All U.S. Citizens - No previous federal service is required / CTAP and ICTAP within the local commuting area / This position is being advertised under an OPM government-wide Direct Hire authority.
Serves as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) conducting general and special use operations.
Operations are conducted under visual and instrument flight rules, including tactical missions over wildland fires, reconnaissance, and transportation of personnel and cargo.
During the fire season the individual may function as a Smokejumper Pilot conducting low-level operations, aerial deployment of personnel and cargo, and providing airspace coordination over wildland fire incidents.
Responsible for the preparation, execution, and administration of assigned flights including performance planning, weight and balance calculations, weather, and completion of required logs and documents.
Serves as a national level technical advisor, course coordinator, and instructor for aviation and fire suppression operations.
This is a testing designated position (TDP) under the Department of the Interior Drug-Free Workplace Program.
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Be sure to read the How to Apply and Required Documents Sections.
You cannot hold an active real estate license: nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
Direct Deposit Required.
Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination.
May require completion of a one year probationary period.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for the position, you must meet minimum qualifications which includes both the minimum eligibility requirements and the specialized experience requirements.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
The minimum eligibility requirements below will be verified during the selection process.
CERTIFICATES AND RATINGS: Must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate OR an FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate OR the military equivalent rating with a rating of: Multi-engine land; and instrument rating.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: For pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations.
GS-9 FLIGHT HOURS: Must possess a Total Flight Time of 1200 hours; Pilot-In-Command of 250 hours; Night Flying of 50 hours; Flying Time Last 12 Months of 100 hours; Instrument of 50 hours; Multi-engine Airplane of 100 hours.
GS-11/12 FLIGHT HOURS: Must possess a Total Flight Time of 1500 hours; Pilot-In-Command of 250 hours; Night Flying of 75 hours; Flying Time Last 12 Months of 100 hours; Instrument of 75 hours; Multi-engine Airplane of 500 hours.
Specialized Experience:
In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the minimum qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. Failure to provide required information on resume could result in ineligibility for consideration.
To qualify for the GS-09 grade level, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: Flying light single or twin-engine airplanes primarily under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions; flying various kinds of survey work, point to point, with minimum degree of hazard; train, under a qualified instructor, to perform in the lead plane mission.
To qualify for the GS-11 grade level, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 is required. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: serving as a pilot and team member during Smokejumper operations; provides airspace coordination and air traffic management over the incident; conducts low-level operations and aerial deployment of personnel and cargo.
To qualify for the GS-12 grade level, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 is required. Examples of work experience include, but are not limited to: serving as a pilot and team member during Smokejumper operations; provides airspace coordination and air traffic management over the incident; conducts low-level operations and aerial deployment of personnel and cargo; functioning as subject matter expert with various contacts on matters such as Smokejumper aircraft standards and procedures, cooperative contract specifications, and interagency operations, staying current with developments applicable to Federal aviation policy.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
If selected at the lower grade, subsequent promotion to the next grade level will be processed without further competition dependent upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties.
Physical Demands:
Frequent flights are made at low-level altitudes in adverse weather conditions (turbulence, high winds, wind shear, heat and smoke). The work requires constant coordination with other aircraft, ground units and dispatch involved in the operation. The pilot is required to maintain a high level of concentration and attention in these conditions for long periods of time. The incumbent must maintain an FAA second class pilot's medical certificate. The job includes travel by aircraft, ground vehicle, and by foot to remote field locations to evaluate operations. May be required to move light to moderate weight loads.
Work Environment:
The risks and discomforts involved are those of air travel compounded by the necessity of flight in smoke, turbulent air, over mountainous terrain, at low airspeeds and altitudes, and in high density air traffic (with and without radar control). A substantial degree of hazard may be encountered due to maneuvering close to mountainous terrain where visibility is restricted, air currents are unstable and flying very precise patterns close to the surface in highly congested terminal and fire areas. Mission flying requires precise timing and execution while other tasks may create constant diversion or division of attention from flying the aircraft and require immediate response on the part of the pilot to avert an incident and take corrective action. Protective equipment required includes the use of fire protective clothing, gloves, hearing protection and boots. Conditions at standby locations may be primitive. Work includes extensive travel with considerable time spent away from home. Duty days are long and limited only by agency safety regulations.
