Employment

What We’re Looking For

Smokejumpers come from all over the country and from many different backgrounds. Several common characteristics of successful smokejumpers include a high level of motivation, a ood work ethic, excellent physical fitness, a passion to protect and restore public lands, and a willingness to challenge themselves and others.

MINIMUM work experience must include:

1. Qualifying experience for the GS-5 level includes on year of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-4 which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

2. A total of 12 months general experience (90 days of fire suppression can count towards this year). General experience includes work that provides the candidate skills in the use of hand tools, leadership, safe working procedures, and basic first aid. You may also qualify with a bachelor’s degree or other educational experience related to the field.

Age: Min. 18 years old

Height: Min. 5’, Max. 6’5”

Weight: Min. 120 lbs. Max. 210 lbs.

Min. Fitness: 7 pull-ups, 45 sit-ups, 1.5 mile run in 11 minutes

Remember, these requirements are minimums.

Most successful applicants will exceed these minimums in both work experience and physical fitness. Rookie smokejumpers must also pass a 110 lb. pack test on flat terrain in 90 minutes, and many other physical and mental challenges.

The five week rookie training program is demanding and poorly prepared candidates will not complete it. If you’re interested in smokejumping, you should begin a comprehensive physical training program immediately. The better condition you’re in, the better you’ll do in rookie training.