First off I want to give a congrats to everyone getting started on your career. Solid agency. Work hard and good things will happen.
Secondly, I really hope federal leadership is reading this thread. To those GS13, 14, 15 and above who report to your high paying positions daily with your head in the sand, only caring about your next paycheck and not out in front and fighting on behalf of your federal wildland firefighters, you should know that you’re not part of the problem, you’re the problem.
Why pay and benefits is not on your daily agenda at this point is disgusting. You’re hiding your embarrassing numbers from the public. Lack of quality applicants. Many engines and crews with several vacant holes to fill even after a hiring round. Engines backed into garages, still unable to staff.
Get your act together feds, stand up and fight for pay and benefits for your Wildland firefighters or go away and let someone else lead.
Apologies for this interruption and again congratulations to all those getting started with your firefighting career.