/2024
Earliest Start Date: 06/30/2024
More Resources
- Start your profile on USAJOBS.gov.
- Check the dates.
- Vacancy announcements have specific opening and closing dates.
- Pay attention to details.
- Review the vacancy announcement carefully.
- Review how to apply for a Forest Service Job for helpful tips.
- Join a webinar about how to apply for a federal job or search recruitment events.
- Questions? Email Tobe Haught for more information or call (505) 842-3206.
Join the and be notified of jobseeker database Forest Service jobs and hiring events.
- Take the required basic fire courses at the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) website.
- L180, S110, S130, S190
- Review the videos, The Heart of a Firefighter and It's Not Just Fire, about wildland firefighting.
- Learn more about jobs in the Southwestern Region (R3) of the Forest Service.
Additional Firefighter Programs
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Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program
This career entry firefighter program provides education, training and paid work experience over a 12 to 48-month period, depending on experience. When all requirements of the Apprenticeship Program are successfully completed, the apprentice reaches journey-level status as a wildland firefighter.
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Women in Wildfire Camp
The USDA Forest Service, Southwestern Region, offers Women in Wildfire Camps for career-focused women or other individuals to become temporary, seasonal employees, and on-call wildland firefighters.
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Pathways Program
The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with an advanced degree. There are three different paths available.
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USDA 1890 National Scholars Program
USDA 1890 National Scholars Program scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Each award provides full tuition, as well as room and board, for the term of the scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor's degree.