BLACK MESA HOTSHOTS
2013 Seasonal Hiring Packet
The Black Mesa Hotshots located on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will soon be advertising seasonal
Hotshot Positions. The duty station for the position will be at the Black Mesa Ranger District, Overgaard,
Arizona. A seasonal position lasts six months, from April 8 to September 30.*NOTE* The Black Mesa
Hotshots are located in Overgaard, AZ.
The principal duties of these positions:
Serves as crewmember on a Hotshot Crew performing fire suppression and/or fuels management duties under
the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain. Participates in wildland fire and safety training in the
techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and the safe, efficent operation and use of tools, and
equipment.
Physical Training:
Due to the high physical requirments, fitness is a key element to these positons. We are looking for motivated
hard working crewmembers with a great attitude. Our crew physical fitness regiment consists of 4-7 mile runs,
hikes (with packs on), weight training, and other similar activities. We require that our employees come into fire
season, in hotshot shape. We understand that this job is not for everyone, but if you think you have what it takes
to be a hotshot please contact us or for more information visit the fire fit website at
www.nifc.gov/FireFit/index.htm
Forest Information:
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are some of the most diverse in the Southwestern Region,
encompassing about 2.5 million acres including an extensive amount of the Mogollon Rim and the White
Mountains. The Forests stretch from Leonard Canyon south of Winslow, Arizona to the New Mexico state line,
then south of Springerville, Arizona to Clifton, Arizona. The landscape varies from high desert to above
timberline with the terrain being widely varied. The Forests' elevations range from approximately 3500 feet on
the Clifton Ranger District to over 11,000 feet on the Mount Baldy Wilderness. The Mogollon Rim, a fault line
rising 2,000 feet in some areas, runs through the Forests and is the southern boundary for much of the
Sitgreaves National Forest.
District Information:
The Black Mesa Ranger District encompass 680,000 acres of mixed conifer, ponderosa pine and pinyonjuniper forests, and has within its boundaries five high elevation lakes, numerous scenic canyons, 8
campgrounds offering about 400 campsites, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, OHV trails, nonmotorized areas, three small communities and many developed inholdings. The District hosts many visitors
year-round from the Phoenix metropolitan area, which is within 2 and 1/2 hours travel time. Overgaard is
located along Highway 260, approximately 55 miles from Payson, . It is
Located on the Mogollon Rim, the district has a high incidence of lightning strikes during the summer, resulting
in an active fire season from May through July.
Apache Sitgreaves Forest
For more information use the following web links:
http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/people/hotshots/IHC_index.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/people/hotshots/index.html
http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/resources/blackmesahotshots
If you have any questions please contact us
Frank (Pancho) Auza
Supt. Black Mesa IHC
Cell# 928-245-8652
Work#928-535-7303
fauza@fs.fed.us
Dean Whitney
Asst. Supt. Black Mesa IHC
Work# 928-535-7336
dwhitney@fs.fed.us
Jimmy Riggs
Squad Boss
Cell# 928-245-4581
jlriggs@fs.fed.us
Steve Fairbank
Squad Boss
Work# 928-535-7313
sfairbank@fs.fed.us
Applying For A Position
The web-based application of USA JOBS provides the capability for people interested in employment
opportunities with the Forest Service to apply for jobs on-line through the Internet. Job candidates can create
and update ‘Applicant Profiles,’ search for current vacancy announcements being advertised in USA Jobs,
create a job search profile, apply for jobs, and check the status on jobs for which they have applied. Applicants
may also access a help tutorial, view jobs with other Federal Agencies, and see employer profiles.
ACCESSING THE WEBSITE
Forest Service employees can access the Applicant Module using connectHR at http://www.fs.fed.us/connecthr
Click on APPLY FOR A JOB. This will take you to USA JOBS. Here you will see Federal agency job
openings.
When applying for Forest Service jobs, both internal and external applicants can also go to USAJobs
(www.usajobs.opm.gov) to find Forest Service vacancy announcements. From within a Forest Service vacancy
announcements found on USAJobs.
Applicants new to the online system must request a User ID. After accessing the website listed above, click on
NEW USER. Enter all fields in the New User Registration window. Keep your User ID and Password in a
secure location. You will need to use it every time you access USAJOBS. If you cannot remember your
password, select “Forget Password?” You will be prompted to answer a test question you chose at the time you
registered for your initial password.
Announcement Numbers for Hotshot Positions
Forestry Aid GS-3 (New Hires) TEMPOCR-0462-03-Fire
Forestry Technician GS-4 (6 months experience as a GS-3 or required education)
TEMPOCR-0462-4-HOTSHOT
Forestry Technician GS- 5 (12 months experience as a GS-4 or required education)
TEMPOCR-0462-5-HOTSHOT