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The U.S. Forest Service is planning to hire 1,100 permanent wildland firefighters in California ahead of the 2025 fire season. This initiative aims to bolster efforts in managing wildfires in national forests and grasslands across the state. According to the USDA, these new hires will play crucial roles in wildfire preparedness, prevention, and emergency response.
The positions available include aviation officers, pilots, engine operators, dispatchers, hand crew members, smokejumpers, and hotshots. Applications are open until April 24, and candidates must be U.S. citizens or nationals aged 18 or older. The hiring process is direct, meaning typical veterans' preferences and ranking procedures do not apply.
The Forest Service, which manages over 190 million acres of public land, is responsible for maintaining the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations globally. The KTLA report highlights that this hiring initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance wildfire management and conservation efforts.
For those interested in applying, the Forest Service provides resources, including resume preparation guidelines and webinars, to assist applicants. More information can be found on the official Forest Service website.