Update on Implementation of Wildland Firefighter Occupational Series
In 2022, a new occupational series was created for federal wildland firefighters, as directed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. For the first time in 50 years, the GS-0456 Wildland Fire Management Series defines the unique duties of wildland firefighters and provides clear details on career advancement.
The U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service contributed support to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in the creation of the series. The agencies are now working on its implementation and are on track to meet the June 2023 deadline.
At the Interior Department, subject matter experts in wildland fire and human resources are meeting regularly to craft standard position descriptions (SPDs). To avoid any overlap or gaps in career trajectory, each bureau will have an opportunity to review the SPDs and provide input.
At the same time, Interior will conduct a job analysis for fire dispatch work. Each bureau will have the opportunity to participate and provide input.
The operational SPDs for GS-3 through GS-9 positions have already been sent to the subject matter expert team for review. The following target dates have been established for the remaining SPD development:
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January/February: The subject matter expert team provides input on the operational SPDs for GS-3 through GS-9 positions.
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January/February: Begin work on the fire management officer, fuel management operations, and fire and fuel management planning SPDs.
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January/February: Begin work on the job analysis for fire dispatch.
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March/April: Begin work on the fire prevention and workforce planning and training SPDs.
The Interior Department will continue to coordinate with OPM and the USDA Forest Service to ensure the new series is implemented consistently across federal departments.
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