Dateline: 05/08/01

One year after the Cerro Grande wildfire destroyed nearly 300 homes in the Los Alamos, New Mexico area and now facing a potential record fire season, five U.S. government agencies are joining forces to hire thousands of new wildland firefighters and support personnel.

"We must ensure that we are prepared to meet the challenges of protecting communities and landscapes from the wrath of wildland fire," stated Interior Secretary Gale Norton at a May 2 press conference. "It's imperative that we not only have the equipment ready, but also enough well-trained men and women ready to meet this awesome challenge head on."

An above average fire season is already anticipated in Eastern states, especially Florida. This is due to the dry, and in many places, extreme drought conditions, continued below-normal precipitation, and the fact that these areas have yet to recover from the previous years of drought conditions.

To face the ongoing threat from wildland fires, five agencies under the Department of Interior are currently working to fill thousands of permanent and seasonal positions for firefighters, forestry aids and technicians. 

The following links lead directly to the wildfire program employment information Web pages of the agencies involved:

Bureau of Land Management- Fire Program Opportunities

National Parks Service - Fire Jobs

Bureau of Indian Affairs - Fire Jobs

US Fish and Wildlife Service - Fire Related Employment

US Forest Service - Operation Fire Hire

Many of the jobs offered above are physically demanding and most require that you successfully pass pre-employment physical examinations. All positions require pre-employment drug testing. Most permanent firefighting positions require that you be no older than 35 years old upon appointment.

• Many more government jobs - links and information