Yreka, Calif., Jan. 15, 2025 — The Klamath National Forest is looking for hard-working individuals to join their highly skilled wildland fire organization. Vacancies include both seasonal positions and permanent positions, some of which are entry-level. There are openings on engine crews, hotshot and hand crews, and helicopter crews. Crews are based throughout the Klamath National Forest, with duty stations in Yreka, Callahan, Fort Jones, Klamath River, Seiad, Happy Camp, and Macdoel – all in far northern California. Barracks may be available depending on duty location. Applications are being accepted through January 27.
To help candidates navigate through the application process, and to answer any questions they may have about firefighting careers with the USDA Forest Service, an in-person recruitment event will be held this Friday (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) in the cafeteria at Shasta College, located at 11555 Old Oregon Trail in Redding, California.
Virtual events will also be offered on January 17, 18, 24, and 25. These recruitment events will offer applicants the chance to connect with Forest Service wildland fire staff from throughout California, get application help, and learn about the benefits of working with the Forest Service. Interested candidates do not need to attend a recruitment event to apply.
The Klamath National Forest boasts a very busy wildland fire program and averages over 100 fires per year, most of them lightning caused. Wildland firefighting on the Klamath is very rewarding – working with a highly skilled workforce in a beautiful place. It is a tough job at times, but an excellent way to challenge oneself while working in the great outdoors. It’s an opportunity to care for your public lands on a spectacular national forest and become part of a skilled fire crew – training together, fighting fire together, and traveling together. One of the many benefits of working for the Forest Service is that crews are available to go to other national forests across the country to help with wildfires. Crews also work on prescribed burns, both on-forest and away on assignments.
Wildland firefighting demands a high level of fitness to safely perform arduous, day-long work in tough environmental conditions, like steep terrain, high temperatures and smoke, and to meet unforeseen emergencies. Wildland firefighters can expect to run, hike steep hills, and lift weights as part of crew fitness programs.
Employment with the USDA Forest Service provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Federal employees have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/careers/recruitment-events/california-wildland-firefighting for job announcement information, duty locations, and details for the recruitment events.