Firefighting for the Bureau of Reclamation involves structural fire response, emergency medical care, and HAZMAT response. This position is for a structural firefighter who will operate complex fire apparatus and participate in ongoing training.
Responsibilities
Operate and drive complex structural fire apparatus (pumpers, aerial trucks) to emergency scenes
Perform structural firefighting, rescue, and HAZMAT response in hazardous environments
Provide EMT-B level emergency medical care, assessment, and victim extrication
Maintain fire apparatus, equipment, tools, and ensure station operational readiness
Participate in ongoing fire, rescue, HAZMAT, and EMT training and assist in training other firefighters
Requirements
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Direct Deposit participation required
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check
Valid driver's license required upon onboarding to operate a government motor vehicle
Submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment; subject to random testing for illegal drug use
Wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards
Pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Fire Program Management (FPM) positions
Prior to appointment, be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and pass a medical examination
Must be at least 18 years of age
Less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary firefighting or law enforcement position, OR a veteran preference eligible older than age 37 requesting a waiver, OR under age 37
Serve a 1-year probationary period
Successfully completed the IFSAC or Pro Board certification requirements of:
GS-5: Firefighter 1/2 HAZMAT Awareness/Operations. (Within one year: Wildland Firefighter Type 2)
GS-6: Firefighter1/2 HAZMAT Awareness/Operations, Wildland Firefighter Type 2, Driver Operator Pumper. (Within one year: Rope Rescue (Low/high Angle))
GS-7: Firefighter 1/2 HAZMAT Awareness/Operations, Wildland Firefighter Type 2. Driver Operator Pumper, Washington State or National EMT/B. (Within one year: Rope Rescue (Confined Space), Fire Office 1, Fire Instructor 1, Fire Inspector 1, HAZMAT IC.)
Provide copies of IFSAC/Proboard certifications
For GS-05: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04 in structural firefighting and rescue operations, emergency medical response (CPR, bleeding control, patient care), HAZMAT Awareness/Operations response, and experience using the Incident Command System at the scene of an emergency; OR successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, or other related fields of study; OR equivalent combinations of education and experience
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For GS-06: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 in operating and driving complex structural fire apparatus during emergency response, performing structural firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical tasks, conducting HAZMAT response actions, containment, and incident documentation, and maintaining firefighting equipment, apparatus, and station readiness
For GS-07: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-06 in operating and driving complex structural fire apparatus in emergency situations, performing structural firefighting, rescue, and HAZMAT response tasks, providing EMT-B level emergency medical assessment, treatment, and victim extrication, and maintaining fire apparatus, equipment, and station readiness for all-hazard response
Submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience
For foreign education, show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs
Benefits
Uniform allowance will be provided
Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee
Important Details
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Occasional overnight travel required
Appointment type: Permanent
Promotion potential: 7
Application deadline: 29 October 2026, 11:59 PM (ET)
Application Process
Click the Apply Online button
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date
If required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application via email and on the application submission screen; complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if received after the close of the announcement
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link and USAJOBS login credentials
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments
To update your application, including supporting documentation, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application during the announcement open period
To view the announcement status or your application status, visit the USAJOBS Help Center
Work Capacity Test for Firefighters
This position participates in firefighting activities. Taking and passing the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
The Arduous fitness (Pack) test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack.
You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The work involves extended periods of heavy moving and lifting.
Generally, the work requires recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, and positioning of patients, victims, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, and other equipment.
Must wear protective clothing and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds, while working in extreme heat and cold under adverse conditions, such as fire and smoke.
Must maintain alertness, self-control, and emotional stability to work in conditions of stress, confusion, panic, and physical injury and even death that frequently occurs at major disasters.
Climbs ladders and works at various heights.
Must pass the firefighter physical examination and successfully participate in the ongoing Firefighter Physical Fitness Program.
The incumbent is exposed to fires, emergency medical scenes, and other dangerous situations, including exposure to possible burns and other effects of smoke inhalation, heat, falling materials, explosions, toxic materials, infections, contagious diseases, and other dangerous substances.
Subject to injury while dealing with frightened fire/medical victims.
Hazards may exist while operating or riding fire or medical vehicles under adverse conditions.
About the Company
The Bureau of Reclamation is part of the Department of Interior (Interior Region 9-Grand Coulee Power Office).
Established in 1902, the Bureau of Reclamation is best known for the dams, powerplants and canals it constructed in the 17 western states.
