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Contract Firefighter Jobs in Ridgeland, MS (NOW HIRING)

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Contract Firefighter information

See Ridgeland, MS salary details

$23.7K

$49.7K

$83.3K

How much do contract firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract firefighter in Ridgeland, MS is $49,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,900.00 and $57,500.00 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.

More about Contract Firefighter jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Ridgeland, MS?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Ridgeland, MS are:

What cities near Ridgeland, MS are hiring for Contract Firefighter jobs?

Cities near Ridgeland, MS with the most Contract Firefighter job openings:

Contract Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Firefighter job openings in Ridgeland, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,663 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager)

Jackson, MS • On-site

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service
See more jobs at Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Serviceexternal

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position manages permanent and temporary helibases, provides contract administration for, and plans and directs helicopter operations in support of, prescribed fire, fire suppression, emergency incidents and resource management functions.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section 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:
For the GW-08: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service; OR two full years (36 semester/ 54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/ 27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience: Provided input into long range and broad planning efforts to comply with USDA Forest Service policies, procedures, and objectives. Assessed readiness to meet short term project and emergency needs. Recommended forest aviation needs; ordered personnel, equipment, and supplies; directed and monitored aviation activities related to prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management. Completed and maintained reports and records for helicopter use.
For the GW-09: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service; OR two full years (36 semester/ 54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/ 27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience: Assisted in administering aircraft contracts, contract language changes, and in completing related reports, records, and payment documents. Assisted in planning and coordinating aviation support and helicopter personnel in support of prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management. Participated as an instructor or coordinator of fire aviation training programs.
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.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
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 MODERATE 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:See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.Employment Type: OTHER

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