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Crew Boss Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Crew Boss information

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How much do crew boss jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for crew boss in the United States is $13.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a crew boss?

Crew Bosses are supervisory personnel responsible for managing a crew, often in wildland firefighting or other field operations. They oversee the safety, welfare, and performance of their crew members, ensure tasks are completed efficiently, and act as the main point of communication between their team and higher-level management. Crew Bosses are trained in leadership, safety protocols, and technical skills relevant to their field. Their role is critical in coordinating field operations and maintaining the safety and effectiveness of the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crew boss, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crew Boss, you need strong leadership abilities, wildfire suppression experience, and completion of relevant training such as S-230 (Crew Boss) and S-290 (Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior). Familiarity with fireline tools, GPS units, and incident command systems is essential, along with certifications like NWCG Crew Boss qualification. Effective communication, decision-making under pressure, and team coordination are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring crew safety, operational efficiency, and successful wildfire management in high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges a crew boss faces while overseeing field operations, and how can these be managed effectively?

A Crew Boss often encounters challenges such as coordinating team members with different experience levels, adapting to rapidly changing conditions, and ensuring safety compliance in high-pressure environments. Effective communication and strong leadership are essential for addressing these issues, as is staying organized and proactive about identifying potential hazards. Regular training and fostering a culture of teamwork help Crew Bosses manage their crews efficiently and maintain high safety standards.

What is the difference between Crew Boss vs Firefighter?

AspectCrew BossFirefighter
Required CertificationsFireline Safety, Crew Boss CertificationFirefighter Certification, Basic Wildland Fire Courses
Work EnvironmentLeading crews in wildland fire suppression, outdoor terrainsResponding to fires, outdoor terrains, emergency scenes
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state agencies, firefighting crewsFire departments, emergency services, wildland firefighting

While both roles are involved in wildfire response, a Crew Boss primarily leads and manages firefighting crews, focusing on safety and strategy, whereas a Firefighter actively participates in suppression efforts. The Crew Boss holds specific leadership certifications and oversees operations, making their responsibilities more managerial within the firefighting team.

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What job categories do people searching Crew Boss jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Crew Boss jobs are:

Infographic showing various Crew Boss job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,317 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Lead Wildland Firefighter (IHC Squad Leader)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Greybull, WY โ€ข On-site

$57K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

These positions are located on a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position serves as a Squad Leader on an Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC). The primary purpose of these positions is to lead a small crew of highly effective and trained firefighters in wildland fire suppression and wildland urban interface/intermix 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.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-06 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-05) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Served on a fire suppression crew under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain; Performed many technical specializations such as felling, saw repair, long line, rappelling, or water handling used in fire suppression and prescribed burning.
For the GW-07 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-06) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience include may include: Independently practiced methods and procedures associated with wildfire suppression to resolve a full range of irregular or problem situations when suppressing wildland fires; Certified in one or many wildland firefighting technical specializations such as tree felling, helicopter operations, crew boss, incident commander type 5 which are used in fire suppression and prescribed burning; Served on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) or assigned to lead fire suppression under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Crew Boss (CRWB) and successfully completed the NWCG Course Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) 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) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM 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.
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 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