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Forest Fire Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Forest Fire information

See Tennessee salary details

$28.1K

$95.8K

$166.1K

How much do forest fire jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest fire in Tennessee is $95,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $112,500.00 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 Tennessee?

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

Infographic showing various Forest Fire job openings in Tennessee 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 $95,823 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Teaching Associate Pool in Department of Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management (Academic Year ...

California State University

Humboldt, TN

$1.3K/mo

Part-time, Contractor

Re-posted 28 days ago


California State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Teaching Associate Pool in Department of Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management (Academic Year 26/27)

Apply now Job no: 555592
Work type: Teaching Associate
Location: Humboldt
Categories: Unit 11 - UAW - California Alliance of Academic Student Workers, Temporary, Part Time

Vacancy Announcement

Position Type: Teaching Associate 

Term of Appointment: Academic Year 2026/2027 (Fall or Spring, or both)

Hours of Appointment: up to 0.40 time base (up to 16 hour/week)

Pay Rate: up to approx. $1,311.00/month 

Positions Available: Multiple 

Department of Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management

Overview

Teaching Associates (TAs) typically are responsible for providing classroom and/or laboratory instruction, making assignments to students, preparing course materials, administering examinations, assessing student performance, tutoring students and determining course grades. Also, incumbents may assist faculty with field experience, supervision, simulation exercises and/or research projects. Students applying for TA positions must be currently enrolled in the graduate program of the department in which they are applying. Degree-seeking graduate students who are enrolled in interdisciplinary degree programs may be hired as TAs for departments that comprise their interdisciplinary programs. Academic Student Employees may not concurrently hold a faculty or staff position. Students with assignments in more than one student classification (i.e., Graduate Assistant, Instructional Student Assistant, and Student Assistant) are restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year. The 20 hour per week maximum includes hours worked in all positions.

See Classification Standards for more information: https://www.humboldt.edu/academic-personnel-services/employee-recruitment/academic-student-unit-11

Job Duties JOB # 299: Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management

Teaching Associates in Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management provide lecture, laboratory, discussion, and/or field trip instruction, and are responsible for the performance of ancillary or related duties as assigned by the faculty supervisor. Teaching Associates may be asked to grade all assignments associated with their assigned course section, and enter grades into Canvas or an Excel spreadsheet. Teaching Associates are expected to hold regular office hours and be available to students outside of assigned class time. 

Course assignments may include: FOR 130, 131, 222, or 431; WSHD 310; FIRE 123; or other lower/upper division courses as determined by the needs of the department. 

Appointments are made for a single term (Fall or Spring). Fall appointments may be renewed for the Spring term depending upon budget, enrollment, and if applicable, satisfactory performance evaluations. 

Minimum Qualifications for this Classification

Knowledge and Abilities: Knowledge of the subject matter of the discipline to which the individual is assigned. Ability to relate well to others within the academic environment and ability to instruct and evaluate students.

Education: Education equivalent to or completion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree and concurrent admission to or enrollment in a graduate degree program of the university in the discipline to which the individual is assigned.

Experience: Evidence of satisfactory achievement in previous academic work.

Note: Exceptions to the minimum eligibility qualifications may be granted at the sole discretion of Cal Poly Humboldt.

Department Hiring Criteria JOB # 299: Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION: Completion of a Bachelor's degree in Forestry or related field field, with appropriate coursework and experience relevant to the course assignment is required. Teaching Associates must be registered in a related Master's Degree program at Cal Poly Humboldt and must be enrolled in courses that advance them towards the completion of their degree program and must remain academically eligible throughout their appointment period. The Department Chair will make the final hiring decision based on the background of the applicants and the needs of the department.

How to Apply and Contact Information

Please submit the following required application materials via CHRS Recruiting (PageUp):

  • Letter of Interest/Cover Letter (information regarding expectations can be found here);
  • Resume/CV;
  • Application for Employment (complete in CHRS Recruiting - PageUp); and
  • Current Unofficial Transcripts.

Please direct any questions pertaining to this position, the Department of Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management, or Cal Poly Humboldt to:

Department of Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management

Cal Poly Humboldt

Email: fwr@humboldt.edu 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Availability of these positions are contingent upon departmental need, budget, and enrollment - Priority review date is April 1, 2026 - Early response is encouraged. 

See more photos at Cal Poly Humboldt's Flickr page

Notice: It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide complete and accurate employment information. A background check must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position that is designated as sensitive under CSU guidelines. The background check will include, at a minimum, a criminal records check. Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Adverse findings from a background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU student workers who apply for the position. All CSU employees are obligated to respond to and report incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence. The successful candidate for this position will be mandated to receive relevant training on an annual basis. The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Cal Poly Humboldt is a Title IX/Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. If accommodations need to be made during the recruitment and interview process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 826-3626 or hr@humboldt.edu 

Advertised: Feb 27 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 21 2027 Pacific Standard Time

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US