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Fire Boss Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Crew Captain

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

$24.71 - $27.37/hr

Will perform as a National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) Qualified Crew Boss (CRWB) of the crew on fire suppression assignments. As DFFM needs dictate, the incumbent may also serve in other ...

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Fire Boss information

See salary details

$31.5K

$97.3K

$194.5K

How much do fire boss jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire boss in the United States is $97,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fire Boss vs Fire Watch?

AspectFire BossFire Watch
CertificationsOSHA 10/30, Fire Suppression, First AidOSHA 10, Fire Watch Certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilities, oil & gasConstruction sites, industrial areas, confined spaces
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitoring fire hazards, overseeing fire safety measuresMonitoring for fire hazards, alerting in case of fire

Both roles focus on fire safety but differ in responsibilities and certifications. Fire Bosses typically oversee fire safety on job sites, requiring more certifications and active management. Fire Watch personnel primarily monitor for fire hazards and alert others, often with fewer certifications. Understanding these differences helps employers and workers choose the right role for safety compliance and job requirements.

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

To thrive as a Fire Boss, you need comprehensive knowledge of wildfire behavior, fire suppression tactics, and relevant safety regulations, typically backed by wildfire management training and certifications such as NWCG qualifications. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire weather tools, and communication devices is essential for coordinating response efforts. Strong leadership, decision-making, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for effectively managing crews and adapting to rapidly changing conditions. These skills ensure the safety of personnel, the successful containment of wildfires, and the protection of lives and property.

What are the main challenges a Fire Boss faces when coordinating wildfire suppression teams on-site?

A Fire Boss often encounters challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, unpredictable fire behavior, and limited resources on-site. Effective coordination requires clear communication with multiple crews, adapting strategies in real time, and ensuring safety protocols are followed under high-pressure situations. The Fire Boss must also balance tactical objectives with the well-being of their team, often making quick decisions that impact both the success of suppression efforts and crew safety.

What is a Fire Boss?

A Fire Boss is a supervisory position responsible for overseeing fire suppression crews, often on wildland or prescribed burns. They coordinate firefighting operations, ensure the safety of personnel, and make tactical decisions to control and extinguish fires. Fire Bosses also maintain communication with other emergency responders and may manage equipment and resources on the scene. This role requires specialized training, knowledge of fire behavior, and leadership skills to effectively manage emergency situations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Boss jobs? The most popular types of Fire Boss jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Fire Boss jobs? The top employers for Fire Boss jobs are:
What states have the most Fire Boss jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Boss jobs include:

Fire Management Specialist (Prescribed Fire & Fuels)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Pendleton, OR

$83K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

This position is located on a USDA Forest Service Unit within the Pacific Northwest Region, Region 6.
The incumbent serves in a key fire management position in a field fire management organization as a Fire Management Specialist responsibility for prescribed fire, fire planning, fuels management, air quality (and smoke management), and current and out year budgeting.
For additional information regarding this position, please contact Jason Heinz at jason.heinz@usda.gov.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Basic Requirement 0401 Series:
Degree: Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry, or related discipline appropriate to the position being filled.
-OR-
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-11 Level
: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-09 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include the following: Assisted in reviewing and evaluating fire management plans for ecological soundness and technical adequacy; Assisted in conducting field inspections before and after prescribed or wildland fires to determine if resource objectives were achieved and/or to evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken; and Assisted in developing analyses on the ecological role of fire and its use and/or exclusion, and smoke management.
-OR-
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (coursework directly related to position being filled such as biological sciences, botany, ecology, horticulture, climate sciences, natural resource management);
-OR-
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.).
For the GW-12 Level: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-11 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include following: Reviewed and evaluated fire management plans for ecological soundness and technical adequacy; Conducted field inspections before and after prescribed or wildland fires to determine if resource objectives were achieved and/or to evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken; and Developed analyses on the ecological role of fire and its use and/or exclusion, and smoke management.
In addition to fire program management, appropriate experience must have included either prescribed fire/fuels management - or - fire management operations as described: Prescribed Fire/Fuels Management - professional forest or range inventory methods and procedures, (e.g., Brown's planar intercept for dead and down fuels or live loading assessments); analysis of fuel loadings and determination of appropriate fuel treatment methods and programming; Land use planning and environmental coordination; and evaluating prescribed fire plans or fire management plans to ensure fire containment is possible and identify appropriate suppression contingencies if containment is not obtained.
-OR-
Fire Management Operations - analyzing and applying fire management strategies, plus experience in at least five of the following activities: Mobilization and dispatch coordination, Fire prevention and education, Training, Logistics, Equipment development and deployment, Fire communication systems, Suppression and preparedness and/or Aviation.Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Selective Placement Factors:
Successfully completed the Primary IFPM Core Requirement of NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) or Task Force Leader (TFLD).
-OR-
Primary NWCG Core Requirements of Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) -AND- Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Helibase Manager (HEBM).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
This position has been identified as HIGH Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See above for education requirement(s) for this position.Employment Type: OTHER