Wildland Firefighting Manager Branch Chief Equipment Development - Direct Hire Authority

Quick Facts

• Hiring Agency: Office of the Secretary of the Interior
• Department: Department of the Interior
• Location: Boise, Idaho
• Salary: $129549 – $168420/yr
• Hiring Path: Fed Transition
• Number of Openings: 1
• Security Clearance: Not Required
• Date Posted: 2026-10-07
• Application Deadline: 2026-10-21

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Job Summary

This position will be filled at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), duty location Boise, ID, servicing USWFS. Incumbent serves as Branch Chief for Equipment Development providing national leadership, technical direction, and program direction for the development and safety of wildland fire equipment used in interagency fire management operations. For additional questions about this position, or duty location, please contact Dennis Strange at DStrange@blm.gov.

Key Responsibilities

Direct national wildland fire equipment development programs, including fire engines, tenders, heavy equipment, command and support vehicles, IHC vehicles, helitack equipment, and specialized fire equipment, from concept through deployment. Provide technical and administrative direction to subordinate staff and supervisors and coordinate the integration of multiple concurrent national equipment development programs.

Exercise expert engineering, safety, and risk-management authority over equipment designs, specifications, testing protocols, inspections, investigations, recalls, corrective actions, and post-deployment evaluations. Direct research, development, and innovation initiatives involving vehicle design, materials, suppression systems, telematics, and mission-specific configurations, integrating validated technologies into standardized national equipment programs.

Coordinate with interagency fire management organizations, Fleet and Equipment Management functions, technical committees, and working groups to ensure equipment interoperability and alignment with national standards. Develop and implement national policies, technical standards, specifications, and guidance for equipment design, testing, procurement, and modification while supporting Federal acquisition requirements.

Provide technical leadership for equipment development budgets, cost estimates, funding priorities, contracts, cooperative agreements, and interagency agreements supporting equipment research, development, and production. Evaluate national equipment program effectiveness through inspection data, operational feedback, safety analyses, and post-incident reviews and use findings to support strategic planning, senior leadership decisions, and continuous improvement.

Requirements & Education

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: There is no qualifying education for the 0456 series at this grade level.

Contact

lisa_salazar@ios.doi.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Office of the Secretary of the Interior, Department of the Interior.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $129549 – $168420/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-21.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.

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Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government