Forest Service Hires Seasonal Fire Workers
The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is accepting applications for seasonal fire operations positions through November 12.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Military Jobs
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The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is hiring seasonal workers for fire operations, including dispatchers, fire engine operators, handcrew members, helitack crew members and fire lookouts. Applications are open October 30 through November 12 on USAJobs.gov, with positions set to start in March 2027.
Why it matters
The openings give Montanans a direct route into seasonal federal fire work across several communities in the forest. Positions are spread across multiple locations, offering options for applicants in different parts of the region.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be U.S. citizens or nationals, with a two-week application window closing November 12. Hiring covers five role types, but the total number of openings was not stated.
The players
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
A U.S. Forest Service unit managing public lands in west-central Montana, which is recruiting seasonal fire personnel for this season.
The details
Current seasonal openings include dispatchers, fire engine operators, handcrew members, helitack crew members and fire lookouts, listed by location and pay grade. Applicants apply through USAJobs.gov, where engine crews, handcrews, dispatch, aviation and lookout roles are posted separately.
Timeline
October 30 through November 12: Application window open on USAJobs.gov
March 2027: Seasonal positions scheduled to start
Market Landscape
Seasonal federal fire hiring is a recurring annual cycle in which the Forest Service fills engine, handcrew, dispatch and lookout roles through USAJobs.gov months before each fire season begins. This Helena-Lewis and Clark posting fits that established pattern of advance recruitment for a March start.
Interested applicants need to submit through USAJobs.gov by November 12 and confirm eligibility, including age and citizenship requirements. Those hired should plan for a March 2027 start date tied to the fire season.
The takeaway
Seasonal federal fire jobs are open to any U.S. citizen or national at least 18, and applicants should act before the November 12 deadline. Checking USAJobs.gov early helps match skills to the specific engine, handcrew, dispatch or lookout role.
What happens next
Applications close November 12, and seasonal positions are scheduled to start in March 2027.
Further reading
For more on federal and public-service openings, explore Military Jobs coverage.
More information
Review current openings on the Helena-Lewis and Clark forest jobs page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Choteau Acantha.
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