How to Apply to Our Jobs

All Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) fire and forestry job openings can be found at the USAJobs website by searching for the keywords “Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs.”

For a step-by-step guide on how to apply, Watch the National Interagency Fire Center’s video series Applying for a Fire Job on USAJobs.

• If claiming Indian Preference in your application, you must submit the Verification for Indian Preference & Employment - Form BIA-443 with your application.
• If claiming Veterans’ Preference, submit the following items:

1. VA letter on VA letterhead stating your overall combined rating.
2. Application for Veterans’ Preference - Form SF-15.
3. Application for Veterans’ Preference - Form DD-214 (Member 4 Copy Only) reflecting an honorable discharge and dates of active duty military service.

• If you are a current career or career-conditional federal employee OR a former federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, submit Notification of Personnel Action - Form SF-50 documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, position title, occupational series, grade level and step.
• If you’ve ever been employed by a federal agency, submit your Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record which can be obtained from your last employer with IQCS access.
• If you are using higher education as qualifications and attended college, submit your official college transcripts.

These links may help you with your application process.

• BIA Applying for Federal Jobs within Indian Affairs
• USAJobs: What should I include in my federal resume?
• USAJobs Help Center
• Sample BIA resume
• BIA American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans page
• BIA Indian Preference page
• Request Military Service Records – to obtain Form DD-214
• IQCS Frequently Asked Questions – to obtain your IQCS Master Record
• USAJobs: Reading your SF-50 to determine your service and appointment type
• DOI Tips for Applying for Federal Jobs

Once you have been selected to join the BIA, you must submit security clearance paperwork, pass a medical exam, and pass a drug test. 

Security Clearance Paperwork 

• Declaration of Federal Employment – Form OF-306 
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License & Driving Record - Form GSA 3607 

Pre-Employment Medical Exam

All firefighters must pass a medical exam every year as described on the Wildland Fire Medical Standards page. 

Drug Test 

Many wildland fire positions require a drug test in accordance with Executive Order 12564, and under the Department’s Drug Free Workplace Program. If you have been selected to join the BIA in a position that requires drug testing, you must submit and pass a urine test to accept your position.