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Contract Wildland Firefighter information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do contract wildland firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract wildland firefighter in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract wildland firefighter?

Contract Wildland Firefighters are professionals who are hired by private companies under contract to assist government agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service or local fire departments, in fighting wildfires. They perform similar duties to agency-employed firefighters, including fire suppression, prevention, and containment, but are employed on a temporary or seasonal basis as needed. These firefighters undergo specialized training and must meet physical fitness and safety standards. Their work is vital during periods of high wildfire activity when additional personnel are required. Contract Wildland Firefighters often travel to different regions based on where their services are needed.

What does a contract wildland firefighter do?

Contract wildland firefighters are hired by federal, state, regional, and local land management departments on a short- or long-term contract basis to boost the staff available during high-risk fire seasons. Wildlands are areas that are not cultivated or populated with neighborhoods; many of these areas have lots of dry brush that are susceptible to fire during the summer. Many contract wildland firefighters work with several different municipalities, though some may work with their local fire department and be on-call for wildland fires. Land management departments begin the hiring process for wildland firefighters during the off-season to have them ready for work during the peak wildfire season for an area.

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

To thrive as a Contract Wildland Firefighter, you need physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of required wildland fire training such as S-130/S-190 and a Red Card certification. Familiarity with specialized equipment like chainsaws, firefighting hand tools, pumps, and GPS systems is crucial. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and resilience under pressure help firefighters perform effectively in dangerous and unpredictable environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safety, rapid response, and successful fire containment in challenging outdoor conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by contract wildland firefighters during fire season?

Contract wildland firefighters often face unpredictable and extended work hours, especially during peak fire season, which can make maintaining work-life balance challenging. The role requires adaptability to rapidly changing conditions, including shifts in fire behavior and weather patterns. Additionally, working in remote locations with limited resources and collaborating with multiple agencies can be demanding, but it helps develop strong teamwork and problem-solving skills. Staying physically fit and maintaining mental resilience are also essential for success in this fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Contract Wildland Firefighter vs Seasonal Wildland Firefighter?

AspectContract Wildland FirefighterSeasonal Wildland Firefighter
CredentialsFEMA certifications, S-130/S-190, First Aid/CPRSame as Contract Wildland Firefighter
Work EnvironmentVaries by contract, often remote, on-callSeasonal, often in national forests or parks
Employer & IndustryFederal, state agencies, private contractorsFederal agencies, national parks, forests

Both Contract Wildland Firefighters and Seasonal Wildland Firefighters typically hold similar certifications and work in wildfire suppression. The main difference lies in employment structure: contract firefighters are hired for specific projects or durations, while seasonal firefighters work during designated fire seasons. Both roles are vital in wildfire management and share similar work environments and employer types.

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Contract Wildland Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Wildland Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)

Sonora, CA • On-site

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

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The position serves as Fire Prevention Officer on a Forest Service unit. The primary purpose of this position involves planning and execution of fire prevention, suppression, and education programs.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the specific contact information.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.
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.
GW-08: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07).
Examples of specialized experience include: Provided technical expertise on fire protection and prevention/suppression issues; Made inspections of lands and buildings for compliance with Federal, State and local codes and Special Use permit requirements and contract provisions relating to fire precautions; Reviewed fire control plans and documents relating to fire prevention, detection, and hazard reduction, pre-suppression and suppression tactics and strategies; Assisted in the development, implementation and presentation of the role of fire in ecosystems management educational programs.
GW-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-08).
Examples of specialized experience include: Assisted in developing and executing plans to solve complex problems involving fire preparedness, fuels management, fire prevention, and/or training; Assisted the management of fire prevention and detection programs, scheduling staffing, maintenance and/or training; Assisted the development of fire control plans and/or documentation relating to fire pre-suppression, prevention, detection, suppression tactics and/or strategies.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8836 (c) (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 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

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