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.

What additional forms might be required? 

  • If claiming Indian Preference in your application, 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.

What other resources can help me with my job application? 

I’ve been selected for a fire position. What do I need now?

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

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. 

Additional Information

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Division of Wildland Fire Management
National Interagency Fire Center, 3383 S. Development Ave
Boise, ID 83705