How to Apply


You Must Have 90 Days Previous Wildland Firefighting Experience to Apply

Thank you for considering employment with Plumas Helitack. Please browse through all the information available on this site to give you a better picture of the crew and the expectations of being a helicopter crewmember. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Superintendent or Captain. If possible stop by the base to meet the crew.


Temporary hiring is conducted annually with the first round at the end of January and a second round at the end of February if needed. Open positions are for GS-04 and GS-05 Forestry Technicians. Applicants are encouraged to apply at both levels, regardless of previous experience. You should have your application in before January 25th to be considered for the first round. It is important that you take your time and build your resume to be competitive. 


Applicants must be available for the entire period from April 7th through October 31st, and must have 90 days of previous wildland fire experience. GS-05 applicants must be FFT1 qualified and have completed S-290.

How to Apply


  1. Go to USAJobs.gov
  2. Click on "Advanced Search."
  3. Copy and paste the appropriate announcement number below for your desired grade level into the "Keyword Search" box.
  4. Click "Search Jobs."
  5. Click on the job description header.
  6. Click on the "Apply Online" button.
  7. To be considered for Plumas Helitack you must select Quincy, CA. as your duty station location.


Applicants may apply for these jobs through the USA Jobs website at http://www.usajobs.gov

(Permanent Hire)

Position Title:

Helitack Senior Firefighter

Grade/Series:

GS-0462-4/5

Announcement #:

24-FIRE-P1GVA-HTKSRFF-45DH

Duty Location:

Quincy


The Process and Timeline

August 7, 2023 - Outreach begins.

August 31, 2023 - Vacancy announcements will be activated in USAJobs.

September 29, 2023 - Application deadline, 11:59 Eastern standard time. Apply through www.usajobs.gov. Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple locations (only where they would accept a position if offered), even if positions for certain locations in which you are interested are not listed as vacant. Vacancies may occur during the hiring process and could be filled during Selection Week.

October 30 – November 17, 2023 - Supervisory Reference Checks will occur these weeks. Please ensure your references are notified of this and they are available at the email address (preferred), or phone number provided on your application.

November 6 – 17, 2023 - Interviews for Supervisory positions will begin.

November 13 – December 15, 2023 - Selections. Representatives from each forest will make recommendations for hiring. Candidates selected will be notified by a Forest Service representative by phone. Those not selected should check your USAjobs account for status updates. During the selection week candidates will be given 4 hours to respond to voicemails or emails from the recommending officials. It is highly encouraged to be available via phone during this time.

Mid-March 2023 - First possible effective date.



(Temporary Hire)

Position Title:

Forestry Technician (Helitack)

Grade/Series:

GS-0462-05

Announcement #:

24-TEMPF3-R5-0200-5DH

Duty Location:

Quincy


The Process and Timeline

September 27,2023 ─Outreach begins.  Information is available on the USFS Outreach Notification web page at https://fsoutreach.gdcii.com/

October 26, 2023 ─Vacancy announcements will be activated in USAJobs.

November 8, 2023 ─Application deadline, 11:59 EST. Apply through www.usajobs.gov. Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple locations (only where they would accept a position if offered).

December 20, 2023 – January 31, 2024 ─ Selections. Representatives from the Plumas National Forest will make selections for hiring. Candidates selected will be notified by a Plumas National Forest representative by phone. It is highly encouraged to be available via phone during this time. Those not selected should check your USAjobs account for status updates.

April 2024 – Earliest possible start date.

Who May Apply:

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. 



If you missed out on this years hiring, we do have an OC crew supported through the Plumas N.F. It is a good  to get your foot in the door and gain valuable experience. 
 Reach out through :

SM.FS.PNFFireFuels@usda.gov
 530-532-7438

Application Tips
  1. Be sure that you have updated contact info for all previous supervisors. If we are unable to verify your employment and obtain references your application will not be considered.
  2. References should be able to verify your employment, validate your experience, and provide insight into your work ethic, physical fitness, and attitude.
  3. IN YOUR OWN WORDS provide a brief description of your present and previous positions, including non-fire jobs. List bullets for your specific duties, accomplishments and awards.
  4. Include team sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities that show leadership and teamwork. List your exercise regimen.
  5. Include any additional awards and specific accomplishments beyond those listed in your work experience.
  6. List any additional applicable skills, e.g., welding, carpentry, computers, etc.
  7. Be sure to include all required documentation (an IQCS Master Record must be attached to your application).
  8. Ensure you have the correct location (QUINCY, CA) checked on your online application.
  9. DO NOT overstate your skill set. Employees are expected to live up to their resumes.
  10. Additional info is available Here
Tips for Veterans
  1. Ensure you attach all applicable documents including your DD-214, as requested.
  2. It is understood that references may be currently deployed; try to provide alternative references of past supervisors. Contact the crew superintendent if you foresee issues with your references.
  3. Be aware that crew physical fitness expectations are quite a bit higher than those of the military. Please do not rely on successful completion of basic training as a measure of your physical fitness capability and compatibility with the crew.
  4. If you need help with the application process feel free to call the heliport at (530) 283-7608.
  5.