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Forest Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Forest Firefighter information

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$31K

$48.9K

$69K

How much do forest firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest firefighter in the United States is $48,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Forest Firefighter vs Wildland Firefighter?

AspectForest FirefighterWildland Firefighter
Required CertificationsFirefighter I & II, CPR, First AidFirefighter I & II, Wildland Firefighting Certifications
Work EnvironmentForests, national parks, rural areasWildland terrains, forests, grasslands
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, forestry servicesFederal, state agencies, firefighting crews

Forest Firefighters and Wildland Firefighters share similar certifications and work environments, often operating in forested and rural areas. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job focus: Forest Firefighters may work in broader forest management, while Wildland Firefighters specialize in fighting wildfires in natural terrains. Both roles are vital in wildfire prevention and suppression, often overlapping in duties and training.

Is 30 too old to become a wildland firefighter?

Forest firefighter roles often have age limits, but many departments accept applicants up to their 30s or 40s if they meet physical fitness and training requirements. Experience, fitness, and certifications like wildfire suppression training are important factors, and older applicants can bring valuable skills to the job.

What Do Forest Firefighters Do?

A forest firefighter responds to fires in a forest area or helps throughout other regions with firefighting. Forest firefighters must maintain peak physical condition, know how to work through wildland, and be able to work as part of a team. Part of training is learning how to handle the equipment used during firefighting. In this career, you work with chemical and water pumps to put out flames. You regularly have to parachute into wildland to extinguish a fire and save anyone in the area. After extinguishing a fire, you must patrol the region to ensure there is no chance for the fire to reignite through hotspots.

What are forest firefighters?

Forest firefighters, also known as wildland firefighters, are trained professionals who respond to and suppress wildfires in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. Their duties include controlling fires, protecting property and natural resources, and sometimes conducting controlled burns to prevent future fires. They work in physically demanding and often dangerous conditions, frequently in remote locations. Forest firefighters use specialized equipment and techniques to contain and extinguish fires, and they play a critical role in protecting the environment and public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forest Firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forest Firefighter, you need physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and basic firefighting training, often supported by completion of wildland fire courses and certifications like the Red Card. Familiarity with tools such as chainsaws, pumps, hand tools, and GPS navigation systems is also essential. Strong teamwork, resilience under stress, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring personal safety, effective fire suppression, and coordinated emergency response in hazardous environments.

What are some common challenges faced by forest firefighters during wildfire season?

Forest firefighters often contend with unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and rapidly changing fire conditions. Long shifts, physical exhaustion, and exposure to smoke and heat are typical challenges. Teamwork is crucial, as firefighters must communicate effectively and coordinate closely with others to ensure safety and successful containment. Adapting quickly and maintaining situational awareness are key to overcoming the demanding and dynamic nature of wildfire response.
What cities are hiring for Forest Firefighter jobs? Cities with the most Forest Firefighter job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Forest Firefighter jobs? The top employers for Forest Firefighter jobs are:
What states have the most Forest Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Forest Firefighter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forest Firefighter job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,932 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
Wildland Firefighter Medford OR Base

Wildland Firefighter Medford OR Base

Grayback Forestry

White City, OR โ€ข On-site

$17.75 - $28.73/hr

Temporary

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Must be 18 years of age to apply
Position: Wildland Firefighter/ Forest Technician
Department: White City, OR Base
Reports To: Supervisor (Crew Foreman)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Summary
Be physically and mentally prepared to safely perform general forestry projects, Wildland fire suppression and other emergency services as an integral part of a team that will endure long hours in adverse conditions. Work can be performed anywhere in the United States.
Key Character Traits for this Position:
Alertness
Teamwork
Effectiveness
Initiative
Positive Attitude
Diligence
Dependability
Flexibility
Reliability
Endurance
Skill Sets:
* Technical Skills - Proper and safe use of hand tools, chainsaw and flammables.
* Problem Solving - Utilize personal knowledge to resolve issues. Able to discern when to seek assistance for efficient and effective resolutions.
* Customer Service - Respond to requests and assist with an attitude to serve rather than be served.
* Communication - Listen with the intent to provide constructive feedback. Speak in a manner that promotes respect and dignity in positive as well as negative situations.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
*Promote and uphold Grayback Forestry's Mission Statement, Company Vision and Core Values at all times.
* Maintain a safe, productive and positive work environment. Maintain and clean all equipment issued.
* Comply with all state and federal regulations.
* Use of power tools - pumps and chain saws; hand tools - Mcleods, Pulaskis, shovels, hazel hoes, and drip torches.
* Cut, clear and pile brush and trees in a forest environment. Tree planting, staking and tubing.
* Extinguish flames and embers to suppress forest fires using hand tools. Construct fire lines and ignite slash for controlled burns. Set up of water tanks, pumps, hoses to fight wildfire and prescribe burns. * Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Education and/or Experience:
To become an entry level wildland firefighter (FF-2), a basic firefighting course that meets the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (PMS 310-1) standards is required. Basic training is a 5-day course that consists of a fitness capacity test, classroom training and a field examination day (40 hours minimum). This class is comprised of the S-130, S-190, L-180, and Field Evaluation. There are two additional required online self-study courses that everyone needs to complete order to become eligible to be a wildland firefighter. The IS-700 and I-100 courses are required by FEMA for all emergency response workers, including wildland firefighters.
This Basic Firefighting Course can be obtained from any NWCG certified training provider (Federal and State Agencies, Universities and Community Colleges, NWSA Certified Instructors, etc.) or free of charge from Grayback Forestry but unpaid. Upon completion of course, you will receive a certificate as a firefighter 2 that will be recognized by other private companies, State and Federal agencies, allowing you to be eligible to work for any of them. California agencies may have additional requirements.
In addition, individuals must pass an Agency required "Pack Test", which consists of completing a three-mile, controlled course walk within 45 minutes while carrying 45 pounds on your back. Grayback will administer and document pass or fail free of charge or you can take the test from any NWCG certified training provider (Federal and State Agencies, Universities and Community Colleges, NWSA Certified Instructors, etc.)
Physical Demands:
Possess ability to perform hard manual labor on steep terrain, using chain saws and hand tools and to lift and carry 50 pounds or more. You may be required to walk ten miles or more per day.
* Walking/Climbing - Surfaces can be any of the following; forest turf and duff, rocks, gravel, or pavement. Terrain may be flat to steep.
* Carry - 10-50 pounds continuously, 50-100 pounds occasionally. Wear personal backpack while working.
* Pushing/Pulling - 20-30 pounds of force, pushing hand tools into dirt and pulling away topsoil several inches below surface and pulling to scrape to mineral soil continuously.
* Bending/Twisting - From waist and knees to assume position when digging fire line.
* Lifting/Reaching/Handling/Grasping when digging fire line or utilizing other equipment.
Work Environment:
Working conditions include working in a crew (team) environment, outside in varying weather conditions. May be required to work in an environment where there are fumes, smoke, noise, chemicals, dirt, and dust. May be on duty 16 hours or more a day, including travel time from the base to work site and back. May involve extended time away from home and depending on the fire location, you may work 21 days straight before a day off.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
EOE: minority/female/disabled/veteran
Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disabled/veteran
Request Assistance: If you are a qualified individual or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at 541-476-0033.