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Forest Fire Management Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$67K/yr

These positions are located in Region 5, USDA Forest Service units. These positions serve as the District/Zone Assistant Fire Management Officer on a high complexity Ranger District/Zone or Grassland ...

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Forest Fire Management Officer information

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$56K

$83.6K

$153K

How much do forest fire management officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest fire management officer in the United States is $83,590.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forest fire management officer do?

A Forest Fire Management Officer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing strategies to prevent, detect, and control forest fires. Their duties include supervising fire suppression teams, conducting training, developing fire management plans, and working with local communities on fire prevention education. They also assess fire risk, monitor weather conditions, and oversee the use of firefighting equipment and resources. The role often involves close collaboration with other agencies and may require responding to emergencies at any time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forest fire management officer?

To thrive as a Forest Fire Management Officer, you need expertise in wildfire behavior, emergency response, and natural resource management, usually supported by a degree in forestry, fire science, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, fire modeling software, and relevant certifications such as NWCG qualifications are typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for effectively coordinating fire prevention, suppression operations, and ensuring the safety of personnel and natural resources during high-pressure situations.

What are some common challenges faced by forest fire management officers and how are they addressed on the job?

Forest Fire Management Officers often face challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, rapidly changing fire behavior, and coordinating with multiple agencies during emergencies. They address these by staying updated on weather forecasts, using advanced fire modeling tools, and engaging in regular interagency training exercises. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential to ensure effective collaboration with firefighters, local authorities, and community stakeholders to manage resources and ensure safety.

What is the difference between Forest Fire Management Officer vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectForest Fire Management OfficerForest Firefighter
CredentialsCertifications in fire management, environmental science, or forestry; often requires specialized trainingBasic firefighting certifications; wildfire suppression training
Work EnvironmentSupervisory roles, planning, coordination, and prevention activities in forested areasOn-the-ground wildfire suppression, direct fire line work in forests
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, forestry departments, wildfire management organizationsFire departments, forestry services, emergency response teams

The Forest Fire Management Officer typically oversees wildfire prevention and response planning, requiring specialized certifications and supervisory skills. In contrast, the Forest Firefighter focuses on direct fire suppression activities in the field. Both roles are essential in wildfire management but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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Cities with the most Forest Fire Management Officer job openings:

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What are popular job titles related to Forest Fire Management Officer jobs?

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Infographic showing various Forest Fire Management Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,590 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter Fire Management Officer (DZAFMO High Complexity)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Greenville, CA โ€ข On-site

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the development and execution of fire control plans, including fire suppression, prevention, detection, and suppression tactics and strategies.

  • Prepare fuels hazard and wildland fire risk assessments and assist in managing various fire programs such as preparedness, prevention, prescribed burning, monitoring, and hazardous fuels reduction.

  • Support the writing and implementation of wildland fire management plans, prescribed burn plans, and determine annual pre-suppression and suppression needs.


Job description

These positions are located in Region 5, USDA Forest Service units.
These positions serve as the District/Zone Assistant Fire Management Officer on a high complexity Ranger District/Zone or Grassland Unit.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Brian Grabowski at brian.grabowski@usda.govQualifications: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-08: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-7 grade level in federal service or equivalent.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in the development of fire control plans and documentation relating to fire pre-suppression, prevention, detection, and suppression tactics and strategies; Prepared fuels hazard and wildland fire risk assessments; Assisted in the coordination and execution of wildland fire suppression and prescribed burning operations.
For the GW-09: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-8 grade level in federal service or equivalent.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in management of a broad range of fire programs such as preparedness, prevention, prescribed burning, monitoring, and hazardous fuels reduction; Assisted in writing and executing wildland fire management plans, prescribed burn plans, and preparedness plans; Assisted in determining annual pre-suppression and suppression needs.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Division Group Supervisor (DIVS) and Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
-OR-
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) and Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3).
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.
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 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:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER