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Fire Science Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Science information

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$23.1K

$54.6K

$87.2K

How much do fire science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire science in Michigan is $54,619.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $62,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fire science?

Fire science is the study of the behavior, spread, and control of fire. It combines principles from chemistry, physics, engineering, and environmental science to understand how fires start, how they can be prevented, and how they are extinguished. Professionals in fire science often work in firefighting, fire investigation, fire prevention, and safety education. The field also covers topics like fire safety codes, emergency management, and hazardous materials handling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in fire science?

To thrive in Fire Science, you need a solid understanding of fire behavior, emergency response procedures, and safety regulations, typically supported by a degree in fire science or a related certification. Familiarity with fire suppression equipment, incident command systems, and hazardous materials protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills are important to ensure effective emergency response, minimize risks, and protect lives and property during fire-related incidents.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in fire science roles, and how can I prepare for them?

Professionals in fire science often encounter physically demanding environments, high-stress emergency situations, and the need to make rapid, informed decisions. Additionally, staying updated on evolving fire safety regulations and technology is crucial. To prepare, you should focus on building both your physical fitness and technical knowledge, develop strong communication skills for effective teamwork, and pursue ongoing education or certifications to remain current in the field.

Is a fire science degree worth it?

A fire science degree provides foundational knowledge in fire behavior, safety protocols, and emergency response, which can enhance job prospects in firefighting, fire inspection, and emergency management. Many roles also require certifications such as Firefighter I and II, and practical experience is highly valued. The degree can improve advancement opportunities and earning potential in the fire service industry.

What careers can you get with a fire science degree?

A fire science degree prepares individuals for careers such as firefighter, fire inspector, fire investigator, emergency management director, and fire safety officer. These roles often require knowledge of fire behavior, safety protocols, and may require certifications like EMT or fire service training, with work environments including fire departments, safety agencies, and emergency response teams.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Fire Science jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Fire Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Science job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,619 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Lead Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Fire Engine Operator)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Wellston, MI • On-site

$52K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to lead crews performing such work.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the Regional contacts.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.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-05
: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-04) in the Federal service; OR A bachelor's degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school (120 semester/180 quarter hours) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources, outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science (no more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable); OR An appropriate combination of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester/90 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Served as a skilled wildland firefighter on an organized crew during prescribed burns, monitoring or controlling the fire, and collecting data on fire weather and fire behavior and/or Operated pump and adjusted controls under close supervision and/or Performed regular maintenance and minor repairs to fire engine and/or Independently, or with one or two other crewmembers, carried out specialized assignments such as tree felling, backfire and burnout, and mobile and stationary engine attack.
For the GW-06: Applicants must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-05) in the Federal service; OR One full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR An appropriate combination of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Performed and directed others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and foam application and/or Performed prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop up and/or Evaluated initial fire situations, determined rate of spread, potential hazards to property and other improvements and/or Ensured the engine and fire equipment has been kept in full state of readiness for emergency dispatch.
Selective Placement Factors:
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) AND Successfully completed the NWCG Course # S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior.
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.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified 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.
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.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
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 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 QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.Employment Type: OTHER

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