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Dnr Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dnr Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do dnr firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for dnr 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 DNR firefighter?

DNR firefighters are specialized personnel employed by a state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to prevent, detect, and suppress wildfires, particularly in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. Their duties include fire prevention, responding to active fires, conducting controlled burns, and educating the public about fire safety. In addition to combating fires, DNR firefighters may also assist with disaster response, habitat restoration, and other land management activities. These roles often require physical fitness, specialized training, and a willingness to work in challenging outdoor conditions.

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

To thrive as a DNR Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of wildfire behavior, and basic fire suppression techniques, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized wildland firefighter training (such as NWCG S-130/S-190). Familiarity with fire weather prediction tools, GPS navigation devices, and chainsaws is typically required, and certifications like Red Card (Incident Qualification Card) are common. Outstanding teamwork, quick decision-making, and effective communication are essential soft skills for safety and collaboration during high-pressure incidents. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring effective wildfire response, protecting natural resources, and maintaining crew safety in challenging outdoor environments.

What is the difference between Dnr Firefighter vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectDnr FirefighterForest Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certification, CPR, First AidFirefighter certification, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentState-managed lands, wildfire suppression, emergency responseForests, wildfires, outdoor terrain
Employer & IndustryDepartment of Natural Resources, government agenciesForest services, wildfire agencies

Both Dnr Firefighters and Forest Firefighters require similar certifications and work in wildfire suppression, often on government lands. Dnr Firefighters typically work for state agencies managing natural resources, while Forest Firefighters focus specifically on forested areas. The roles overlap in skills and environment, but Dnr Firefighters may have broader responsibilities beyond firefighting, including resource management.

What are some common challenges DNR firefighters face during wildfire season, and how do teams typically address them?

During wildfire season, DNR Firefighters often encounter unpredictable fire behavior, extreme weather conditions, and long shifts in remote areas. One common challenge is coordinating with multiple agencies and adapting to rapidly changing environments. Teams address these challenges through rigorous training, clear communication channels, and regular safety briefings. Collaboration, both within the DNR unit and with local and federal partners, is essential to ensure effective response and firefighter safety.
More about Dnr Firefighter jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Dnr Firefighter jobs? The most popular types of Dnr Firefighter jobs are:
What states have the most Dnr Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Dnr Firefighter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dnr Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Park Superintendent 2 -- DNR/Parks & Recreation/Cabwaylingo State Forest, Wayne County

West Virginia

Charleston, WV • On-site

$41K - $71K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Nature of Work Classified/Classified-Exempt Position* Parks and Recreation/Cabwaylingo State Forest Employee in this position serves as the Assistant Superintendent and is responsible for the management, operation, maintenance, and protection of a state-operated facility providing recreational services for the public at Cabwaylingo State Forest. Current facilities on the 8,125 acres of Cabwaylingo State Forest: 15 CCC-era rental cabins; 100-person group camp with kitchen facilities and shower house; 2 campgrounds; concessions, Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) trail system and trail head; picnic areas with rentable shelters; playgrounds; hiking trails; and game courts. Employee is guided by statements of policy and outlined assignments to help ensure businesslike, efficient, and responsible management.

Employee is required to exercise considerable discretionary judgment and initiative in planning, directing, and participating in facility programs in the areas of building maintenance; equipment maintenance; grounds maintenance; housekeeping; sanitation; public relations; law enforcement; personnel management and training; resource management; conservation; preservation; public work programs; federal and state regulatory compliance; accounting; recordkeeping; revenue production; budget preparation and control; concession contract administration; public safety; and all related matters. Employee must have the ability to handle and resolve both written and verbal guest complaints in a manner reflecting a positive image for Cabwaylingo. Must have ability to use oral and written instructions in a clear and concise manner and to effectively prepare written reports and correspondence.

Employee will assist in training and management of all personnel. Because of the small staff, employee must be capable of performing and inspecting completed work in all areas of operation. Employee will learn State purchasing procedures and obtain a State Purchasing Card to facilitate operation of the forest.

Employee may be required to successfully complete required Special Natural Resources Police Officer (SNRPO) training and pistol qualification requirements as established by DNR Law Enforcement Section. SNRPO trainees will be required to pass a one-time background investigation, pre-employment polygraph examination, psychiatric evaluation, and physical examination. Employee may be assigned or directed to accept "off-facility" responsibilities or special assignments that will take the employee away from their principal area of assignment at Cabwaylingo State Forest including technical research projects, special events, supervision of satellite areas located within the region of the park, statewide temporary managerial assignments, firefighting, and law enforcement duties.

Employee must have certification or attend training and become a certified operator to perform work related to the operation of the water and wastewater treatment systems. Must be licensed or eligible to operate a motor vehicle. Employee is required to reside in an on-site Assistant Superintendent residence.

Employee will perform all related work as required. Employee required to wear the assigned superintendent uniform and follow all uniform standards. Regular attendance is a requirement of this position.

Performs related duties as assigned. The Agency reserves the right and authority to permanently transfer the employee holding this position to another position of equal classification and pay grade within and throughout the Parks and Recreation Section based on the business needs of the Agency. *If, at time of hire, the candidate possesses SNRPO certification, the candidate will be placed in a Classified position.

If the candidate does not possess SNRPO certification, the candidate will be placed in a Classified-Exempt position. Upon attaining SNRPO certification, the selected employee may apply and interview for posted positions in the classified service. Click The APPLY Link To Apply Online.

Minimum Qualifications Training: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. OR Substitution: Additional experience as described below may be substituted for the required training at a rate of one (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience per thirty (30) semester hours of coursework. AND Experience: Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience working at a park, in a natural resources related field, in the tourism or travel industry, or in the environmental industry, one (1) year of which must have been in a responsible administrative, supervisory or lead worker capacity.

Special Requirement: Must have a valid driver's license. May need to successfully complete required Special Natural Resources Police Officer training and pistol requirements as established by Law Enforcement Section, Division of Natural Resources. May need to pass periodic firearms qualification.

May need to pass an initial physical examination, psychological evaluation and a polygraph examination designed to determine applicant's fitness for Special Natural Resources Police Officer enforcement duties. Other Information SPECIAL APPROVED AGENCY SUBSTITUTION: 2 years of professional experience and/or military service will be substituted for the specific (preferred) experience listed above. PG: 15 $41,194 - $71,789 Market Rate: $63,870 Probational Period 1 year per SPB 2851 effective 06/27/2019.

Pay Differentials: Park Superintendents who serve as Defensive Tactics Training Instructors in the Special Natural Resources Police Officer Program will receive a shift differential of $100 per month effective February 1, 2014 (SPB 2647). Park Superintendents who are not provided an on-park residence will receive a stipend of $1,000 per month in lieu of housing effective June 1, 2012 (SPB 2601).