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Forest Fire Watch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Secretary 2

Hartford, CT · On-site

$58K - $75K/yr

We accomplish this by; 1) Protecting Connecticut's forest resources from the effects of fire ... watch the video below! Selection Plan FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: Check out our Applicant Tips on ...

Manager Public Safety

OR

$2.5K - $3.1K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Forest Service, and Search and Rescue teams--to support the unique demands of a dynamic mountain ... Fire prevention / Suppression training * ODOT Traffic Control Training * Parking operations ...

Manager Public Safety

OR · On-site

$66K - $82K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Forest Service, and Search and Rescue teams-to support the unique demands of a dynamic mountain ... Fire prevention / Suppression training * ODOT Traffic Control Training * Parking operations ...

Showing results 21-36

Forest Fire Watch information

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$31K

$105.6K

$183K

How much do forest fire watch jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest fire watch in the United States is $105,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get a forest fire watch job?

Getting a forest fire watch job typically requires relevant experience in forestry, firefighting, or outdoor safety, along with certifications such as wildfire suppression or first aid. The position often involves seasonal work, physical fitness, and the ability to work in remote or outdoor environments, which can influence the competitiveness of applications.

How to become a forest fire watch for the forest service?

To become a forest fire watch for the forest service, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and good observation skills. Relevant experience in forestry, firefighting, or outdoor work can be beneficial, and some positions may require certification in wildfire safety or first aid. Applicants often undergo background checks and training upon hiring.

Are forest fire watch jobs still a thing?

Forest fire watch jobs are still available in many regions, especially during peak fire seasons when trained personnel monitor forests for signs of wildfires. These roles often require knowledge of fire behavior, communication skills, and sometimes certifications like wildfire safety training. Employment can be seasonal and may involve working outdoors in remote or challenging environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a forest fire watch?

A Forest Fire Watch is responsible for monitoring assigned areas for signs of smoke, fire, or other hazards, often from a lookout tower or patrolling the forest. Daily tasks include maintaining logs of weather conditions, reporting suspicious activity or potential fire risks, and communicating regularly with fire management teams via radio. The role may also involve performing maintenance on lookout equipment, clearing debris to reduce fire hazards, and assisting with evacuation or emergency response procedures if a fire is detected. Successful Forest Fire Watches are constantly vigilant, as early detection plays a vital role in preventing large-scale forest fires.

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

To thrive as a Forest Fire Watch, you need strong observational skills, physical stamina, and a basic understanding of fire behavior, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant safety training. Familiarity with two-way radios, GPS devices, and standard reporting procedures is typically required, and certifications in wildfire safety (such as S-130/S-190) are often preferred. Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and situational awareness are important soft skills in this position. These abilities help ensure early detection of wildfires, timely reporting, and effective coordination with firefighting teams, which are critical for minimizing the impact of forest fires.

What is a forest fire watch?

A Forest Fire Watch job involves monitoring forests for signs of wildfires, such as smoke or flames, and reporting any potential fire hazards to authorities. Workers may be stationed in fire lookout towers or patrol on foot and by vehicle, especially in high-risk areas. The role requires keen observation skills, knowledge of fire behavior, and the ability to communicate quickly and effectively. Fire watchers play a critical role in early fire detection, helping to prevent small fires from becoming major wildfires.

More about Forest Fire Watch jobs

What cities are hiring for Forest Fire Watch jobs?

Cities with the most Forest Fire Watch job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Fire Watch jobs?

The most popular types of Forest Fire Watch jobs are:

What states have the most Forest Fire Watch jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forest Fire Watch jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Forest Fire Watch jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Forest Fire Watch jobs are:

Infographic showing various Forest Fire Watch job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,577 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Smokebusters Crew Supervisor 2026-01667

State of Wyoming

Cheyenne, WY

$29.76/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


State Of Wyoming rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states


Job description

Description and Functions Open Until Filled GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Become an integral part of the nearly 50-year-old Wyoming Smokebusters wildland fire handcrew and Forestry Conservation Program (FCP), within the Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division. This role is co-located with the Wyoming Department of Corrections at the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp. As a Smokebuster Crew Supervisor, you will supervise, lead, train, and oversee pre-release, minimum security inmate crews on wildland fires and various forestry and conservation projects.

Your duties will include: ensuring safety, accountability, transportation, delegating tasks, monitoring performance, and evaluating inmate crewmembers during wildland fire suppression and daily work activities. Projects will include fuels reduction, timber stand improvements, community service, and disaster relief or prevention. Additionally, you will instruct inmate crewmembers in the classroom to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards and train them in the use of chainsaws, hand and power tools, and fire suppression techniques.

Newcastle is at 4,334 feet above sea level with pleasant summer temperatures around 84F and winter highs around 35F. The county seat of Weston County, Newcastle offers scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and outdoor activities. Located at the intersection of U.S

Route 16 and U.S. Route 85, Newcastle is close to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and Devils Tower. The area provides year-round opportunities for fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and winter sports

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future Flexible schedules and work-life balance options Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE. Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package.

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary. Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov Human Resource Contact: Ryan Scheer / 307-777-8570 / ryan.scheer2@wyo.gov ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level. Manage and supervise a crew of up to 10 pre-release, minimum security inmates on wildland fires, and forestry and community projects.

Ensure accountability and security of your inmate crew, adhering to policies and procedures. Maintain production, efficiency, and workflow of the crew. Serve as a working supervisor, instructing, coaching, and working alongside the crew.

Hold your assigned inmate crewmembers accountable to policies, procedures, and practices, utilizing the progressive discipline model. Perform physically demanding tasks and maintain NWCG 310-1 physical fitness certification. Maintain documentation on inmates, records on work accomplishments, vehicle use, timesheets, and crewmember evaluations.

Operate and maintain forestry equipment and vehicles, including chainsaws, wood splitters, and heavy equipment. Instruct courses on wildland firefighting, safety, and equipment operation. Perform as a Squad Boss (FFT1) and Intermediate Faller (FAL2) on the Wyoming Smokebusters Type 2 Wildland Fire Handcrew.

Operate larger capacity trucks, such as Type 6 wildland fire engines. Qualifications PREFERENCES: Preference may be given to candidates who have experience or training in any of the following: Wildland Fire Suppression (NWCG Red Card) Corrections Supervision Logging/Forestry KNOWLEDGE: Ability to motivate and work cohesively with inmates and the team Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Effective in instructing crewmembers in various situations Basic knowledge of fire suppression, corrections, supervision, forest management, and business management practices Proficient in equipment operation and maintenance Ability to maintain industrial tools and equipment MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education & Experience Substitution: 3-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Natural Resources, Wildland Fire, or Corrections) Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license Must possess and maintain national certification in accordance with NWCG standards, PMS 310-1, within one (1) year of the date of hire Must complete WDOC Pre-Service Academy Training within one (1) year of the date of hire Must complete annual In-Service Training OR Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Forestry) Experience: 0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry) Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license Must possess and maintain national certification in accordance with NWCG standards, PMS 310-1, within one (1) year of the date of hire Must complete WDOC Pre-Service Academy Training within one (1) year of the date of hire Must complete annual In-Service Training Necessary Special Requirements PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Perform arduous physical activity for extended periods and maintain NWCG 310-1 Arduous physical fitness certification annually. Work both indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet environments.

May travel up to 25%. Stand for long periods on hard surfaces. Successfully completed a Self-Defense Tactics course provided by the Wyoming Department of Corrections.

NOTES: FLSA: Non-Exempt Successful completion of all modules of the Wyoming Department of Corrections Pre-Service Training is required. This position participates in the Law Enforcement (LE) Pension Plan within the Wyoming Retirement System (details: https://retirement.wyo.gov/members/pension-handbooks/). This position also qualifies for Hazard Pay when assigned to uncontrolled wildfires, and paid time off after 14 consecutive days on wildland fire assignments

Supplemental Information Wyoming State Forestry Division-Forestry Conservation Program Website - https://wsfd.wyo.gov/fire-management/forestry-conservation-program Wyoming State Forestry Division Website - http://wsfd.wyo.gov/ Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Class Specifications are subject to change; please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.


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About State of Wyoming

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Wyoming is not a company, but the government administration of the U.S. state named Wyoming, with headquarters in the capital city, Cheyenne. Its website, wyo.gov, serves as the official online portal for the state government, providing a diverse range of services focused on improving the lives of its residents. The government's mission encompasses various sectors including education, healthcare, transport, justice, and financial services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cheyenne, WY, US

Year founded

1890

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