Bill > HR435

This bill aims to improve the hiring process for federal wildland firefighters and firefighting support personnel in the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior by creating a direct hire authority that allows these agencies to quickly appoint qualified candidates to specific firefighting-related positions without going through traditional federal hiring procedures. The bill defines nine specific job series that qualify for this streamlined hiring process, including roles like Forestry Technician, Aircraft Operation, and various support positions that are eligible for firefighter retirement coverage. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to develop policies within one year to reduce hiring time, eliminate redundancies in the hiring process, and make it easier for firefighters to transfer between agencies. The legislation also mandates annual reporting to Congressional committees, providing transparency by detailing anticipated hiring needs, current employment numbers, vacancies by state, and recommendations for improving recruitment and retention. By implementing these measures, the bill seeks to address workforce challenges in wildland firefighting and make the hiring process more efficient and responsive to the agencies' needs.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/435/all-info