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Fire Hand Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Crew Captain

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

$24.71 - $27.37/hr

Fire Crew Captain Apply now Job No: 541368 Work Type: Full-time Location: FLAGSTAFF Categories ... Responsible for directing a module of a 10 or 20 person Hand Crew. * Establishes guidelines and ...

Unit Fire Chief

Gallup, NM · On-site

$112K/yr

At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...

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Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

$24.70 - $27.36/hr

This position is established within the Department of Forestry and Fire Management to serve as a first line supervisor on a 20 person inmate Type 2 hand crew. This position provides leadership and ...

Unit Fire Chief

Moab, UT · On-site

$112K/yr

At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...

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Fire Hand Crew information

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$12

$18

$23

How much do fire hand crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire hand crew in the United States is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the common challenges faced by members of a Fire Hand Crew, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Fire Hand Crew members often face physically demanding conditions, long shifts, and exposure to extreme heat and smoke while working in remote locations. Teamwork and communication are crucial to ensure safety and efficiency, especially when constructing fire lines or conducting controlled burns. To address these challenges, crews participate in rigorous training, adhere to strict safety protocols, and rely on strong leadership and mutual support. Regular briefings and debriefings help crews adapt to changing fire behavior and terrain, ensuring both effectiveness and safety in the field.

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

To thrive as a Fire Hand Crew member, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of wildfire behavior, basic firefighting training, and often certification such as the NWCG Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2). Familiarity with hand tools, chainsaws, fire shelters, and communication systems like radios is typically required. Teamwork, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safety, effective wildfire suppression, and efficient collaboration during high-stress and physically demanding situations.

What are Fire Hand Crews?

Fire Hand Crews are specialized teams of wildland firefighters trained to suppress and manage wildfires. They perform physically demanding tasks such as constructing fire lines, clearing vegetation, and conducting controlled burns to contain and extinguish fires. These crews typically work in remote, rugged areas and are essential for wildfire suppression and forest management. Members must be highly trained, physically fit, and able to work long hours under challenging conditions.

What is the difference between Fire Hand Crew vs Firefighter?

AspectFire Hand CrewFirefighter
CertificationsBasic wildfire safety and equipment trainingAdvanced firefighting certifications, EMT/paramedic licenses often required
Work EnvironmentWildland fire zones, often remote and ruggedBoth wildland and structural fire scenes, including urban areas
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, and local agencies focusing on wildfire suppressionFire departments, emergency services, and wildfire agencies

Fire Hand Crews primarily focus on wildfire suppression in remote, rugged areas with basic firefighting skills. Firefighters have broader roles, including structural fire response and advanced medical aid. While both roles work in fire environments, firefighters typically require more certifications and handle a wider range of emergencies.

Can firefighters make $100,000?

Fire Hand Crew members, like other firefighters, can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, overtime, and specialized skills. Salaries vary by location, department, and rank, with some experienced firefighters in high-cost areas reaching or exceeding this level through additional pay and certifications.

How much do Cal Fire hand crew members make?

Fire Hand Crew members typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific crew. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced crew members or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay during fire seasons.

Is 30 too old to be a fireman?

Fire Hand Crew members can typically start at age 18 and often continue working into their 50s or 60s, depending on physical fitness and health. Age is less important than meeting physical requirements, passing fitness tests, and maintaining the necessary skills and certifications. Many fire departments value experience and maturity, so being 30 is generally not too old to pursue a firefighting role.

What does a fire hand crew do?

A fire hand crew is a team of trained firefighters responsible for constructing and maintaining firelines, removing vegetation, and controlling wildfires. They work in outdoor environments, often using hand tools like shovels, rakes, and chainsaws, and typically require physical fitness and wildfire suppression certifications.
What cities are hiring for Fire Hand Crew jobs? Cities with the most Fire Hand Crew job openings:
What states have the most Fire Hand Crew jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Hand Crew jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fire Hand Crew job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,082 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Fire Crew Captain

Fire Crew Captain

The State of Arizona

Flagstaff, AZ • On-site

$24.71 - $27.37/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


State Of Arizona rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 50 rated states


Job description

Fire Crew Captain

Apply now Job No: 541368
Work Type: Full-time
Location: FLAGSTAFF
Categories: Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT In partnership with local, county, state, and federal agencies, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) protects Arizona's people by: providing coordination and resource response for the suppression and management of wildland fire; delivering education to aid in wildland fire prevention; providing integrated management strategies, technical assistance and information through various Department programs; collaborating in forest restoration projects; and ensuring fire and life safety through permitting, plan reviews and building inspections.
Fire Crew Captain
Job Location:
Address: 3650 Lake Mary Road Flagstaff, AZ 86005
Posting Details:
Salary: $24.7086 - $27.3679 Hourly  
Grade: 19
Closing Date: Open Until Filled (Resumes reviewed on a continuous basis)
Job Summary:

