BLM seeking seasonal call-when-needed firefighters

Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: A Pima volunteer firefighter knocks down a wildland fire along the Gila River in this file photo. The BLM is recruiting applicants for season firefighters.

Contributed Article/Courtesy BLM

SAFFORD – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gila District is currently recruiting applicants for seasonal call-when-needed wildland firefighters for the 2021 fire season. Wildland firefighters provide a valuable service, protecting American communities and public lands. To serve on a wildland fire crew, persons must be at least 18 years of age, have a strong work ethic, be able to pass a fitness test, medical exam, maintain good physical fitness, as well as be available to travel out of state for extended periods, and be willing to contribute to a team structured environment.  

Applications will be accepted through March 18. Applicants will be notified in April regarding their selection for one of the 20 positions on the crew. Applicants can apply the following ways: 

  • Download the application and Standard Form 306 from https://go.usa.gov/xAsev and email them back to one of the email addresses provided below.  
  • Request and send forms back by email to one of the email addresses provided below. 
  • Pick up and drop off forms at the Safford Field Office. The front desk is closed to in-person walk-in service due to COVID-19 — applicants who wish to pick-up or drop-off forms will have to call one of the three numbers listed below and someone will come out to assist. 

While most fire duties will be in southeastern Arizona, some assignments may be out of state and last 14 consecutive days, plus travel time. Recruits will be classified as Administratively Determined (AD) Emergency Firefighters, hired on a call-when-needed basis, and are only paid during fire and/or work assignments; pay is $19.52 per hour. 

Recruits will receive classroom and field training, as well as assigned all essential equipment that will enable them to perform wildfire suppression safely and effectively.    

If you think you have what it takes to be a wildland firefighter, and if you seek meaningful employment for several months, please contact Kress Sanders at 928-348-4424 or k1sanders@blm.gov, Nick Bazso at 928-348-4543 or nbazso@blm.gov, or Lathe Evans at 928-348-4514 or levans@blm.gov

To learn more about BLM’s fire and aviation program in Arizona, visit: blm.gov/r/fire/az