ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Wildland Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of South Carolina

Wildland Firefighter

Columbia, SC · On-site

$34K - $36K/yr

Job Responsibilities The Responsibilities of the Wildland Firefighter: Under direct supervision ... Must complete CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory training within 15 working days of hire ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWildland Firefighter JobsEntry Level Wildland Firefighter Jobs

Entry Level Wildland Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do entry level wildland firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level wildland 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Wildland Firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Wildland Firefighter, you need physical fitness, basic knowledge of fire behavior, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with completion of wildland fire training such as S-130/S-190. Familiarity with tools and equipment like chainsaws, hand tools, and radio communication systems is essential, and Red Card certification is often required. Teamwork, resilience under stress, and strong situational awareness are critical soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure effective fire suppression, safety in hazardous environments, and efficient collaboration with firefighting crews.

What are some common challenges entry level wildland firefighters face during their first fire season?

Entry level wildland firefighters often encounter physically demanding conditions, long shifts in remote locations, and rapidly changing weather that can affect fire behavior. Adjusting to the strict safety protocols, team-based communication, and the mental stress of hazardous environments are also common challenges. However, these challenges are balanced by strong camaraderie within the crew and support from experienced team members, helping new firefighters adapt quickly and develop essential skills.

What are entry level wildland firefighters?

Entry level wildland firefighters are trained personnel who help control and extinguish wildfires, typically working outdoors in forests, grasslands, or other natural areas. They are responsible for tasks such as building fire lines, using hand tools and firefighting equipment, and supporting more experienced crew members. These firefighters often work long hours in physically demanding and sometimes hazardous conditions. Entry level roles are a common starting point for those interested in a firefighting career and require completion of specific training programs, such as the S-130/S-190 courses.

What is the difference between Entry Level Wildland Firefighter vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectEntry Level Wildland FirefighterForest Firefighter
Required CertificationsBasic wildland fire certifications (e.g., S-130, S-190)Similar certifications, often the same as wildland firefighters
Work EnvironmentForests, national parks, wildland areasForests, national parks, and rural areas
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, and local agencies involved in wildfire suppressionGovernment agencies, forestry services, and conservation organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Entry Level Wildland Firefighters and Forest Firefighters often share similar roles, certifications, and work environments. Both positions involve wildfire suppression in forested areas and are employed by government agencies. The main difference is often in terminology used by different agencies or regions, but their responsibilities and qualifications are largely overlapping.

What Does an Entry-Level Wildland Firefighter Do?

As an entry-level wildland firefighter, your job is to learn the principles of fire readiness and how to respond appropriately in emergencies. In this training role, you may learn water handling, practice with firefighting equipment, and extinguish fires in controlled scenarios to develop your skills. Entry-level wildland firefighters also develop and maintain physical fitness, travel extensively with existing crews, participate in training courses, and walk long distances while carrying heavy loads. As an entry-level firefighter, your primary job is learning the skills needed to become a regular firefighter, as most companies do not assign entry-level employees to actual firefighting situations unless the situation is already under control.

More about Entry Level Wildland Firefighter jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Wildland Firefighter jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Wildland Firefighter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wildland Firefighter jobs? The most popular types of Wildland Firefighter jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Wildland Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Wildland Firefighter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Wildland Firefighter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Wildland Firefighter jobs are:
Entry Level Wildland Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Wildland Firefighter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Wildland Firefighter Merlin OR Base

Wildland Firefighter Merlin OR Base

Grayback Forestry

Merlin, OR • On-site

$17.75 - $28.73/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Description


Must be 18 years of age to apply


Position: Wildland Firefighter/Forestry Technician
Department: Merlin, OR Base
Reports To: Supervisor (Crew Foreman)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt


Summary
Be physically and mentally prepared to safely perform general forestry projects, Wildland Fire Suppression and other emergency services as an integral part of a team that will endure long hours in adverse conditions. Work can be performed anywhere in the United States.


Key Character Traits for this Position:
Alertness
Teamwork
Effectiveness
Initiative
Positive Attitude
Diligence
Dependability
Flexibility
Reliability
Endurance
Skill Sets:
* Technical Skills - Proper and safe use of hand tools, chainsaw and flammables.
* Problem Solving - Utilize personal knowledge to resolve issues. Able to discern when to seek assistance for efficient and effective resolutions.
* Customer Service - Respond to requests and assist with an attitude to serve rather than be served.
* Communication - Listen with the intent to provide constructive feedback. Speak in a manner that promotes respect and dignity in positive as well as negative situations.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
*Promote and uphold Grayback Forestry's Mission Statement, Company Vision and Core Values at all times.
* Maintain a safe, productive and positive work environment. Maintain and clean all equipment issued.
* Comply with all state and federal regulations.
* Use of power tools - pumps and chain saws; hand tools - Mcleods, Pulaskis, shovels, hazel hoes, and drip torches.
* Cut, clear and pile brush and trees in a forest environment. Tree planting, staking and tubing.
* Extinguish flames and embers to suppress forest fires using hand tools. Construct fire lines and ignite slash for controlled burns. Set up of water tanks, pumps, hoses to fight wildfire and prescribe burns. * Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Education and/or Experience:
To become an entry level wildland firefighter (FF-2), a basic firefighting course that meets the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (PMS 310-1) standards is required. Basic training is a 5-day course that consists of a fitness capacity test, classroom training and a field examination day (40 hours minimum). This class is comprised of the S-130, S-190, L-180, and Field Evaluation. There are two additional required online self-study courses that everyone needs to complete order to become eligible to be a wildland firefighter. The IS-700 and I-100 courses are required by FEMA for all emergency response workers, including wildland firefighters.
This Basic Firefighting Course can be obtained from any NWCG certified training provider (Federal and State Agencies, Universities and Community Colleges, NWSA Certified Instructors, etc.) or free of charge from Grayback Forestry but unpaid. Upon completion of course, you will receive a certificate as a firefighter 2 that will be recognized by other private companies, State and Federal agencies, allowing you to be eligible to work for any of them. California agencies may have additional requirements.
In addition, individuals must pass an Agency required "Pack Test", which consists of completing a three-mile, controlled course walk within 45 minutes while carrying 45 pounds on your back. Grayback will administer and document pass or fail free of charge or you can take the test from any NWCG certified training provider (Federal and State Agencies, Universities and Community Colleges, NWSA Certified Instructors, etc.)
Physical Demands:
Possess ability to perform hard manual labor on steep terrain, using chain saws and hand tools and to lift and carry 50 pounds or more. You may be required to walk ten miles or more per day.
* Walking/Climbing - Surfaces can be any of the following; forest turf and duff, rocks, gravel, or pavement. Terrain may be flat to steep.
* Carry - 10-50 pounds continuously, 50-100 pounds occasionally. Wear personal backpack while working.
* Pushing/Pulling - 20-30 pounds of force, pushing hand tools into dirt and pulling away topsoil several inches below surface and pulling to scrape to mineral soil continuously.
* Bending/Twisting - From waist and knees to assume position when digging fire line.
* Lifting/Reaching/Handling/Grasping when digging fire line or utilizing other equipment.
Work Environment:
Working conditions include working in a crew (team) environment, outside in varying weather conditions. May be required to work in an environment where there are fumes, smoke, noise, chemicals, dirt, and dust. May be on duty 16 hours or more a day, including travel time from the base to work site and back. May involve extended time away from home and depending on the fire location, you may work 21 days straight before a day off.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
EOE: minority/female/disabled/veteran
Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disabled/veteran


Request Assistance: If you are a qualified individual or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at 541-476-0033.


Apply