Due to the extreme physical demands of the job, all jumpers must be in excellent physical condition.  It is not uncommon to construct fireline for 14-16 hours per day on a regular basis.

Vision:  Distant vision of greater than 20/100 Snellen in one eye and 20/200 in the other eye is not allowed.  Corrected vision greater than 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other is permissible with the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses.  Candidates must be able to read typewritten size characters and be able to pass the Eldridge Green lantern test or equivalent for color vision.

Hearing:  Using audiometer should be no loss of decibels in each ear at speech rate.

Size: Candidates must be a minimum of 5’ tall and maximum of 6’5” tall.  No less that 120 pounds and no greater that 200 pounds.

Age:  Minimum 18 years of age.

Experience: Candidates must have 2 seasons of forestry experience, one being a main fire position.  Fire experience is defined as a member of an organized fire suppression crew working in mountainous terrain.  This experience must  include training in fire suppression methods, techniques, and safety.   Hotshot crew experience is optimal.

Important:  Rookies candidates are expected to have basic firefighting skills and a working knowledge of fireline tactics before they are hired.   Previous parachute training is neither required nor advantageous.

There are a large number of applications received every year.  They are rated based on work experience and education.  Selections are made from these ratings, recommendations, and qualifications.  Selected rookie candidates usually receive notification in February.  The number of openings changes every year.  With notification, candidates receive a medical form that must be completed by a licensed physician.  The results must be satisfactory and the cost is covered by the hiring agency.  It is essential that all rookie candidates report for training in excellent physical condition.  The training period is far too long to wait for notification of selection Candidates should train through regular strenuous exercise including uphill running, calisthenics, aerobic conditioning, weight training, practice pack –outs and regular self testing of the minimum PT requirements.

How Do I Apply?

Temporary positions for the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests, as well as many other National Forests, are listed on the Office Of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS (www.usajobs.opm.gov) web site.

Opportunities to apply for permanent positions within the two forests are extremely limited. Those positions that do become available are listed with the OPM, on their USAJOBS web site.

FIRE Positions in wildland fire require you to take and pass a "work capacity test" at the arduous level.