Peters Cosponsors Bill Supporting Career Advancement for Firefighters, Land Management Employees
Legislation Allows Seasonal Employees, Including Firefighters, to Compete for Vacant Permanent Positions
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he has cosponsored legislation that allows experienced seasonal land management employees, such as firefighters, to compete for open permanent positions in the federal workforce. The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act would provide career advancement opportunities to qualified temporary workers by removing barriers in the current hiring system and expanding the pool of qualified candidates for job vacancies.
“It is essential that we have the most experienced firefighters and land management employees on the frontlines protecting our ecosystem from dangers such as wildfires,” said Senator Peters. “This legislation will provide career advancement opportunities for experienced temporary employees in Michigan and across the country, promoting job stability for those who know our terrain best.”
A number of seasonal workers are employed on a temporary basis, and many of these employees return season after season, gaining valuable experience each year. However, when permanent positions open, these employees are blocked from applying due to technicalities in the hiring process. The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act allows temporary seasonal employees with 24 months of good performance to compete for vacant permanent positions under the same merit promotion procedures available to other federal employees. It also exempts experienced seasonal firefighters from the age limit for entry into permanent firefighting jobs.
Numerous groups have announced support for this legislation, including the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the National Association of Government Employees, the Association of National Park Rangers, and the National Federation of Federal Employees.
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