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Engine Boss Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engine Boss

Visalia, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Engine Boss (S-231) preferred * Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) * Completion and Certification of NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) Position Task Book (PMS 311-14) * Completion and ...

GFAR Engine Boss

Spokane, WA

$19 - $25.75/hr

The Engine Boss is in charge of a single fire engine and its crew, ensuring their safety during wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The ENGB manages the assigned engine and crew, reporting to the ...

GFAR Engine Boss

Spokane, WA ยท On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

The Engine Boss is in charge of a single fire engine and its crew, ensuring their safety during wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The ENGB manages the assigned engine and crew, reporting to the ...

GFAR Engine Boss

Spokane, WA ยท On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

The Engine Boss is in charge of a single fire engine and its crew, ensuring their safety during wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The ENGB manages the assigned engine and crew, reporting to the ...

GFAR Engine Boss

Spokane, WA ยท On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

The Engine Boss is in charge of a single fire engine and its crew, ensuring their safety during wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The ENGB manages the assigned engine and crew, reporting to the ...

GFAR Engine Boss

Spokane, WA ยท On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

The Engine Boss is in charge of a single fire engine and its crew, ensuring their safety during wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The ENGB manages the assigned engine and crew, reporting to the ...

Wildland Engine Boss

Usk, WA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Seasonal Wildland Engine Boss Hiring Preference: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference ...

NWCG qualification of Engine Boss (ENGB) and physical fitness level of Arduous per PMS310-1 must be obtained within one year of hire. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must ...

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Engine Boss information

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$12

$22

$37

How much do engine boss jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for engine boss in the United States is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Engine Boss position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engine Boss, you need strong leadership, wildfire suppression tactics, and incident command knowledge, often supported by NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) certification and relevant wildland firefighting experience. Familiarity with fire engines, communications equipment, and resource tracking systems is crucial. Excellent decision-making, clear communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital soft skills for leading a fire crew safely and effectively. These competencies ensure the safe, organized, and efficient management of crew and resources during wildfire incidents.

What does an engine boss do?

An engine boss is responsible for overseeing the operation and safety of the engine on a firefighting or industrial crew. They coordinate the engine crew, manage water or chemical flow, and ensure equipment is functioning properly during emergency or operational tasks. The role requires knowledge of firefighting techniques, equipment, and safety protocols.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Engine Boss in the field?

Engine Bosses frequently encounter rapidly changing fire conditions, requiring quick decision-making and adaptability to ensure crew safety and effective suppression tactics. Coordinating with multiple agencies, managing resources in rugged or remote environments, and maintaining clear communication under stress are common parts of the job. Engine Bosses are also responsible for the maintenance and readiness of fire engines and equipment throughout an incident. These challenges make the role both demanding and rewarding, as your leadership directly impacts crew safety and operational success.

Is 40 too old to be a wildland firefighter?

Engine bosses and wildland firefighters can be of various ages, and physical fitness, experience, and certifications like S-130 and S-190 are more important than age. Many firefighters work into their 40s and beyond, provided they maintain good health and meet the job's physical demands. Age alone does not disqualify someone from becoming or continuing as a wildland firefighter.

How to become an engine boss?

To become an engine boss, typically one must have extensive experience operating and managing engines, often gained through working as an engine operator or mechanic. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the industry, and strong knowledge of machinery, safety protocols, and leadership skills are essential.

What is the highest paying wildland firefighter job?

The highest paying wildland firefighter job is typically the Fire Boss or Incident Commander, who oversee large-scale fire operations and may earn higher wages due to increased responsibility and experience. These roles often require advanced certifications, leadership skills, and extensive field experience, with salaries varying based on agency, location, and fire season demands.

What does an Engine Boss do?

An Engine Boss is a supervisory wildland firefighting position responsible for leading a fire engine crew during wildfire suppression and mitigation efforts. They manage resources, ensure crew safety, and coordinate with other firefighting teams to contain and control fires. Engine Bosses also oversee equipment maintenance, conduct training, and implement firefighting strategies based on fire behavior and environmental conditions. Their role is critical in ensuring efficient and safe wildfire response.

