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Fireline Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Fireline information

See Virginia salary details

$562

$1.9K

$3.2K

How much do fireline jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average weekly pay for fireline in Virginia is $1,853.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,009.62 and $2,459.62 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fireline?

A Fireline job typically involves working on the front lines of wildland firefighting, helping to suppress and control wildfires. Duties may include constructing firebreaks, operating equipment, and conducting controlled burns. Fireline workers must be physically fit, trained in fire behavior, and prepared to work in challenging and hazardous conditions. Many positions are seasonal and require certifications, such as wildfire training courses.

What does a typical day look like for someone working on the fireline?

A typical day for a Fireline crew member starts with a briefing on current fire conditions, objectives, and safety concerns, followed by physical preparation and equipment checks. Most shifts involve strenuous outdoor tasks such as constructing fire breaks, operating hand tools, and removing vegetation to control wildfires—often in challenging environments and varying weather. Teamwork is constant, as crews work closely together to navigate changing conditions and maintain communication with incident command. Days can be long and physically demanding, but the role offers the reward of directly contributing to protecting communities and natural resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the fireline position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Fireline crew member, you need physical fitness, wildfire behavior knowledge, and experience in outdoor survival, often backed by training in wildland firefighting and completion of courses like the NWCG S-130 and S-190. Familiarity with tools such as chainsaws, fire shelters, and radio communication systems, along with certifications like CPR/First Aid, is typically required. Strong teamwork, stress management, and quick decision-making are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities are essential for safely managing wildfire containment and ensuring team efficiency in dangerous and dynamic situations.

What are popular job titles related to Fireline jobs in Virginia?

For Fireline jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fireline job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,368 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Engine Operation)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Harrisonburg, VA

$57K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 5 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

455th of 852 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This Forestry Technician position serves as a full assistant to the supervisor of a Fire Engine Module in areas with the added complexities of wildland-urban interface. The incumbent has primary responsibility for operation of the engine in responding to wildland fires and other projects as assigned.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for 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-06: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-5 grade level in federal service or equivalent.
Examples of Specialized Experience 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; Performed prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop up; Evaluated initial fire situations, determined rate of spread, potential hazards to property and other improvements; Ensured the engine and fire equipment has been kept in full state of readiness for emergency dispatch.
For the GW-07 level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-06 grade level in federal service or equivalent.
Examples of specialized experience include: Implemented safety/training programs in compliance with Incident Command System, fire suppression, fireline construction, hose lays and maintenance of protective equipment; Assisted with prescribed fire management, developed burn plans; and fuels inventory/preparation and disposal; Evaluated initial fire situations, determined suppression method and probable causes of fire; Assisted with property and procurement of equipment ensuring the engine and fire equipment have been kept in full state of readiness for emergency dispatch.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Engine Boss (ENGB) and Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT 5) -AND- Successfully Completed the NWCG Course S-211.
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.
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:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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