Why Do 80% of Federal Fire Applications Get Rejected?
Step-by-step guides built from real OPM job requirements, USAJobs postings, and federal hiring data. Everything you need to land a government fire service job.
Federal Applications Are Unforgiving
One missing certification, one wrong GS series code, one improperly formatted federal resume — and your application is automatically screened out. HR never sees it. You never get a call. Most applicants don't even know what went wrong.
Don't Learn These Lessons the Hard Way
You listed "Firefighter I" but the posting required "NFPA 1001 Firefighter I" — auto-rejected.
Your resume was 2 pages. Federal resumes need 4-6 pages with hours/week, supervisor names, and duty descriptions.
You applied as GS-7 but didn't know you qualified for GS-9 with your degree — you left $12,000/year on the table.
You didn't know the agency uses KSA narratives — your application had zero.
Our Guides Eliminate the Guesswork
Every guide is built from actual OPM qualification standards, real USAJobs postings, and verified GS series requirements. Exact certifications, correct resume format, real interview questions — nothing left to chance.
What's Inside Every Guide
Individual Guides
$19.99 each — or get all 11 for $69.99
Firefighter Hiring Guide
The definitive guide to landing a federal firefighter position. GS-0081 series, CPAT, fire academy, and 15+ hiring agencies.
- GS-0081 series requirements & grade ladder (GS-4 to GS-12)
- CPAT prep, fire academy breakdown, EMT-B certification path
- 15+ federal agencies that hire firefighters (DoD, USFS, NPS, VA)
- Interview scenarios, 30-day action plan & pre-application checklist
Paramedic Hiring Guide
Everything you need for a federal paramedic career. GS-0640 series, NREMT-P certification, clinical scenarios, and 10+ agencies.
- GS-0640 series requirements & grade ladder (GS-5 to GS-11)
- NREMT-P, ACLS, PALS, PHTLS & AMLS certification roadmap
- 10+ federal agencies: DoD, VA, NPS, USCP, CBP/BORSTAR, BOP
- Clinical scenario interview prep & 30-day action plan
EMT Hiring Guide
Your entry point into federal EMS. GS-0640 series, NREMT-B certification, and the fastest path into emergency services.
- GS-0640 entry-level requirements (GS-4 to GS-7)
- NREMT-B certification prep & exam breakdown
- Federal agencies hiring EMTs: DoD, VA, NPS, BOP, USCP, DHS
- Resume samples, interview prep & pathway to paramedic
Wildland Firefighter Hiring Guide
Federal wildland fire careers with USFS, BLM, NPS, BIA & FWS. Pack Test, Red Card, S-courses, and Tim's Act pay.
- GS-0462 Forestry Technician series & seasonal-to-permanent path
- Pack Test prep, Red Card, S-130/S-190 & S-courses breakdown
- USFS, BLM, NPS, BIA, FWS — agency comparison & hiring cycles
- Tim's Act supplemental pay, PFT to PFE career ladder
Fire Inspector Hiring Guide
Monday-to-Friday fire prevention career. NFPA 1031, Plans Examiner, building inspections, and path to Fire Marshal.
- GS-0081 series, Inspector I/II/III certification levels
- NFPA 1031, fire code mastery & Plans Examiner pathway
- Federal agencies: DoD, GSA, VA, NPS, DHS hiring inspectors
- M-F schedule, less physical demands, strong job security
Fire Investigator Hiring Guide
ATF, federal law enforcement, and forensic fire investigation. NFPA 921/1033, LEAP pay, and Top Secret clearance.
- GS-1811 (Criminal Investigator) for ATF + GS-0081 for non-LE roles
- NFPA 921/1033, IAAI-FIT & CFEI certification roadmap
- LEAP pay (25% premium), Top Secret clearance, polygraph prep
- Evidence collection, court testimony & forensic science skills
911 Dispatcher Hiring Guide
Federal dispatch careers. CritiCall test prep, EMD/APCO certifications, shift differentials, and 24/7 operations.
- GS-2151 Dispatching series (GS-4 to GS-9)
- CritiCall test breakdown — all 8 modules with prep strategies
- EMD, APCO PST1, NIMS/ICS certifications explained
- Shift differentials (7.5-10%), 24/7 rotating schedule details
Fire Marshal Hiring Guide
Senior fire prevention leadership. CFM designation, EFO program, NFPA code policy, and GS-11 to GS-14 positions.
- GS-0081 senior positions (GS-11 to GS-14)
- CFM designation, EFO program & executive fire officer track
- NFPA code mastery, policy development & legislative advocacy
- Leadership/management focus with 10-15 year career path
HAZMAT Technician Hiring Guide
CBRNE response, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120, Level A suit operations. DOE Q clearance and 25% hazard pay.
- GS-0081/GS-0028/GS-1301 series across multiple agencies
- OSHA 1910.120, CBRNE, Level A suit operations certification
- DOE, DoD, EPA, DHS, FEMA — agency-specific requirements
- DOE Q clearance process & 25% hazard pay details
Fire Chief Hiring Guide
Executive-level fire service positions. GS-12 to SES, EFO, CFO (CPSE), ICS-400, and $86K-$191K+ compensation.
- GS-0081 executive positions (GS-12 to GS-15/SES)
- EFO, CFO (CPSE), ICS-400 & executive education requirements
- 6(c) retirement, $86K-$191K+ compensation packages
- Strategic leadership, budget management & political navigation
Volunteer Firefighter Hiring Guide
Join your local volunteer department. Free training, LOSAP pensions, tax breaks, and pathway to a paid career.
- How to find and join a volunteer department near you
- Free training programs: FF I/II, EMT-B, Hazmat Awareness
- LOSAP pensions, tax breaks & volunteer benefits by state
- Pathway from volunteer to paid career firefighter
Who Are These Guides For?
Transitioning to fire service from another field? Each guide maps the exact steps from zero to hired.
Looking to specialize or promote? Guides cover lateral moves, certifications, and advancement paths.
Your service gives you an edge. Guides detail how to translate military experience to federal fire roles.
Complete Fire Service Career Bundle
All 11 career guides in one package. Every federal fire service role covered — from entry-level EMT to Fire Chief. Save over 65% vs buying individually.
- All 11 hiring guides (200+ pages total)
- Every federal fire service role covered
- Lifetime access — download anytime, updated free
Frequently Asked Questions
What format are the guides?
All guides are delivered as downloadable files you can read on any device — computer, tablet, or phone. Print them out or read digitally.
Are these based on real federal job requirements?
Yes. Every guide is built from actual OPM qualification standards, USAJobs postings, and current GS pay scales. We reference real GS series codes, actual certification requirements, and verified agency hiring data.
What's the difference between the free career pages and the paid guides?
The free career pages on our site give you an overview. The paid guides go much deeper — 12 full chapters with resume samples, interview scenarios, certification roadmaps, 30-day action plans, infographics, and checklists you can print and use.
Is the bundle worth it?
Absolutely. The bundle includes all 11 guides for $69.99 — that's 68% off the individual price of $219.89. If you're exploring multiple career paths or want comprehensive coverage, it's the best value.
Ready to Start Your Fire Service Career?
Get all 11 hiring guides for one low price. Everything you need to land your dream job in federal fire service.