2009 Fire Season Employment Opportunities, Needles Field Office, Bureau of Land Management

A seagull flies over the California Coastal National Monument which stretches along the entire coast of California and extends 12 miles into the Pacific Ocean. The Monument includes 20,000 rocks, islands, pinnacles and reefs.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

California



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Needles Field Office

2009 Fire Season Employment Opportunities

The Valley View Fire burns stands of Joshua Trees

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is looking to fill numerous wildland firefighter positions for the upcoming 2009 fire season across the majority of the Western United States. In California, The Needles Field Office of the BLM is searching for highly motivated, ambitious, creative, and physically fit individuals to play a big part in our fire management program for the rapidly approaching fire season.

The California BLM administers about 15 million acres of public lands, nearly 15% of the state's land area. Within the State of California, the Needles Field Office oversees 3.3 million acres of public lands that stretch between Hwy 64 in the south to the Nevada border, and the Arizona border in the east to Ludlow California in the west.

The Needles BLM works closely with other land management agencies including The National Park Service. The Bureau of Land Management might best be described as a small agency with a big mission: To sustain the health, productivity, and diversity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Our fire management program is characterized by a small, close knit team with significant wildfire, emergency response, and natural resource management

responsibilities. Our program consists of two type 3 heavy fire engines based at Hole in The Wall Fire Center. Located in the heart of the Mojave National Preserve, the fire center is a modern well equipped facility. Although, we are a small entity by ourselves, we are much bigger organization due to our interagency coordination with the Mojave National Preserve. This relationship allows for assisted fire responses, crew involvement, fire classes, and training assignments just to name a few.

The majority of our local wildland fires are started by lightning and initial attack can be heavy at times depending on the fire season. Due to our proximity to I-15, I-40 and rail corridors, we also respond to numerous vehicle fires, traffic accidents, and other emergency situations.

In addition, our crews will typically travel throughout California and the Western U.S. to assist in wildfire efforts throughout the summer months. These assignments can last up to 14 days in some cases.

Hole in the Wall Fire Center with crews and equipment on display

Our seasonal employees typically begin work around mid May and continue work throughout the summer, with layoffs typically occurring in early October depending on the fire season and budget availability.

Government barracks are available at Hole in The Wall Fire Center. Individual rooms with furniture are available for a nominal monthly government rental rate.

Pay level is determined through an Individual’s job experience level and education ($11.50/hr. starting). Overtime and Hazard pay will typically increase pay during the summer months depending on the fire season.

Application Process

The 2009 vacancy announcement for our seasonal fire positions opens on December 1, 2008 and closes on April 30th, 2009( December 30, 2008 for early consideration).

Search DOIFIRE- 2009-006 at www.firejobs.doi.gov for GS-2, 3, 4, and 5 positions. GS level is determined by previous wildland experience, education, former employment, etc. The announcement is posted on USA Jobs (The web listing for all federal jobs) and can be accessed through: www.firejobs.doi.gov.

To be considered for jobs with the Needles Field Office please contact 760-928-2573 or
760-326-7055 during the application process . Applicants must apply on-line via the USA Jobs system to be considered for any wildland fire. positions.

Please call us at the fire station if you need any help with the application process or if you have any additional questions about our program.