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Engine Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wildland Engine Boss

Usk, WA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Performs as a member of a fire crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and ... Qualified Engine Boss per NWCG * ICS 100 * ICS 200 * NIMS 700 * NIMS 800 Wildland Firefighter ...

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Engine Crew information

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$12

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$37

How much do engine crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for engine crew 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 as an engine crew member?

To excel as an Engine Crew member, you need a solid understanding of fire suppression techniques, physical stamina, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like chainsaws, pumps, radios, and certifications such as Red Card (Wildland Firefighter Certification) are typically required. Teamwork, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills are crucial for safety and effective operations in high-pressure environments. These skills are vital to ensure rapid, coordinated responses to wildland fires and to protect lives, property, and natural resources.

What are some common challenges faced by engine crew members, and how can they prepare for them?

Engine Crew members often work in physically demanding and high-pressure environments, especially during wildfire season or emergency response situations. Challenges include long hours, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and the need for rapid decision-making in unpredictable situations. To prepare, candidates should focus on building physical stamina, learning safety protocols thoroughly, and developing strong teamwork and communication skills, as collaboration is essential for effective operations and personal safety.

What is an engine crew?

An engine crew is a team of workers responsible for operating and maintaining firefighting vehicles, particularly fire engines, during wildfire or structural fire incidents. The crew typically includes an engine boss and several firefighters who respond to fires, perform fire suppression activities, and carry out routine vehicle maintenance. Engine crews play a vital role in initial attack operations and often work on the front lines to protect life, property, and natural resources. Their duties may also include patrolling fire areas, mopping up hotspots, and assisting with prescribed burns.

What is the difference between Engine Crew vs Firefighter?

AspectEngine CrewFirefighter
Required CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license often preferredFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license often required
Work EnvironmentFire engines, wildfire sites, emergency scenesFire scenes, rescue operations, emergency response
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, wildfire agenciesFire departments, emergency services

Engine Crew members are specialized firefighters trained to operate fire engines and respond to wildfires or structural fires. Firefighters have broader roles in various emergency situations. While both roles require similar certifications and work in emergency environments, Engine Crew members focus on fire suppression from fire engines, whereas Firefighters may perform a wider range of rescue and firefighting tasks.

More about Engine Crew jobs

What states have the most Engine Crew jobs?

States with the most job openings for Engine Crew jobs include:

Infographic showing various Engine Crew job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,925 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Wildland Engine Boss

Kalispel

Usk, WA โ€ข On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

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 in employment. It is the policy of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to give preference in hiring, promotions, and transfers into vacant positions to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Kalispel Tribal Members; 2) Descendant or Spouse of an enrolled Kalispel Tribal Member; 3) enrolled members of other Indian Tribes; 4) all other applicants. At-Will Employment: Employment with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is at-will and can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, either at the option of the employee or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Drug Testing: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a drug free work place. All applicants are subject to drug testing at the time of hire and at unannounced times during employment. Background Investigation: All candidates and employees may be subject to a background investigation.
Summary of Functions
Assist in the plan and coordinates activities of a combination fire department, including fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical services, disaster planning, and hazardous material mitigation by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate supervisors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Responds to Wildland Fire calls on the Kalispel Indian Reservation, Auto Aid and Mutual Aid jurisdictions.
  • Move out on wildland fires with KTFD Wildland engine crews.
  • Performs as a member of a fire crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and complexity of fires.
  • Moves dirt, chops brush, fells small trees, etc., to build fire line using hand tools such as axe, pulaski, shovel and McLeod, and power saws to control spreading wildland fire.
  • Patrols areas of controlled fire to "mop-up" by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material.
  • Operates specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.
  • May be assigned to other resource management activities such as fuels, recreation, timber or reforestation when not performing fire suppression duties.
  • Overnight travel will be required for fire suppression or fire related assignments.
  • Must be available 24/7 for fire assignment during fire season.
  • Must be available for up to 21 days per fire assignment not counting travel days.

Additional Functions
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervise assigned engine crew of up to 2 Wildland Firefighters.
Qualifications
  • Basic knowledge of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and the reservation.
  • Knowledge of basic computer skills.
  • Valid driver's license and be eligible for automobile insurance.
  • Qualified Engine Boss per NWCG
  • ICS 100
  • ICS 200
  • NIMS 700
  • NIMS 800

Wildland Firefighter Physical Requirements
  • Annual Pack test (3 miles, 45 pounds, 45 mins or less).
  • Pass the required BIA firefighter physical.

Certificates, Licenses, Regulations
  • Certified First Aid/ CPR, EMT preferred.
  • Washington State Boaters Safety card.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Position requires working on an engine crew, it is imperative that the WFF2 works well with others.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to smoke, moving mechanical parts, heat and dust. The worker is frequently subject to outside environmental conditions and to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands
This position is classed as an arduous fire position under the Interagency Wildfire Qualifications Standards.
Required to achieve an arduous rating on the "Pack Test", which requires you to walk 3 miles with a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and climb uneven terrain. The employee must regularly lift and/ or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
A firefighter's physical will be required annually.
Disclaimer: Certain Licenses and Certification requirements can be obtained once hired.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.