TEMP HIRING UPDATES for the 2024 Fire Season:
Announcements for 2024 R6 TEMP fire positions will be posted soon.
If you have questions about job opportunities check out our recruitment info on the website and feel free to contact Ethan Makarowski (Rappel Program Manager); ethan.makarowski@usda.gov.
If you are interested in becoming a part of our team please submit the form below.
We encourage you to get in touch, ask questions and tell us about yourself.
TEMP Rappel Positions:
GS-04 (Fire Suppression)
Announcement Number: TBD Application Period: TBD Basic Requirements: 90 days of fire experience. *No prior Helitack experience required. |
GS-05 (Helitack)
Announcement Number: TBD Application Period: TBD Basic Requirements: FFT1 and S-290. *No prior Helitack experience required. |
DUTY LOCATION: JOHN DAY, OR
You MUST select JOHN DAY, OR as a duty location if you wish to be considered for a rappel position on the Malheur Rappel Crew.
You MUST select JOHN DAY, OR as a duty location if you wish to be considered for a rappel position on the Malheur Rappel Crew.
Process and Timeline
All temporary seasonal positions are filled under a centralized hiring event. Applications are submitted through USAJOBS.
What We Are Looking For

So how do I know whether I have enough experience? Am I qualified for the position? If you think you have a shot, apply. At MRC we are looking for experienced firefighters and typically hire people with 3+ years of experience, whether that be with handcrews, engines or other helitack programs. However, we do occasionally hire individuals with less experience. The difference can be made up with a mixture of qualifications/fitness/attitude. It looks good to be entering into the GS-4&5 positions with ICT5, B-Faller, EMTB, FFT1, HECM, or more advanced qualifications. Of course, you don't have to have any of these qualifications or combinations of them to be considered but it would certainly help.
When To Apply

Each season we see a high number of applicants, so it’s a good idea to stop by in person to shake hands. Give a call to schedule a visit; there will be crewmembers around all season who would be available to answer questions and give a base tour.
Need to find out when the online apps will fly? Ask in person or on the phone. You may also refer to the links below:
Pay close attention to the closing dates and all details on the app! The online hiring systems can be finicky… familiarizing yourself with its intricacies is important. Contact information can be found up above in the drop-down.
Need to find out when the online apps will fly? Ask in person or on the phone. You may also refer to the links below:
Pay close attention to the closing dates and all details on the app! The online hiring systems can be finicky… familiarizing yourself with its intricacies is important. Contact information can be found up above in the drop-down.
How To Apply

How to Apply
1. Go to www.usajobs.gov
2. Create an account
3. Build/create your profile, build or attach your resume
4. Search/Apply for the specific announcement for our program and select John Day, OR for your duty location.
Applicants must apply online at USAJobs. You will be required to create a USAJOBS account and either create a resume or upload your own. Announcement numbers and dates for open application periods will be posted as soon as available under the permanent jobs tab and temporary jobs tab on this web site.
Once you find the correct job announcement "click on it" this will take you to an overview page that will have information regarding the position. In the top right hand side of the screen will be an "Apply Online" option, click it.
You will then be prompted to upload a resume if you haven't added one to your profile already. When your resume is attached click the "apply now" link on the bottom of the page. This will take you to a Forest Service website that will have 2 different qualification pages that you will have to complete. The first is core qualification and the second is minimum qualifications. In this portion of the process you will also be prompted to specify a location of employment. Click John Day, OR for the Malheur Rappel Crew.
Then you will be prompted to review your resume and you will be given the chance to print the application as well. Review it. Submit your application.
*Please contact the John Day Airbase at 541-575-3384 if you need assistance with the hiring process.
*Once the announcements are made available in USA JOBS you will only have a few days to apply, so have everything ready
1. Go to www.usajobs.gov
2. Create an account
3. Build/create your profile, build or attach your resume
4. Search/Apply for the specific announcement for our program and select John Day, OR for your duty location.
Applicants must apply online at USAJobs. You will be required to create a USAJOBS account and either create a resume or upload your own. Announcement numbers and dates for open application periods will be posted as soon as available under the permanent jobs tab and temporary jobs tab on this web site.
Once you find the correct job announcement "click on it" this will take you to an overview page that will have information regarding the position. In the top right hand side of the screen will be an "Apply Online" option, click it.
You will then be prompted to upload a resume if you haven't added one to your profile already. When your resume is attached click the "apply now" link on the bottom of the page. This will take you to a Forest Service website that will have 2 different qualification pages that you will have to complete. The first is core qualification and the second is minimum qualifications. In this portion of the process you will also be prompted to specify a location of employment. Click John Day, OR for the Malheur Rappel Crew.
Then you will be prompted to review your resume and you will be given the chance to print the application as well. Review it. Submit your application.
- Remember to attach an electronic copy of your IQCS (qualifications report) to your application or it will not be accepted.
- To qualify for the GS-5 position you must be a qualified FFT1 and have taken S-290.
- Spend some time on your resume, be specific, market yourself well, and double check everything.
*Please contact the John Day Airbase at 541-575-3384 if you need assistance with the hiring process.
*Once the announcements are made available in USA JOBS you will only have a few days to apply, so have everything ready