Seasonal Jobs USA: Klamath Forest Firefighters 2027
Seasonal jobs USA: Klamath National Forest is hiring wildland firefighters, lookouts and packers for 2027 in Northern California. Apply by Nov 12.
USAIn brief
- Klamath National Forest is recruiting temporary seasonal staff for the 2027 field season.
- Jobs include wildland firefighters on engines, hand crews and helitack, fire lookouts and animal packers.
- Duty stations are in Siskiyou County, Northern California, including Yreka, Fort Jones and Happy Camp.
- Applications go through USAJOBS and close on November 12, 2026.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Organization | USDA Forest Service – Klamath National Forest |
| Last date to apply | 12 Nov 2026 |
| Official source | USDA Forest Service – Klamath National Forest Fire Hire ✓ fs.usda.gov |
Want to spend 2027 outdoors fighting fires? The Klamath National Forest in Northern California is hiring temporary seasonal workers for its 2027 field season, including wildland firefighters, fire lookouts and animal packers. Applications are made on USAJOBS and must be in by November 12, 2026, so there are only a few days left.
Which jobs are open?
The forest is part of the US Forest Service's Fall Fire Hire event. Openings include:
| Role | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine crew firefighter | Temporary seasonal (GW-0462/0456, grades 3–5) | Several stations |
| Hand crew firefighter | Temporary seasonal | Physical, team-based work |
| Helitack crew | Temporary seasonal | Helicopter-based fire response |
| Fire lookout | Temporary seasonal | Watches for smoke from towers |
| Animal packer | Temporary (WG-5001-5) | Works with mules and pack stock |
The forest has not given a total number of posts.
Where are the jobs?
Duty stations are spread across Siskiyou County, in towns such as Yreka, Fort Jones, Happy Camp, Macdoel, Callahan, Seiad Valley and Klamath River. Not every role is offered at every station, so check the station list for each job before applying. The forest covers about 1.75 million acres between the Klamath Mountains and Mount Shasta, and is roughly 30 minutes from Medford and Klamath Falls in Oregon. Government housing may be available at some locations.
Who can apply?
Federal jobs on USAJOBS are normally open to US citizens only, and firefighting roles also require a medical check and a physical fitness test before you start. Entry-level grades (GS/GW-3) are aimed at people with little or no fire experience, while higher grades ask for previous seasons on a crew. If you are not a citizen, read our guide on whether non-citizens can apply for federal jobs.
What is the work like?
Seasonal fire staff usually start in spring or early summer and work through the fire season, often with long shifts, overtime and time away from home during large fires. Lookouts spend weeks in remote towers, while packers move supplies by mule into roadless country. Pay follows the federal GW and WG pay scales, and hazard pay may apply on active fires.
How do I apply?
- Read the Klamath Fire Hire page to see which stations are hiring for each role.
- Create or update your profile and federal-style resume on USAJOBS.
- Apply to the specific announcements and pick the Klamath duty stations you want.
- Submit before the November 12, 2026 deadline.
What it means for job seekers
- Act this week: the closing date is very close.
- Good first federal job: seasonal fire roles are a common route into permanent Forest Service careers.
- Pick several locations to improve your chances.
- Get fit now: the work is physically hard and fitness is tested.
- Related: NASA is hiring astronauts – apply by December 3.
More openings: all USA jobs
Frequently asked questions
Is the Forest Service hiring seasonal firefighters for 2027?
Yes. Klamath National Forest in Northern California is filling temporary fire and packer jobs for the 2027 season.
When is the deadline to apply?
The vacancy announcements close on November 12, 2026, so applications must be in by then.
Where do I apply for Klamath fire jobs?
On USAJOBS, the federal job site. The forest's Fire Hire page explains which announcements to use.
Is housing provided?
Government housing may be offered at some duty stations, but not at all of them.
Apply only on the official site.
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