Angeles National Forest is hiring wildland firefighters. Here’s how you can apply

The Angeles National Forest is accepting applications for more than two dozen wildland fire positions and is hosting a hiring workshop this weekend.

The Angeles National Forest covers nearly 700,000 acres just north of Los Angeles, including the San Gabriel Mountains.

Authorities are looking for people who can cut fire lines and mop up hotspots with engine crews, coordinate fire retardant drops with helicopter teams, or educate visitors on fire danger and prevention.

The crews attack fires in Southern California and across the country, according to the agency, while protecting communities and supporting forest health.

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Applicants should be committed to team work, safety, and public service, officials said.

An open house and hiring workshop will be held in Acton and Arcadia on Saturday. Hiring managers and fire personnel will be available to answer questions and share information about career opportunities.

About the openings

A variety of positions are available in Acton, Arcadia, Glendora, Lancaster and San Fernando, including jobs for entry-level wildland firefighters, officials said.

They include:

• Four openings with hotshot crews, which are described as elite teams of firefighters. There are five hotshot crews throughout the Angeles National Forest, each made up of a team of at least 20 people.
• Three openings with engine crews, which are teams of five who protect structures, mop up hotspots, and build fire lines with hand tools, among others. 
• Several positions on the helicopter and aviation side.
• Two openings focused on prevention, educating people on fire danger and safety measures.

There also are jobs available in the agency’s dispatch center for those interested in directing crews and supplies to wildfires and other emergency situations.

Annual salaries listed on the applications range from $43,000 to $101,000, depending on the position and type. Firefighters are paid an hourly rate, according to the agency, and earn more with overtime or hazardous assignments.

Where’s the workshop

The Angeles National Forest’s open house and hiring workshop will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There are two locations:

• Acton - 33708 Crown Valley Road 
• Arcadia - 701 N. Santa Anita Ave.

How to apply

You can find a full list of the open positions from the Angeles National Forest here.

To be considered, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Pass background checks, drug testing and physical fitness testing

There may be additional requirements based on the position, including basic training for entry-level openings.

To apply, you’ll need to create an account and upload a résumé on the U.S. government’s official website here.

You can find application advice and webinars from the U.S. Forest Service here, as well as tips for building a federal résumé here.

Applications close Sept. 23.