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Forest Fire Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

FOREST RANGER - 42002711 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002711 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002711

Orlando, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002711 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002711 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002711 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002711 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002711

Orlando, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002711 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002711 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42003097

Venice, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42003097 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42003097 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002711

Orlando, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002711 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002711 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002711

Orlando, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002711 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002711 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002711

Orlando, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002711 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002711 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42003097

Venice, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42003097 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42003097 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002711

Orlando, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002711 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002711 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002426

Sanderson, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002426 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002426 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002711

Orlando, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002711 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002711 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002150

Milton, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002150 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002150 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42003097

Venice, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42003097 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42003097 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002377

Madison, FL · On-site

$45K - $52K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002377 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002377 Salary: $45,990.62 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002150

Milton, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002150 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002150 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002150

Milton, FL · On-site

$46K - $55K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002150 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002150 Salary: $46,990.84 ... Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire ...

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Showing results 1-20

Forest Fire information

See Florida salary details

$23.2K

$78.9K

$136.8K

How much do forest fire jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest fire in Florida is $78,897.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $92,700.00 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.
Infographic showing various Forest Fire job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,897 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

$48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

These positions are located in a USDA Forest Service Unit.
These positions serve as a Fire Dispatcher located in a dispatch center. This may be a single agency dispatch office or interagency dispatch center located in a fire management organization.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the specific contact information.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-04: Applicants must have six months of general experience (any type of work that demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation) AND six months of specialized experience that is directly related to the work of the position; OR successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 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 (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science (no more than 3 semester hours in mathematics is creditable); OR an appropriate combination of experience and education above high school as described above. The education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university and include courses that are related to the occupation of the position.
Examples of general experience may include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities and/or worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants and/or animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store and/or volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc. AND Have at least 6 months of specialized experience.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Performing the full range of standardized support duties commonly found in the work area, such as receiving, filling, and tracking resource requests for fire and other emergency incidents. Experience in wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire strategies, tactics, methods and procedures, fire behavior, and weather conditions to effectively dispatch fire management resources.
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 combinations 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: Filing and retrieving documents in a dispatching office. Assisting in preparing various maps, plans, guides, analyses, and special reports for dispatch use; receiving and processing requests for equipment, personnel, and supplies in conjunction with wildland fire and emergency incidents.
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 recreation or physical education); OR combinations 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: Serving as a dispatcher, receiving, filling, and tracking resource requests for fire and other emergency incidents; arranging for ground and air transportation of personnel, supplies, and equipment in support of emergency and project activities; collecting, processing and disseminating weather and smoke management information into computer programs or databases.
For the GW-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the the next lower grade level (GW-06) 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 combinations 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: Determining the appropriate personnel and resource composition to respond to wildland fires or emergencies, as the situation demands and/or reassigning resources to address changing needs, such as in cases of multiple wildland or prescribed fires and/or coordinating aviation dispatch operations (e.g., aircraft capabilities and limitations, flight planning, aviation safety) and operating and/or directing the operation of various dispatch telecommunication systems and/or Manages and directs adherence of law enforcement dispatch protocols and procedures and/or Plans and carries out fire program management projects in accordance with fire management objectives and policies.
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:
Employment Type: OTHER