Wildland Firefighter (Apprentice)

Apprentice firefighter positions on Region 5 national forests at more than 100 California duty stations, stretching from Alturas in the far north to Acton and Alpine in the south. The work covers hand crew and engine suppression, chainsaw operation, pump and hose lays, lookout duty, and trail and road project work when fires are quiet. GW-3 can be earned with six months of general experience such as farm, nursery or volunteer work, and the GW-5 level requires Firefighter Type 1. You must be at least 18 and pass the work capacity test, drug testing and a background check; government housing may be available at some units. Apply on USAJOBS by September 22, 2026.