Fire Hire
A highly skilled, hardworking cast of thousands is needed to battle wildland fires. The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region Fire and Aviation Management program requires talented people working safely together to be successful. Wildland firefighters work in a variety of specialized positions, including air attack, fire engine crews, fuels management, hand crews, helirappel, helitack, interagency hotshot crews, patrol and prevention technicians, and smokejumping. These crews often travel throughout California and other regions of the country.
The National Wildland
Firefighter Apprenticeship Program » An accredited, educational
program designed to enhance and develop future Fire and Aviation Managers.
This program operates under an agreement with the Department of Labor, USDA
Forest Service, USDI Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service
and is hosted by the Pacific Southwest Region. The intent of the program is
to assist individuals who want a career in Fire Management within the federal
fire agencies.
Training » Includes links to National and Regional Fire and Aviation Training Sites.
California Colleges Offering Fire Technology Programs »
Scholarship Information
CNH Scholarship » In an effort to promote professional wildland fire management, protect lives and property, and enhance natural resource values in California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Basin the California/Nevada/Hawaii Forest Fire Council offers two $500 dollar scholarships to students attending schools with accreditated Fire Technology Programs.
USDA National Scholars Program » Each year USDA provides a number of full 4-year scholarships to students who will attend one of the Historically Black 1890 Institutions. Candidates must major in agriculture-related fields, including biological sciences and forestry, and must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. Applicants for these scholarships must be high school seniors with an SAT score of at least 1000, or a score of 21 or higher on the American College Testing examination. The application deadline is January 15 each year. Contact the USDA Liaison Officer from one of the 1890 Institutions or the Program Manager at (301)504- 2223. You may also write to the following address:
USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service
Attn: USDA/1890 National Scholars Program Manager
STOP 5474
5601 Sunnyside Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705
Fire Organizations
Wildland Firefighter Foundation » Wildland Firefighter Foundation will partner with private and interagency organizations to educate the public about wildland fires and will promote excellence and safety in firefighting.
Women in Fire Service » The purpose of Women in the Fire Service is to promote and facilitate the participation of women in the fire service.
Employment Opportunities
Current Regional Vacancies » This database has all current Pacific Southwest Regional Fire Management vacancies with type of position, location, and contact information.
Regional Employment Outreach » This a complilation of all vacancies in the Pacific Southwest Region.
Avue Central » A federal employment service provided absolutely free to the public. It’s the fastest and easiest way to find and apply for federal employment. Avue Central offers completely private, safe, and secure access to thousands of federal jobs worldwide.
FS Jobs » Information on job vacancies within the Federal Government.
Employment Programs
Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) » This program provides an opportunity for students to earn money, continue their education, train with professionals, and combine academic study with on-the-job experience.
The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) » This program iis the primary source for external recruitment for entry-level hires in the Forest Service.
Central California Consortium » The Central California Consortium (CCC) is an environmental education based program sponsored by the USDA Forest Service. The focus of the program is to educate the underserved rural communities on natural resources.
California Regional Occupational Program (ROP) » The mission is to promote and support ROCPs in providing exemplary career education, career development, and workforce preparation that contribute to student academic and career success and to the economic development of California. Be sure to check with you local county school board for information specific to your area.