Contact: Terry Seyden, 828-257-4202

 

 

USDA Forest Service to Host Job Fairs for New Firefighting Positions

 

ASHEVILLE, Jan. 11, 2001 – The USDA Forest Service will hold “Job Fairs” this month in Franklin, NC, and Asheville, NC, to provide information about a number of new firefighting jobs now available across the country.

 

In response to the severe fire season of 2000 and recent legislation signed by President Clinton, the Forest Service will hire approximately 3,500 employees in firefighting positions over the next several months.  About thirty of these jobs may be in North Carolina.

 

Up to 1,000 of the positions will be permanent while the rest will be temporary or seasonal, lasting up to six months per year.  Most of the 3,500 jobs will be entry-level forestry aids and technician jobs assigned to firefighting positions and some positions will require more specialized knowledge and skills. To apply, one must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older and may have to pass a physical-fitness test.

 

Applications and additional information regarding the new firefighting jobs are available at http://www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs.  Specific job announcements are also posted on the OPM website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/a9.htm.      Individuals can request applications via an automated, toll-free telephone number, (877) 813-3476, by sending an e-mail to fsjobs@fs.fed.us, or by contacting the Forest Service personnel office in Asheville, NC, at 828-257-4380.

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The Job Fairs will be conducted in an informal, “open house” style.  Forest Service personnel specialists will be available to answer questions and explain how to apply for the firefighting jobs on national forests across the country, including North Carolina. 

 

Times and locations for the Job Fairs are as follows:

 

 

For more information contact the USDA Forest Service personnel office in Asheville, NC at 828-257-4380

 

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