Firefighting Jobs Available in Montana’s National Forests
Kalispell, MT April 27, 2020 – The U.S. Forest Service is recruiting 1,000 fire jobs nationwide, including 500 permanent and 500 temporary jobs.
Flathead National Forest plans to fill approximately seven of those positions locally. Across the USFS Northern Region which includes Montana, North Idaho, and parts of the Dakotas, 60 permanent and 60 temporary jobs are announced for other neighboring national forests.
Temporary positions typically require very little or no firefighting experience and are a great way to start a firefighting career, with multiple opportunities for advancement. People in temporary positions can expect to learn things like how to operate a chainsaw and pumps, work with aviation, and fire engine operations.
Permanent positions like the engine operator and senior firefighter positions currently advertised at Flathead National Forest typically require some wildland fire fighting experience and qualifications.
The positions are expected to start mid-summer and vary from four to six-month temporary seasons to 10 month-per-year permanent appointments.
Firefighters are required to meet physical fitness requirements and should appreciate working outdoors in sometimes harsh conditions. Fire crews can work long hours and be away from home for extended time-periods on regional or national firefighting assignments.
“I am very pleased to be offering these positions,” said Flathead National Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele. “They are important jobs for our local economy. The individuals hired will join our team at Flathead National Forest and help contribute to our overall fire response not only here in the valley, but nationally as well.”
People can apply for the open positions on USAJobs. The specific vacancy announcements by job category across the region are listed below. Please refer to the person listed in the job announcement or call the specific district office you are interested in for questions about the openings.
Title | USAJOBS link |
Forestry Aid/Forestry Technician (Fire Suppression) | |
Forestry Aid/Forestry Technician (Fire Suppression) | |
Forestry Technician / Engine Senior Firefighter | |
Forestry Technician / Engine Senior Firefighter | |
Forestry Technician (Hotshot/Handcrew) | |
Forestry Technician (Hotshot/Handcrew) | |
Lead Forestry Technician (AFEO) | |
Lead Forestry Technician (AFEO) | |
Lead Forestry Technician (Hotshot/Handcrew) | |
Lead Forestry Technician (Hotshot/Handcrew) | |
Forestry Technician (FEO) | |
Forestry Technician (FEO) | |
Forestry Technician (Handcrew) | |
Forestry Technician (Handcrew) | |
Supervisory Forestry Tech (Fire Engine Op) / SFEO | |
Supervisory Forestry Tech (Fire Engine Op) / SFEO | |
Supervisory Forestry Tech (Handcrew Supervisor) HIGH | |
Supervisory Forestry Tech (Handcrew Supervisor) HIGH |
Flathead National Forest Open Fire Positions
Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District:
· Assistant Fire Engine Operator 13/13 (GS-0462-5/6)
· Senior Firefighter 13/13 (GS-0462-4/5)
Swan Lake Ranger District:
· Fire Engine Operator 13/13 (GS-0462-5/6)
· Senior Firefighter 13/13 (GS-0462-4/5)
Spotted Bear Ranger District:
· Forestry Technician (hand crew) 18/8 (GS-0462-6/7)
Tally Lake Ranger District:
· Assistant Fire Engine Operator 13/13 (GS-0462-5/6)