Silver City, NM — Jan. 21, 2022 — Annual applications for fire-only work on the Gila National Forest under the emergency hire authority (“A.D.”, Administratively Determined) are due by February 15 for both returning and new applicants. Mandatory sessions to complete hire paperwork will be held at Quemado, Truth or Consequences, and Silver City (dates listed below). Quemado session requires pre-registration. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age when completing the application forms. Applications that are late, incomplete, or with errors may not be considered. 

ALL applicants, including returning A.D. employees, must attend one of the sessions scheduled below, as new applications are required every year. COVID-19 protocols will be followed (see CDC guidance for quarantine & isolation https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html).

  • Masks are required.
  • Do not attend if you feel unwell, received a recent positive test or had a recent known exposure.

A.D. jobs are hourly wage, “call when needed” positions with no guarantee of employment and no benefits (e.g., no paid time off). There are no unemployment benefits or Social Security contributions. These are NOT regular government seasonal or permanent positions. Workers are covered by U.S. Department of Labor Office of Worker’s Compensation Program (OWCP). Background checks and drug testing may be conducted. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination may be required prior to training or work.  

All positions require training; some sessions may be week-long. The pay scale is set nationally and depends on the type of job. Hours may be long, work may be 7 days/week at times, and “overtime” hours are paid at the same hourly rate. 

Examples of possible work, depending on the individual’s age, training, and experience include fire camp crew, wildland firefighters, administrative help (office or fire camp), drivers, warehouse workers (supply cache), and qualified emergency medical technicians (EMT).  Some positions require health certification or a physical work capacity test (WCT). All positions require fire training.

Firefighter candidates must attend all of the 40-hour class and pass the arduous work capacity test (WCT), which involves walking 3 miles with a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less. (If the 40-hour class has been previously passed, then the refresher class and WCT are required.) Good physical fitness is a critical factor in passing this test and it is advised that individuals begin a fitness regimen immediately to prepare for the arduous fitness test. The WCT is planned in Silver City for the morning of March 8, with a second-try event on March 16 if needed. Additional WCTs and training courses in Reserve and/or Truth or Consequences will be announced as scheduled.

Bring the following to complete the forms required to apply. If you cannot provide these specific documents, email gila_ad_inbox@usda.gov or call the Gila National Forest (575) 388-8201 and ask for Ronnee-Sue or Jocelyn to describe your situation (e.g., student, no bank account, etc.). 

  • Legal name, address, Social Security Number, and valid contact information (e-mail, phone).
  • Bank account information.  Pay is only done by Direct Deposit (no checks issued). The applicant must be on the account as an owner or co-owner. If a joint account, both owners must sign the form. Bank account number, routing number (available on a check, from the bank, or online), bank name and mailing address.
  • Specific PHOTO IDs. EITHER (1) Passport or passport card - OR – (2) Government ID card (such as Driver’s license) PLUS original Social Security card (or original birth certificate). 

Applicants may bring past work history information and reference contacts to strengthen their application. Some forms require information on past law enforcement infractions.

SCHEDULE (subject to change):

  • Silver City, NM - Tuesday, January 25 7:00 p.m. Grant County Business and Conference Center, 3031 U.S. Highway 180.
  • Truth or Consequences, NM – Wednesday, February 9 6:00 p.m. Black Range District Office, 1804 N. Date Street.
  • Quemado, NM – MUST PRE-REGISTER by January 31- (contacts below). -THIS SESSION IS LIMITED TO 20 applicants & Actual Hire limit is 10; Thursday, February 3 – 11:00 a.m. Quemado Community Center, 27 Lopez Rd.

For further information, email gila_ad_inbox@usda.gov or call the Gila National Forest at (575) 388-8201 and ask for Ronnee-Sue, Jocelyn, or Gabe Holguin.

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