Content

• Steps
• Tips

Tired of working in an office from 9 to 5? Want to get paid by working outdoors and exercising for at least an hour every day? Once you get a job as a forest firefighter at the federal level, you will have many opportunities: study, travel and earn decent money while fighting forest fires during a state of emergency.

This article discusses the requirements for becoming a forest firefighter and provides information on how to apply.

Steps

1. 1 Meet the basic requirements. To work as a firefighter for federal agencies or bureaus, you must be a US citizen and at least 18 years of age.
2. 2 Be in great physical shape. Every forest firefighter must meet certain physical requirements when applying for a job and at the beginning of each season. Your physical fitness will be tested by a work ability test (WCT). Every agency or bureau requires you to pass this test before hiring you as a forest firefighter:
   • The main component of the WCT is known as the “endurance test”. Every firefighter must undergo a "tough" endurance test. This test consists in walking five kilometers with 20 kg of equipment. You must complete the test within 45 minutes or less. Jogging and regular running are prohibited. Additional physical requirements may be added, depending on which team you are planning to join. There may be additional physical requirements, depending on the type of crew you will be joining.
   • The test is done when you first join the service. If you do not immediately cope with the requirements of the test, you will have two weeks to retake it, but if you fail again, you risk losing your job.
   • If you are not fit right now, start exercising. Running (especially with heavy loads up and down) and hiking are great ways to build endurance. For most agencies, the fire season starts around May, so if you want to get fit, start preparing ahead of time.
3. 3 Consult your doctor. USFS recommends that you consult with your physician before exercising or increasing the level of exercise. This is important if you are over 40, you are inactive, if you have previously had heart problems or chest pains, problems with joints or bones, which can only be aggravated by increased physical activity.
4. 4 Build up your outdoor skills. It will be very useful for you in the future if you are familiar with the following skills:
   • Setting up the tent
   • Chainsaw operation
   • Reading a topographic map
   • Using the compass
   • Tying knots
   • Knife sharpening
   • Tire replacement
   • Driving a truck with a manual transmission
   • A willingness to learn if you don’t know how to do something.
5. 5 Increase your chances of taking courses. If you have no prior experience in forest firefighting, take basic courses in your area. Taking these courses will increase your chances of getting a job. Basic courses for firefighters: Firefighter Training (S-130) and Basic Behavior in Forest Fire (S-190). Better yet, consider pursuing a fire education education. Check with your State Forestry Agency or your community college to see what they have to offer.
6. 6 Develop good team spirit. You will have to get along with those who are on the same team with you - your life and the lives of other people will depend on the coordination of actions. The job will require you to collaborate with many people, sometimes in pairs, sometimes in teams of more than 20 people. Your ability to maintain good communication and get along with your team members, leaders and others in a bushfire organization is vital.
7. 7 Make acquaintances. You will go much further in your quest to get a job if you call and cross in offices with firefighters. Go to a regional forestry office, whether it's a National Park office, the US Forest Service, or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Explain to the person at the front desk that you want to become a forest firefighter and ask:
   • Are there any vacancies available for the position of a forest firefighter;
   • Can you talk to someone who would help in this matter;
   • Ask questions like: "Where is the recruitment?" and "What position can I apply for with my experience?" and "Can someone help me fill out the application correctly?"
8. 8 Be persistent! If you find a suitable place to work, go there. Meet your boss and other employees, ask about their careers, how you can achieve the same, and ask what it really means to be a forest firefighter. Once you have your own idea of ​​this job, it will be easier for you to understand if the job is right for you.
9. 9 Submit your application. After you have made the necessary contacts and tightened your physical shape, it is time to apply. Below are the main ways to apply (links will be posted in the "Sources and Links" section):
   • Working for the US Forest Service - via Avue Digital Services;
   • BLM, BIA or National Park Service (all part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs) - apply through vacancies in the United States;
   • Integrated Recruiting Systems for Employment of Firefighters (FIRES). By submitting one application, during the employment process, you can choose up to seven different places in the departments of internal affairs.
   • Look for a job on these suggested pages. Enter in the search field: "Firefighter", "Forestry", or "Forestry Technician" and you will start to see vacancies on your screen.
   • Fill out the application form. Please note that filling out applications on such sites can be a little difficult due to the way they are created and phrased. If you have any doubts or difficulties in completing applications, ask the person providing advice at the regional federal office for help.
10. 10 If you are in luck, keep exercising (as described above) before starting your duties. Also, find out if there is special training available before starting work. Here are some other things to think about:
    • Spread the boots. You will be provided with most of the essentials (helmet, leather gloves, fire-resistant clothing, backpack, tent, etc.), but you must buy yourself boots. The US Fish and Wildlife Service recommends that you carry them apart before commencing service!
    • Find out information about accommodation options. Before you go on duty, find out if housing is available, rental property available nearby, etc.
    • Make sure your will and power of attorney are still up to date.

Tips

• Browse websites and research forest fires to get as much information as possible about what this job is and what it entails.
• You will most likely be hired as a temporary employee early on. But, as soon as you get comfortable, you can think about constant cooperation.
• In this job, you have to walk a lot. For most forest fires, this is how you have to get there. Sometimes you will have to walk up to 11 km to get to the place of the fire, to which there is no way to approach, but most often you will need to walk from 3 to 5 km during a fire patrol. To fit physically for the job, the best thing to do is go camping. Take a light backpack with you to start and gradually increase the load; carrying loads - develops endurance well.
• There is also work in government agencies in forest firefighting - search for work in your own area using the Internet.
• Chainsaw skill is very important, this experience will come in handy.
• Have the right approach and a willingness to work hard.