Applicant/Incumbant Wildland Firefighter (WLFF)

New Exam Process

Notifies FMO if medical condition changes. If the WLFF develops a change in medical status (injury or illness) between yearly medical exams that prevents them from performing arduous duty lasting longer than three consecutive weeks, contact the DOI MSP at wlffcsr@blm.gov or call 888-286-2521.

• Exam Matrix
• Exam Packet
• Exam Process Flowchart
• Medical Review Officer (MRO) Review Job Aid
• Risk Mitigation 15 day extension
• Clearance Status Definitions

Attends exam with required information/items

• Confirm exam payment arrangements with FMO or SHRO before your exam
• Completed and signed exam paperwork
• Photo ID
• Corrective lenses (if applicable)
• Bring pertinent medical information for existing medical issues
  • Supporting documents from personal physician
• Ensure all appropriate testing listed on the exam form is completed at the time of your exam
• Return your completed exam to your FMO or SHRO
• Ensure you receive a "Cleared" determination at the time of exam before you take the Work Capacity Test (WCT)
• Inform your FMO if your medical status (injury or illness) changes between medical exams

1st Level Risk Mitigation/Waiver Process

1. Receives the opportunity memo (1.2_Initial_Letter_to_WLFF) from Servicing Human Resources Office (SHRO).
2. Responds within 5 days of receiving letter
   • Chooses to Opt out (1.2b) or,
   • Chooses to participate in the 1st level Risk Mitigation/Waiver Process
     If needed, requests from the FMO a 15 day Extension (1.2a_2.2b)
     Participates in the Interactive Risk Assessment Process with the FMO and SHRO
3. Gathers supporting documentation (up to 14 days allowed for response) - Relevant experience history and training in wildland firefighting or equivalent.
   • Photocopy of your qualification/red card.
   • Description of current and/or previous work experience pertinent to arduous duty.
   • Attach a copy of your Responder Master Record from IQCS.
   • IQCS Record: If your training/experience is incomplete, be sure and document thoroughly (e.g. Course # and/or description and date of training, and /or additional documentation.)
   • Include any outside pertinent information that may support arduous duty
   • Measures used to mitigate the risk of your medical condition(s) (e.g. Hearing - sit in front of the room when participating in meetings; wear protection whenever exposed to loud prolonged noises such as chainsaws, helicopters, and pumps.)
4. Drafts the Risk Mitigation/Waiver memo with the FMO and SHRO
   Reviews advice from Wildland Fire Safety Program Manager (WFSPM) with the SHRO and FMO, and makes revisions to the Risk Mitigation/Waiver memo if needed.
5. Receives one of the following MO Decision memos from the SHRO
   • Acceptable Risk decision memo
   • Agrees to Acceptable Risk or Risk with Conditions
     
6. Signs decision memo and responds back to SHRO within 10 days(1.9b)
   • Unacceptable Risk decision memo
7. Chooses not to participate in 2nd level Risk Mitigation/Waiver Process, or
   • Notifies SHRO of intention to participate in 2nd level Risk Mitigation/Waiver Process (DOI MRB) within 15 days of 1st level determination(1.9c)
8. 2nd level Risk Mitigation/Waiver Process (DOI MRB)
   • If needed, requests from the FMO a 10 day Extension (1.2a_2.2b)
   • Sends to SHRO within 10 days any additional supporting documentation not included in your 1st level review packet
   • Additional medical information should be sent directly to DOI MSP at fax #(208) 433-6423.
   • Receives Decision Memo from MO (Management Official)
   • If applicable, receives notification of status change from DOI MSP