Wildland Firefighter Workforce Reforms
Creating an equitably-compensated, well-supported, year-round workforce
Our new norm of larger, more extreme wildfires coupled with a workforce framework that has not been updated in six decades makes it clear we must modernize our workforce so that it is equitably compensated, available year-round, and cared for both physically and mentally.
The Interior Department launched a wildland fire workforce reform initiative to begin giving our employees greater stability and enabling them to grow in their positions while improving the department's ability to address more extreme wildfire activity and meet the year-round needs for wildland fire management activities.
We established a workforce transformation plan that began with streamlining the hiring process and offering seasonal and temporary firefighters opportunities for full-time, permanent positions. Currently, a workforce assessment is informing the development of a comprehensive improvement plan to enhance recruitment and retention.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides significant funding to expand our workforce reform initiative. Over the next five years, the Interior Department will receive nearly $1.5 billion for wildland fire management, including $164 million for workforce improvements, ranging from a new wildland firefighter classification series to mental health support, improved compensation to additional training.
We recognize thousands of our firefighting employees are eager for information about the status of this work. We will share updates as these efforts progress.
Occupational Series
The Interior Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) are collaborating to create a wildland firefighter occupational series this spring to better reflect the unique responsibilities and skillsets of our firefighters.
To ensure this process is evidence-based and objective, we are taking the time to assemble and analyze extensive workforce data while collecting input from a diverse group across a range of positions, particularly from field-level personnel.
Compensation
The Interior Department, USDA Forest Service, and OPM have already issued guidance to ensure no firefighter is paid less than $15 per hour. We are now working together to explore options for additional improvements to pay.
Permanent Positions
Across the Interior Department and the Forest Service, we will continue our transition to a more permanent wildland fire management workforce capable of fire response and mitigation work on a year-round basis by converting 1,000 seasonal wildland fire response employees to permanent, full-time positions.
Mental Health Support
Wildland firefighters work in an arduous, stressful environment that can take a toll on mental health. The Interior and Agriculture departments are conceptualizing a national plan focused on wildland firefighter health and wellness that will provide a wide range of mental health support tailored to firefighters.
Training
The Interior Department will provide additional resources to support expanded training, education, and experiential learning opportunities to improve emergency response skillsets, business acumen, and land management competencies.
In combination, these deliberative, evidence-based initiatives will better position us to meet the increasing challenges of year-round wildfires driven by extensive drought, the spread of invasive species, and climate change using a strategic, holistic approach. At the same time, these improvements will provide much-needed stability, support, and improved career opportunities to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of our firefighting workforce.
We're thankful for the ongoing efforts of our wildland firefighters to protect lives, communities, and our nation's natural resources.
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