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Permanent Fire Hire
The Pacific Northwest and Alaska Regions have more than 1,500 fire positions spread across the National Forests of Alaska, Oregon and Washington. These positions range from Forest Fire Management Officer to Wildland Firefighter. Watch the Pacific Northwest and Alaska Region Fire Hire Recruitment video to learn more about the different positions.
The Pacific Northwest Region posts all vacancy announcements at USAJOBS. Forest Service units within the Region utilize the Forest Service Outreach Database to outreach specific vacant positions.
Hiring Opportunities
Centralized Fire Hire
- Oregon/Washington Forest Service units hire a majority of their firefighting, aviation and fuels management vacancies during one centralized event annually. GS-3 through GS-9 positions include Engines, Hotshot, Initial Attack Handcrews, Airtanker Base, Helitack, Fuels and Dispatcher. Learn more.
Single Vacancy Fire and Aviation Management Positions
- This includes positions generally at the target Grade Level of GS-9 and above. Positions include: Forest Fire Management Officer, District Fire Management Officer, Fuels Specialist, IHC Superintendent, Unit Aviation Officer, Dispatch and Fuels positions. Additional target grade GS-7 and GS-8 positions are filled outside of centralized hiring. Check the Forest Service Outreach Database for current and upcoming vacancies and vacancy announcements at USAJOBS.
Wildland Fire Apprenticeship Program
- If you have little to no experience or do not meet qualifications requirements for firefighting positions. Learn more.
Pacific Northwest Hiring Timeline
| Hiring | Positions2 | Announcement Open Period1 | Announcement Close Period1 | Application Review and Selection of Applicants for Vacant Positions Starts1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1/Centralized Hiring 3 | Target Grade GS-9 and Below Vacant Positions | Aug. 31, 2023 | Sept. 29, 2023 | Oct. 23, 2023 |
| Phase 2 | Target Grade GS-10 and Above | Dec. 5, 2023 | Dec. 14, 2023 | Jan. 15, 2024 |
| Phase 3 | Vacant Positions Target Grade GS-3 and Above | Feb. 7, 2024 | Feb. 16, 2024 | March 20, 2024 |
| Phase 4 | Vacant Positions Target Grade GS-7 and Above | May 7, 2024 | May 16, 2024 | June 14, 2024 |
1 Dates are subject to change; please review the job announcement in USAJOBS for Open / Close Period.
2 Please review Outreach Notices posted in Forest Service Outreach Database; Single Vacancy Positions at a lower grade may be filled outside of the centralized hiring event as need arises during Phase's 1-4.
3 Centralized Hiring Event includes backfilling of currently encumbered positions. Please refer to the Centralized Fire Hire link for more information on specific vacancy announcements filled during this event.
General Information Specific to all Job Announcements
Direct Hire Authority
- All vacant announcements will be utilizing the Direct Hire Authority (DHA) during the recruit and fill period. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, including selective placement factor(s), if applicable, will be referred to the selecting official. Before a certificate is issued to the selecting official, the resume is reviewed to ensure that you meet all the qualification requirements. A rating will not be used; veteran's preference does not apply due to the existence of the Direct Hire authority for this position.
- All announcements are open to the public. Many positions, however, have selective placement factors you must meet to be eligible.
Selective Placement Factors
- Many fire positions have Selective Placement Factors which you must hold (or have held) to be eligible to apply. Selective Placement Factors are tied to specific fireline qualifications. Please read each announcement carefully to understand what documents you must attached in order evaluate your qualifications and meet the selective placement factors for the position you are applying for.
Tips for Applying:
If you are new to applying to a federal job or looking to refresh your knowledge, please review the information below on applying for a position and suggestions for resumes and documents to include.
- Visit the How-to Apply webpage for information on how to set up a profile in USAJOBS, helpful application tips and upcoming webinars.
- Visit the Recruitment Events webpage for upcoming informational webinars and other recruitment events.