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Forest Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forest Ecologist

Plummer, ID · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Knowledge and experience in firefighting and/or prescribed burning techniques. * Knowledge of ecological sampling techniques. Desired Qualifications * A Master's Degree in Forestry, Forest Ecology ...

Firefighter

Nottoway, VA · On-site

$45K - $53K/yr

Firefighter State Role Title: Fire Fighters Hiring Range: $45,000 - $53,500 Pay Band: 3 Agency ... Forested Areas. Major elements of response include but is not limited to Fire Prevention ...

The Firefighter will serve on an ambulance, engine, or truck at one of two different fire stations ... Applicant must be able to operate auxiliary equipment such as Hurst Rescue tool and Forestry Fire ...

Forest Ecologist

Plummer, ID · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Knowledge and experience in firefighting and/or prescribed burning techniques. * Knowledge of ecological sampling techniques. Desired Qualifications * A Master's Degree in Forestry, Forest Ecology ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002085 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002085 Salary: $45,990.62 ... Certificate of Compliance as Firefighter. Florida Statute 633 requires that any person employed in ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002466

Dover, FL · On-site

$47K - $53K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002466 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002466 Salary: $47,760.22 ... Certificate of Compliance as Firefighter. Florida Statute 633 requires that any person employed in ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002085 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002085 Salary: $45,990.62 ... Certificate of Compliance as Firefighter. Florida Statute 633 requires that any person employed in ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002466

Dover, FL · On-site

$47K - $53K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002466 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002466 Salary: $47,760.22 ... Certificate of Compliance as Firefighter. Florida Statute 633 requires that any person employed in ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002085 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002085 Salary: $45,990.62 ... Certificate of Compliance as Firefighter. Florida Statute 633 requires that any person employed in ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002085 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002085 Salary: $45,990.62 ... Certificate of Compliance as Firefighter. Florida Statute 633 requires that any person employed in ...

FOREST RANGER - 42002466

Dover, FL · On-site

$47K - $53K/yr

FOREST RANGER - 42002466 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 42002466 Salary: $47,760.22 ... Certificate of Compliance as Firefighter. Florida Statute 633 requires that any person employed in ...

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Forest Firefighter information

See salary details

$31K

$48.9K

$69K

How much do forest firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 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.

How much do U.S. forest firefighters make?

U.S. forest firefighters typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and season. Many are seasonal workers and may receive additional compensation for overtime, hazardous conditions, or specialized training.

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 40 too old to be a wildland firefighter?

Forest firefighting agencies often accept applicants of various ages, and being 40 is not necessarily too old to become a wildland firefighter. Physical fitness, training, and certifications like S-130 and S-190 are important, and many firefighters continue working into their 50s and beyond if they meet health and fitness requirements.

How to get into forest firefighting?

To become a forest firefighter, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and training in wildfire suppression techniques. Many agencies require certification in first aid and fire safety, and some prefer prior experience or training in firefighting or outdoor work. Applying through local fire departments or forestry agencies and completing relevant training programs are essential steps.

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.

Is it worth it to become a wildland firefighter?

A forest firefighter, or wildland firefighter, plays a crucial role in preventing and suppressing wildfires, often working in challenging outdoor environments and requiring physical fitness and firefighting certifications. The job offers a sense of purpose and community impact but involves risks, irregular hours, and physically demanding conditions. Whether it is worth it depends on personal values, willingness to face hazards, and interest in outdoor emergency response work.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 26% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 13% Contract, 1% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,932 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
Wildland Firefighter

$52K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This Wildland Firefighter position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-5 working in the following location(s):

  • Mayville, Wisconsin

Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work for approximately 9 months, and you will be in a non-pay status for the remainder of the year.

Qualifications:

In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.
This position is a Primary Firefighter position and is subject to a maximum entry age (MEA).
The MEA is the date immediately preceding your 37th birthday. Applicants must not have reached age 37 at the time of appointment, unless proof is provided of prior Federal service in another primary covered position, or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application may result in loss of consideration. Please refer to the Required Documents section for further guidance on what documentation is required to meet this requirement. If over the MEA and you are not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted prior to employment. Acceptable proof consists of SF-50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments and copies of approved letters based on individual claims.
Minimum Qualification
To qualify for a GW-05, you must meet at least one of the following:
For the GW-05 level:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-04 level in the federal service. Examples of specialized experience include: on-the-line wildland fire experience in forest/range fire control, prevention, or suppression work as a skilled wildland firefighter, utilizing a variety of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment.
-OR- Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study in Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study (e.g.: Forestry, Range Management, Agriculture, Fire suppression and Prevention). Transcripts must be attached to application package if qualifying based on education.
-OR- An equivalent combination of experience and education. Transcripts must be attached to application package.
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.
*Applicants must meet all minimum qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement.*
This position is covered by the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d) as a Primary/Rigorous Firefighter. Applicants must be 18 years of age but not have reached their 37th birthday by the closing date of this announcement. These positions are covered by the special enhanced annuity retirement provisions for Federal Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers and have a mandatory retirement age of 57. Two exceptions are allowed: 1) an applicant has prior Federal service in documented special retirement covered position(s) sufficient to count toward 20 years of covered service on or before the mandatory retirement age of 57; or 2) an applicant is a qualified veterans' preference eligible, in which case the MEA is waived and their corresponding retirement age may be higher than 57 after completing 20 years of service. Applicants must submit proof of their previous and/or current status in the Fire Fighter or Law Enforcement special enhanced annuity retirement system.
Physical Demands: This position requires arduous exertion for protracted periods of time such as, but not limited to, extensive running, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, pulling hoses, jumping and twisting, prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity.
Working Conditions: This position works in forest, range, and desert environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick tangled vegetation, smoky conditions, etc. Temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees F and may fall below freezing. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material. Employee must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor bivouac and eating situations under an unpredictable set of circumstances. Firefighters may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (e.g., boots, hard hat, gloves, flame resistant clothing). Work may require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft.

Education:PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).Employment Type: OTHER

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