This position is established within the Department of Forestry and Fire Management to serve as a first line supervisor on a 20 person inmate Type 2 hand crew. This position provides leadership and direction for the Department of Corrections, Reentry and Rehabilitation staff and inmates on wildland fire suppression and wildland urban interface/intermix situations as well as fuels mitigation projects including hand, mechanical and prescribed fire treatments.
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 fireline capacities and as DFFM representative on wildfires. The incumbent will maintain NWCG qualifications by attending necessary training and meeting NWCG fitness standards.
The incumbent may act as project manager for fuel treatment and natural conservation activities. The incumbent may implement "crew use agreements" with cooperators (other state agencies, county agencies, rural communities, homeowners associations, federal land management agencies, fire departments, universities, and tribal agencies).

Job Duties:
  • Responsible for directing a module of a 10 or 20 person Hand Crew.
  • Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for ADCRR staff members and inmate crew members.
  • Ensure a safe and healthy work environment for the crew and others in his/her charge.
  • When assigned to wildland fires, the incumbent will ensure the crew fulfills the assignments provided by incident command organization. Will manage the scheduling of the crew for project work. Provides informal feedback and frequently evaluates crew performance.
  • The incumbent will ensure fire emergency readiness of the crew by providing nationally recognized fire training and ensuring equipment is maintained and available in accordance with agency policy.
  • The incumbent will be responsible for the maintenance of crew records and financial documents, and will prepare crew use invoices for fires and project work. The incumbent will maintain crew equipment inventories, and prepare requisitions for needed supplies.
  • Drive on State business.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

  • Wildland fire suppression tactics and procedures.
  • Fuel types and fire behavior, fire management objectives and policies, and firefighting strategies and tactics.
  • Other agency management objectives and policies and the full range of suppression tactics.
  • Land use and resource management practices and policies.
  • Fuels management practices and policies.
  • Program management, supervision, and personnel practices and regulations.
  • Safety practices in suppressing fires and various other incidents to prevent injury, property damage, or loss of life.
  • Instructional techniques and training development standards.

Skills in:

  • Interpersonal dynamics.
  • Leadership in a hand crew environment.
  • Effective oral and written communication.
  • Effective use of computers and applicable software.
  • Operation and maintenance of a wide variety of specialized tools and equipment, such as chainsaws, chippers, firefighting hand tools, prescribed burning devices, ATV's, multichannel radios, and forestry measurement tools.
  • Mapping and Global Positioning System Equipment.

Ability to:

  • Apply resourcefulness, initiative, and independent judgment to wildfire incidents, all-risk incidents and fuels mitigation projects.
  • Plan and organize work efficiently.
  • Establish and maintain strong working relationships with DFFM personnel, ADCRR personnel and outside cooperators.
  • Interpret and understand technical reports and financial documents.
  • Adhere to State of Arizona and Department of Forestry and Fire Management Standards of Conduct, policies, procedures and practices.
  • Drive on State Business.
Selective Preference(s):

Any combination of NWCG Qualifications of Task Force Leader, or Strike Team Leader, or IC Type 4 or 5, or Firing Boss. Experience on Type 2, Type 2 IA, or Type 1 handcrew operations in various federal agencies.

Pre-Employment Requirements:
  • NWCG Faller 2 (FAL2) must be obtained within one year of hire.
  • NWCG Crew Boss (CRWB) must be obtained within one year of hire.
  • Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing ADCRR's screening and approval process prior to appointment and periodically thereafter as required.
  • A valid Arizona Driver's License.

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:
  • The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
  • Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
  • 10 paid holidays per year
  • Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
  • Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
  • Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
  • Deferred compensation plan
  • Wellness plans
  • Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:
  • Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
  • Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
  • Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
  • The current contribution rate is 12.00%
Contact Us:

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 623-236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Advertised: 03 Jun 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close:

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About State of Arizona

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Arizona is not a conventional company, but the governmental structure presiding over the U.S. state of Arizona, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. The State of Arizona operates within the industry of government administration and public services across various sectors including education, health, public safety, transportation, and economic services. These services are aimed to ensure the security, prosperity, and well-being of the Arizona citizens and communities. Founded on February 14, 1912, when Arizona became the 48th state to join the Union, the State of Arizona is committed to providing people-centric, efficient, and effective government. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for all Arizonans by providing a secure environment and advancing the state's economy.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1912