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Forest Fire Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Forest Fire information

See Colorado salary details

$32.6K

$111K

$192.4K

How much do forest fire jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest fire in Colorado is $111,016.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,000.00 and $130,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forest firefighter?

Forest firefighters, also known as wildland firefighters, are professionals trained to combat and manage fires that occur in forests, grasslands, and other wild areas. Their responsibilities include suppressing wildfires, creating fire lines, conducting controlled burns, and assisting in evacuation efforts to protect people, wildlife, and natural resources. Forest firefighters often work in challenging outdoor conditions and may use specialized equipment and techniques to control and prevent the spread of fires. They also participate in fire prevention education and post-fire recovery operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forest firefighter?

To thrive as a Forest Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and usually completion of specialized training programs such as S-130/S-190 Wildland Firefighter certification. Familiarity with fire suppression tools, GPS navigation, and communication systems is essential for effective operations. Teamwork, quick decision-making, and resilience under pressure are crucial soft skills in this high-risk environment. These capabilities are vital for protecting lives, property, and natural resources while ensuring safety during wildfire incidents.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in forest fire management, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals in forest fire management often face unpredictable and rapidly changing conditions, including extreme weather, difficult terrain, and long hours during peak fire season. Effective teamwork, strong communication skills, and physical fitness are crucial for overcoming these challenges. Preparation involves regular training, staying up-to-date with the latest firefighting techniques, and maintaining readiness for deployment at short notice. Additionally, professionals must be adaptable and able to make quick decisions to ensure both personal safety and the protection of natural resources.

What is the difference between Forest Fire vs Firefighter?

AspectForest FireFirefighter
Primary RolePreventing, managing, and suppressing wildfires in forested areasResponding to various fires, including structural and wildfires, in different environments
Required CertificationsWildfire suppression training, firefighting certifications, possibly forestry or environmental trainingFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic licenses, rescue training
Work EnvironmentForests, wilderness areas, outdoor terrainsUrban, suburban, and rural areas, including buildings and outdoor scenes
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, forestry services, environmental organizationsFire departments, emergency services, government agencies

While both roles involve firefighting skills, a Forest Fire specialist focuses on wildfires in natural settings, requiring specific wildfire training. Firefighters handle a broader range of fire emergencies across various environments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What do I need to become a forest fire fighter?

To become a forest firefighter, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and training in wildfire suppression techniques. Certifications such as Basic Wildland Firefighter Training and first aid are often required, along with the ability to work in challenging outdoor environments and irregular schedules.

What are popular job titles related to Forest Fire jobs in Colorado?

For Forest Fire jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Forest Fire jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Forest Fire jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Forest Fire job openings:

Forest Fire jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Fire job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,016 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Job Corps Fire & Fuels Training Specialist)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Collbran, CO • On-site

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

These positions are located at Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center locations.
Incumbent serves primarily as a Training Specialist for fire and fuels training, vocational instructor for Forestry Practices, and also serves in a variety of fire suppression and Incident Management assignments.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Dirk Huber at dirk.huber@usda.gov.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-8 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-7); OR two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience are: Assisting in the development of fire training and instructional curriculum; performing wildland fire suppression duties; and/or assisting in formulating and developing plans, contracting specifications, and scheduling for well-precedented fire management operations.
For the GW-9 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-8); OR two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience are: Providing instruction on a variety of fire-related management problems; identifying and procuring the most current information and materials applicable to the jobs, techniques and procedures, for which program courses are intended; and/or determining training needs, job task analysis, and establishing performance standards.
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.
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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