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Entry Level Wildfire Mitigation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Wildfire Mitigation information

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$17

$33

$54

How much do entry level wildfire mitigation jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level wildfire mitigation in the United States is $33.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.92 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Wildfire Mitigation worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Wildfire Mitigation worker, you need basic knowledge of fire behavior, vegetation management, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with hand tools, chainsaws, GPS devices, and incident management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safe, efficient mitigation activities that protect communities from wildfire risks.

What are some common challenges an entry-level wildfire mitigation specialist might face in the field?

Entry-level wildfire mitigation specialists often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions and rugged terrain. They must quickly learn to identify wildfire risks in diverse environments, communicate effectively with property owners and team members, and adhere to strict safety protocols. Balancing the need for thorough risk assessments with the urgency of mitigation tasks can also be demanding, but these experiences offer valuable learning and growth opportunities within the field.

What are entry level wildfire mitigation jobs?

Entry level wildfire mitigation jobs involve helping to reduce the risk and impact of wildfires. These positions often include tasks such as clearing brush, creating defensible space around structures, maintaining firebreaks, and conducting community outreach about fire safety. Workers may also assist with controlled burns, operate equipment, and support more experienced wildfire professionals. These roles are essential for protecting communities and natural resources from wildfire threats, and typically require physical labor, safety training, and a willingness to work outdoors in various conditions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Wildfire Mitigation vs Entry Level Fire Inspector?

AspectEntry Level Wildfire MitigationEntry Level Fire Inspector
Required CertificationsBasic wildfire safety and mitigation training, possibly some certifications in forestry or environmental scienceFire safety certifications, such as Fire Inspector I or II, and local licensing
Work EnvironmentOutdoor work in forests, wildland-urban interface areas, and community settingsIndoor inspections, community assessments, and some outdoor site visits
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, forestry services, environmental organizationsFire departments, municipal agencies, and safety organizations

While both roles focus on fire safety, Entry Level Wildfire Mitigation emphasizes preventing wildfires through community education and vegetation management outdoors. In contrast, Entry Level Fire Inspector involves inspecting buildings and facilities for fire code compliance indoors. Understanding these differences helps job seekers align their skills and certifications with their career goals in fire safety.

More about Entry Level Wildfire Mitigation jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Wildfire Mitigation jobs? The most popular types of Wildfire Mitigation jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Wildfire Mitigation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Wildfire Mitigation jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Wildfire Mitigation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,055 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Program Manager, Wildfire Preparedness Program (Antelope Valley)

CORE Community Organized Relief Effort

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$77.34K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description
The Wildfire Preparedness Program Manager will co-lead the execution of a major grant in partnership with a local San Gabriel Valley community-based organization. This role includes strategic project management of various initiatives, such as education and targeted outreach for preparedness, home assessment, defensible space and fuel reduction. The Program Manager will provide leadership and supervision to Program Coordinators and other staff, acting as the main point of contact in the region. In addition, the Program Manager will work closely with CORE CA's Community & Environmental Equity's Area Manager to review weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks and milestones to achieve the goals of the program.
This position may also be designated as a resource for national deployment to aid in various disaster scenarios as part of CORE's Emergency Response Team.
We require all employees to comply with our Mandatory Vaccination Policy. As a condition of employment individuals will be asked to provide proof of compliance.
Antelope Valley residents highly encouraged to apply.
Requirements
Responsibilities:
  • Lead CORE's design and implementation of an upstart wildfire preparedness program in San Gabriel Valley
  • Act as the primary liaison with the local partners, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders.
  • Guide the vision, development, and delivery of wildfire preparedness education and outreach programs, specifically aimed at the region's most vulnerable and rural populations.
  • Manage relationships with a wide array of local, county and state stakeholders, fostering effective partnerships and community involvement.
  • Manage the program's administrative and data support needs, ensuring compliance, data integrity, and effective tracking of key metrics and resources.
  • Oversee the creation, presentation, and distribution of engaging and comprehensive wildfire preparedness educational materials and presentations.
  • Guide the inventory management of tools, equipment, supplies, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all local, state, and federal emergency alert systems, fire weather warnings, weather radar/winds and assist the community in understanding and becoming active users of these resources.
  • Supervise and mentors Program Coordinators and other entry-level staff and volunteers, providing guidance, knowledge, and support.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Scope & Travel:
  • Supervise 1-2 Wildfire Preparedness Program Coordinators.
  • Supervise other staff (such as California Emergency Response Corp Fellows and volunteers) as assigned.
  • Significant travel within the Antelope Valley communities. Travel also includes within Southern California for work meetings, trainings, conferences, and field operations.
  • Weekend availability for occasional events and community engagement

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in wildfire management, emergency management, environmental science, forestry, or a related field, OR equivalent professional experience in wildfire mitigation or disaster preparedness. A master's degree is preferred.
  • Relevant certifications such as Wildland Firefighter/Field Crew, Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist or Project Management Professional (PMP) are preferred, and equivalent experience will be considered.
  • Proficiency in creating and delivering presentations to a variety of audiences in different environments.
  • Proficiency in a second language such as Spanish, Mandarin and/or Cantonese (preferred.)

Experience:
  • Minimum 3 years in the field of disaster preparedness, environmental health, or climate science/resilience.
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in program management, wildfire mitigation or disaster preparedness, with a record of effective team leadership.
  • Proven experience in community outreach and education, especially with vulnerable populations.
  • Proficient in high-level project and people management.
  • Demonstrable ability to assess communities' highest wildfire risk areas and develop robust outreach and targeting training in Wildfire Preparedness.
  • Experience in inventory management of tools, equipment, and PPE.
  • Familiarity with the Antelope Valley and its specific wildfire risks and community dynamics.
  • Demonstrated experience with preparing and managing grant funded budgets. Ability to make decisions and pivot based on budget fluctuations.
  • Familiarity with community-based organizations in Antelope Valley.

Skills & Competencies:
  • Deep understanding of wildfire home assessment and defensible space best practices.
  • Proficiency in data management, with an emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with experience presenting to diverse audiences.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of local emergency alert systems and fire weather warnings and fire behavior.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and a high level of output.
  • Proficient in MS Office applications and ESRI GIS Suite.
  • Work proactively with little supervision.
  • Flexible and adaptive to a frequently changing environment
  • Strong project management, leadership, and organizational skills.