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What cities are hiring for Engine Boss jobs? Cities with the most Engine Boss job openings:
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What states have the most Engine Boss jobs? States with the most job openings for Engine Boss jobs include:
Engine Boss

$19 - $26/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

About Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc.
Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. ("WDS") is a Qualified Insurance Resource (QIR) operating the largest private sector wildfire service in the nation, encompassing a 22-state service area and specializing in wildfire education, loss prevention, and wildfire response services. Qualified Insurance Resources are defined as NWCG qualified or equivalent, wildland engines, tenders, hand crews, fire/liaison officers, and personnel working for or contracted by an insurance company with a mission to mitigate impacts on insured structures threatened by wildfire. WDS holds contracts with insurance companies to provide wildfire loss prevention services. WDS fields experienced, highly trained, safety-focused wildfire officers and fire personnel that hold a wide range of Federal Wildfire Incident Command position classifications necessary to meet or exceed all federal wildfire operation standards and codes including all requirements of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group ("NWCG") or equivalent. WDS is capable of providing more than 180 wildland engines and hundreds of fire personnel and support personnel. WDS has served large and small insurance clients since 2008.
WE'RE HIRING FOR THE 2026 FIRE SEASON!
Our firefighters are the heartbeat of our company, and we make it a priority to take care of you and your family. As an employer of choice our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive, and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth, and development for every employee. Join our team and together we will make a difference that changes the world of wildfire.
By Joining Wildfire Defense Systems:
  • You will be a part of the largest expansion of wildfire services currently occurring
  • You will play an active part in shaping your career journey through our unique Grade and Step system
  • You will help provide wildfire services across 22 states and Canada
  • You are guaranteed a 13/13 or 10/16 schedule

Engine Boss
The Engine Boss leads a single fire engine and attached personnel and is responsible for their safety on wildland incidents. The ENGB supervises assigned engine and personnel and reports to a WDS supervisor, Strike Team Leader/Task Force Leader, Liaison, senior Engine Boss, or another assigned supervisor.
Required Qualifications
  • Introduction to ICS (ICS-100)
  • Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (L-180)
  • Firefighter Training (S-130 - Field Day Required)
  • Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190)
  • NIMS: An Introduction (IS-700)
  • Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) (RT-130)
  • Firefighter Type 1 (S-131)
  • Crew Boss (Single Resource) (S-230)
  • Engine Boss (S-231) preferred
  • Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)
  • Completion and Certification of NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) Position Task Book (PMS 311-14)
  • Completion and Certification of NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Task Book (PMS 311-13)
  • Ability to pass a WCT (Work Capacity Test/Pack Test) at Arduous Level (Complete a 3 mile walk wearing a 45- pound pack in less than 45 minutes)
  • Employees must be 21 years of age or older.
  • DOT Medical Examiner's Certification (will be authorized by employer for qualified individuals)
  • Current driver's license with acceptable driving record
  • ENGBs hired after 9/19/2024 must have a valid passport and be willing and able to work in both the U.S. and Canada

What WDS Provides to Field Employees
  • Both career full time seasonal positions and advancement opportunities for career full time annual positions
  • Full NWCG compliant engines and tenders
  • Ability to maintain and advance NWCG qualifications
  • Task books can transfer to future career positions
  • Daily diversity of tasks
  • Work center-based locations when not deployed on fire assignments or on-call assignments
  • Career advancement from FFT2-FFT1-ENGB-TFLD
  • Competitive wages exceeding federal standards
  • Overtime opportunities

What Benefits Are Provided to Eligible Firefighters
  • Medical, dental, & vision insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Access to Teladoc
  • Paid time off plus 48-hours of sick leave per year
  • 9-Paid company holidays
  • 401(k)
  • WDS contributes 3% to a Safe Harbor retirement plan with no employee match required
  • Company paid life insurance ($300K for Field Operations Employees)
  • Company paid AD&D ($300K for Field Operations Employees)
  • Company paid short-term and long-term disability
  • Voluntary life & accident insurance
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs
  • Employee discounts through Life Mart and Expert Voice

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Federal Law under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) requires drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles engaged in interstate commerce must be at least 21 years of age. For this reason, applicants for this position must be at least 21 years of age to be considered.
The pay range for this role is:
39.53 - 51.41 USD per hour (Visalia, CA)