Verify Employment Eligibility (E-Verify):
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP):
CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources website at CTAP or ICTAP. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration or that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) This vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) You are found well qualified for this vacancy. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form.
CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well-qualified if they meet minimum qualifications for this position.
Permanent Change in Station (PCS): Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
Telework: The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis. The selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
Incentives:
Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive or Student Loan Repayment.
Firefighter Special Retirement (Secondary Coverage):
This is a secondary/administrative fire position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). While secondary positions are not subject to the maximum entry age policy, the selectee must have prior service in a primary position and meet the transfer requirement for movement from a primary to secondary position to be eligible for special retirement coverage. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your SF-50). YOU MUST LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN A PRIMARY POSITION.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
RESUMES MUST NOT EXCEED TWO SINGLE SIDED PAGES AND RESUMES LONGER THAN THE TWO PAGES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
You will be evaluated based on how your application materials reflect the minimum qualification requirements of this position. Once the job opportunity announcement closes, your resume and all supporting documents will be reviewed by HR to determine if you are minimally qualified for the position.
Due to this vacancy being filled through OPM's Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to positions filled under this announcement. Applications received as a result of job fairs, recruitment events, and emergency hiring mechanisms in support of this hiring initiative will also be accepted during the duration of the announcement. All minimally qualified candidates will be referred for consideration. Please note that the hiring office may conduct interviews at their discretion. Interviews may be conducted on a pass/fail basis.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE: Knowledge of how to perform one's job. Refers to specialized knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience.
You are welcome to submit an optional cover letter.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
In addition to the online application (i.e. resume and responses to the questionnaire), you are required to submit the following forms:
Resume: At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if Federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year MM/YYYY), hours worked per week, and salary for each position held. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
FAA Certificates and Ratings: Candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate OR an FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate OR appropriate military rating of: Multi-engine land; and instrument rating. Certificates must be submitted with the application.
Medical Requirements: Candidates for pilot positions must possess a current Class I or Class II Medical Certificate in accordance with FAA regulations. Certificates must be submitted with the application.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: Submit documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.
USAJOBs documents: Please note that documents selected for transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added to your application. You need to transfer your document(s) in the "Documents" step during the application process.
Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application. Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
THIS IS AN ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS THROUGH USAJOBS. Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by 12/31/2025.
If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the NIFC-FA Branch of Human Resource office at blm_fa_nifc_vacancies@blm.gov or (208) 387-5523. If applying on-line poses a hardship for you (i.e., you do not have access to the Internet) you must contact us prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying. PLEASE NOTE: If you have access to a public library, State Job Service Office, etc., you should use these resources to apply online.
You must follow the steps described below in order to complete the application process successfully:
1) YOU MUST HAVE OR CREATE A PROFILE IN USAJOBs; your profile must contain a current resume for submission. In order to receive proper consideration, your resume should include the following information:
Current personal contact information.
Work experience (paid or unpaid) including - starting and ending dates (month and year, MM/YYYY - MM/YYYY), employer's name and address, job title (include job series and grade if Federal), duties and accomplishments, supervisor's name and telephone number, indicate if supervisor may be contacted, hours per week, and salary.
Education and job-related training including - school name, type and year of degrees/diploma received, credits earned and majors; title of training course and year of completion.
References - personal and professional- Additional information - skills (languages, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.), certificates or licenses (current only), and/or honors, awards, and special accomplishments (recognition, professional memberships, publications, leadership activities, etc.).
INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING. The USAJOBS Resume Builder was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is an available tool when you login to your USAJOBS account.
2) Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria; the eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility to be considered. You must submit a resume and also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
The eligibility portion of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this announcement. You may choose more than one eligibility. You must provide proof of your eligibility and will only be considered for the questions that you answer "yes".
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibility in this section.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
NIFC, Fire and Aviation
Human Resources (MS-1700)
3833 South Development Avenue
Boise, ID 83705
US
Next steps
FOLLOW UP. Check your application status before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to ensure that a complete application (including a resume, on-line questionnaire, and applicable supplemental documentation) is received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 12/31/2025 of the vacancy announcement.
**NOTE: Technical problems may take at least 1 business day to resolve; therefore, you are highly encouraged to complete the application process prior to the closing date.
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application (i.e. online questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation, etc.) in USAJOBs, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is completed by the Branch of Human Resources, you will be notified via USAJOBs of a status change (i.e. referred, not eligible, not qualified, referred to the hiring official, etc.). Note, you must login to your USAJOBs profile to view details of the status change.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
In addition to the online application (i.e. resume and responses to the questionnaire), you are required to submit the following forms:
Resume: At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if Federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year MM/YYYY), hours worked per week, and salary for each position held. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
FAA Certificates and Ratings: Candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate OR an FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate OR appropriate military rating of: Multi-engine land; and instrument rating. Certificates must be submitted with the application.
Medical Requirements: Candidates for pilot positions must possess a current Class I or Class II Medical Certificate in accordance with FAA regulations. Certificates must be submitted with the application.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: Submit documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.
USAJOBs documents: Please note that documents selected for transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added to your application. You need to transfer your document(s) in the "Documents" step during the application process.
Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application. Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
THIS IS AN ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS THROUGH USAJOBS. Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by 12/31/2025.
If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the NIFC-FA Branch of Human Resource office at blm_fa_nifc_vacancies@blm.gov or (208) 387-5523. If applying on-line poses a hardship for you (i.e., you do not have access to the Internet) you must contact us prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying. PLEASE NOTE: If you have access to a public library, State Job Service Office, etc., you should use these resources to apply online.
You must follow the steps described below in order to complete the application process successfully:
1) YOU MUST HAVE OR CREATE A PROFILE IN USAJOBs; your profile must contain a current resume for submission. In order to receive proper consideration, your resume should include the following information:
Current personal contact information.
Work experience (paid or unpaid) including - starting and ending dates (month and year, MM/YYYY - MM/YYYY), employer's name and address, job title (include job series and grade if Federal), duties and accomplishments, supervisor's name and telephone number, indicate if supervisor may be contacted, hours per week, and salary.
Education and job-related training including - school name, type and year of degrees/diploma received, credits earned and majors; title of training course and year of completion.
References - personal and professional- Additional information - skills (languages, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.), certificates or licenses (current only), and/or honors, awards, and special accomplishments (recognition, professional memberships, publications, leadership activities, etc.).
INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING. The USAJOBS Resume Builder was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is an available tool when you login to your USAJOBS account.
2) Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria; the eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility to be considered. You must submit a resume and also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
The eligibility portion of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this announcement. You may choose more than one eligibility. You must provide proof of your eligibility and will only be considered for the questions that you answer "yes".
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibility in this section.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
NIFC, Fire and Aviation
Human Resources (MS-1700)
3833 South Development Avenue
Boise, ID 83705
US
Next steps
FOLLOW UP. Check your application status before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to ensure that a complete application (including a resume, on-line questionnaire, and applicable supplemental documentation) is received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 12/31/2025 of the vacancy announcement.
**NOTE: Technical problems may take at least 1 business day to resolve; therefore, you are highly encouraged to complete the application process prior to the closing date.
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application (i.e. online questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation, etc.) in USAJOBs, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is completed by the Branch of Human Resources, you will be notified via USAJOBs of a status change (i.e. referred, not eligible, not qualified, referred to the hiring official, etc.). Note, you must login to your USAJOBs profile to view details of the status change.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
