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Contract Firefighter Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Contract Firefighter information

See Oregon salary details

$30.1K

$63K

$105.7K

How much do contract firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract firefighter in Oregon is $63,021.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract firefighter?

Contract firefighters are trained professionals who work for private companies that provide firefighting services to government agencies, military bases, industrial sites, or remote locations on a contract basis. Unlike municipal firefighters employed directly by a city or town, contract firefighters are hired by organizations to fulfill specific needs, such as wildfire suppression, emergency response, or fire protection in areas without their own fire departments. They often work under fixed-term agreements and may be deployed to various locations based on demand.

What does a contract firefighter do?

Similar to any other firefighter, a contract firefighter fulfills a variety of emergency response and rescue responsibilities but on a contractual basis. Your specific duties depend on the type of firefighting you do. Many contract firefighters work in wildland firefighting, where you work to prevent or control burns in wildland areas. Many federal and state agencies contract firefighters to work throughout the wildfire season. You can also find work with for private insurance companies. In this position, your job is to protect any property or building that has insurance under your employer. Some contract firefighters work overseas, supplementing a foreign fire service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract firefighter?

To thrive as a Contract Firefighter, you need comprehensive training in fire suppression, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials handling, typically supported by relevant certifications such as Firefighter I/II and EMT. Familiarity with firefighting apparatus, rescue tools, and incident management systems is crucial for effective performance. Exceptional teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure effective emergency response, safety, and operational efficiency during critical incidents.

What are some unique challenges contract firefighters face compared to municipal firefighters?

Contract firefighters often work in diverse environments, such as industrial sites, remote locations, or military bases, which can present unique hazards and require specialized training. They may need to adapt quickly to different team structures and protocols based on the client or location. Additionally, contract positions can involve variable schedules and shorter-term assignments, so flexibility and strong communication skills are essential. Building rapport with new teams and maintaining readiness for a range of emergencies are key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Contract Firefighter vs Full-Time Firefighter?

AspectContract FirefighterFull-Time Firefighter
CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT license often requiredFirefighter certification, EMT license often required
Work EnvironmentTemporary or seasonal assignments, variable hoursFull-time, permanent position with regular hours
Employment StatusContractual, short-term or project-basedPermanent, benefits included
Job StabilityLess stable, dependent on contractsMore stable with benefits and job security

Contract Firefighters typically work on temporary or seasonal basis, often with shorter contracts and less job stability. Full-Time Firefighters hold permanent positions with consistent hours and benefits. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but employment terms differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Firefighter jobs in Oregon?

For Contract Firefighter jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Contract Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Contract Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Firefighter job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,021 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

John Day, OR โ€ข On-site

$72K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

These positions are located on a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The incumbent serves as a first line supervisor of a crew of helitack personnel/firefighters that are established to provide fast initial attack, and large fire support and utilizes helicopters in support of all types of incidents.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional Contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
GW-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Oversaw helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions; Provided detailed instructions on incident objectives, situations, and tactics to pilots, crews, and dispatchers; Planned and coordinated complex air operations using numerous helicopter models, capabilities and limitations, including remote, isolated work locations; Developed specific aerial ignition plans for burning projects after analyzing conditions.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Helibase Manager (HEBM) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER