BLM seeks seasonal call-when-needed firefighters 

Photo Courtesy Mesa Interagency Hotshot Crew: Wildland firefighters battle the Pinnacle Fire on the ground up close.

Contributed Article

SAFFORD – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gila District is currently recruiting applicants for seasonal call-when-needed wildland firefighters for the 2022 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 and medical exam, maintain good physical fitness, travel out of state for extended periods, and contribute to a team structured environment. If selected, the selectee must comply with Executive Order 14043 – Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  

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

  • Request, and send forms back, by email, to the email address provided below. 
  • Pick up and drop off forms at the Safford Field Office located at 711 S. 14th Ave. The front desk is open to in-person walk-in service — applicants who wish to pick-up or drop-off forms may do so and must comply with posted COVID-19 safety protocols. 
Contributed Photo of a firefighter looking at the Telegraph Fire.

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 $19.72 per hour. 

Recruits will receive classroom and field training, and all essential equipment assigned 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 Bernie Romero, 928-348-4424 or bromero@blm.gov

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