How to Apply


You Must Have 90 Days Previous Wildland Firefighting Experience to Apply

Thank you for considering employment with Plumas Helitack. Please browse through all the information available on this site to give you a better picture of the crew and the expectations of being a helicopter crewmember. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Superintendent or Captain. If possible stop by the base to meet the crew.


Temporary hiring is conducted annually with the first round at the end of January and a second round at the end of February if needed. Open positions are for GS-04 and GS-05 Forestry Technicians. Applicants are encouraged to apply at both levels, regardless of previous experience. You should have your application in before January 25th to be considered for the first round. It is important that you take your time and build your resume to be competitive. 


Applicants must be available for the entire period from April 7th through October 31st, and must have 90 days of previous wildland fire experience. GS-05 applicants must be FFT1 qualified and have completed S-290.

How to Apply


  1. Go to USAJobs.gov
  2. Click on "Advanced Search."
  3. Copy and paste the appropriate announcement number below for your desired grade level into the "Keyword Search" box.
  4. Click "Search Jobs."
  5. Click on the job description header.
  6. Click on the "Apply Online" button.
  7. To be considered for Plumas Helitack you must select Quincy, CA. as your duty station location.


Applicants may apply for these jobs through the USA Jobs website at http://www.usajobs.gov


The Process and Timeline

Fall of each year will be the release of apprentice, permanent, and seasonal positions.

September is typically the announcement number release for permanent hires and October is the announcement number release for seasonal positions.


(Permanent/PermSeasonal/WFAP Hire)

Position Title:

Helitack Senior Firefighter

Grade/Series:

GW-0456-4

Announcement #:

See Home Page or USAJobs

Duty Location:

Quincy, CA



(Temporary Hire)

Position Title:

Forestry Technician (Helitack)

Grade/Series:

GW-0456-04/05

Announcement #:

26-TEMPF3-R5-2PC048-4DH

26-TEMPF3-R5-2PC027-5DH

Duty Location:

Quincy, CA



Who May Apply:

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. 


Application Tips
  1. Be sure that you have updated contact info for all previous supervisors. If we are unable to verify your employment and obtain references your application will not be considered.
  2. References should be able to verify your employment, validate your experience, and provide insight into your work ethic, physical fitness, and attitude.
  3. IN YOUR OWN WORDS provide a brief description of your present and previous positions, including non-fire jobs. List bullets for your specific duties, accomplishments and awards.
  4. Include team sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities that show leadership and teamwork. List your exercise regimen.
  5. Include any additional awards and specific accomplishments beyond those listed in your work experience.
  6. List any additional applicable skills, e.g., welding, carpentry, computers, etc.
  7. Be sure to include all required documentation (an IQCS Master Record must be attached to your application).
  8. Ensure you have the correct location (QUINCY, CA) checked on your online application.
  9. DO NOT overstate your skill set. Employees are expected to live up to their resumes.
  10. Additional info is available Here
Tips for Veterans
  1. Ensure you attach all applicable documents including your DD-214, as requested.
  2. It is understood that references may be currently deployed; try to provide alternative references of past supervisors. Contact the crew superintendent if you foresee issues with your references.
  3. Be aware that crew physical fitness expectations are quite a bit higher than those of the military. Please do not rely on successful completion of basic training as a measure of your physical fitness capability and compatibility with the crew.
  4. If you need help with the application process feel free to call the heliport at (530) 283-7608.



If you missed out on this years hiring, we do have an OC crew supported through the Plumas N.F. It is a good way to get your foot in the door and gain valuable fire experience. 
 Reach out through :

SM.FS.PNFFireFuels@usda.gov
 530-532-7438

875 Mitchell Ave.
Oroville Ca 95965

For Info on the OC Crew follow the link or scan the QR code:

OC Crew Flyer:



If you are interested in any career paths with the Forest Service fill out this form to get your name into our database for potential hires: