We will be accepting applications from qualified, hard working, highly motivated and aggressive firefighters for our 2009 Smokejumper Rookie Training Program.
There are typically 6 to 10 positions open for rookie candidates in a given year. Approximately 200 applications are received for those positions. Selected candidates have a number of seasons of wildland firefighting experience, are highly recommended by their previous supervisors, and are in excellent physical condition. Historically about 40% of the candidates do not complete training, often because they fail to meet the stringent physical requirements of our rookie training program. A year-round physical fitness program is strongly encouraged for all applicants.
Selected candidates are placed in the BLM Smokejumper Rookie Training Program for one month of intense physical, firefighting, and parachute training, which usually begins in the third week of April at Fort Wainwright. Rookie Smokejumper positions are temporary GS-5s, with work generally ending in September. Long term appointments are available in the second or third season as a smokejumper.
Minimum qualifications for smokejumper rookie candidates (GS-5) are:
• 12 months of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level duties; OR
• a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree with either: 1) a major study in forestry, range management or agriculture; OR 2) a major in a subject-matter field directly related to the position; OR
• at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine biology and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 6 semester hours of mathematics is creditable; OR
• a combination of education and experience that is directly related to the work of the position
The announcement information needed will be available at www.usajobs.opm.gov at a date to be announced in the fall of 2008.
Applicants with specific questions about the program or the application process are encouraged to call Lead Rookie Trainer Chris Swisher at (907) 356-5549 or by email: Chris_Swisher@ak.blm.gov.
