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Forestry Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.72 - $20.24/hr

Policies, techniques and practices of wildland firefighting obtained through substantial service as a primary firefighter of the Department of Forestry and Fire Management. * Fire behavior including ...

State of Virginia

Firefighter

Nottoway, VA

$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 ...

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

$24.70 - $27.36/hr

... firefighting hand tools, prescribed burning devices, ATV's, multichannel radios, and forestry measurement tools. * Mapping and Global Positioning System Equipment. Ability to: * Apply resourcefulness ...

Forest Park, OH

Part-Time Firefighter/EMT

Forest Park, OH · On-site

$16.74 - $20.75/hr

Kemper Rd., Forest Park, OH 45240, OH Job Type: Part Time Fire Job Number: 21-00001 Department ... a Firefighter II and EMT. Applicants must be able to pass a background check, polygraph, and ...

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Forestry Firefighter information

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$31K

$48.9K

$69K

How much do forestry firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry 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 are some of the most common challenges Forestry Firefighters face during wildfire season?

Forestry Firefighters often encounter unpredictable weather, rapidly changing fire behavior, and rugged terrain during wildfire season. These challenges require quick decision-making and effective teamwork to ensure both safety and successful fire suppression. Additionally, long hours, physical exertion, and exposure to smoke and heat are common, making stamina and mental resilience crucial for the role. Collaboration with other agencies and clear communication are also vital to coordinate large-scale responses effectively.

Is it worth it to become a wildland firefighter?

A forestry firefighter, or wildland firefighter, plays a critical role in wildfire suppression and prevention, often working in challenging outdoor environments with physical demands and safety risks. The job offers opportunities for seasonal work, skill development, and certifications such as S-130 and S-190, but it also involves irregular hours and exposure to hazards. Whether it is worth it depends on personal interest in firefighting, outdoor work, and willingness to accept the physical and safety challenges involved.

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

To thrive as a Forestry Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and basic emergency medical training, typically supported by a high school diploma and completion of specialized wildfire training programs. Familiarity with firefighting tools, chainsaws, GPS navigation systems, and certifications such as S-130/S-190 are common requirements. Teamwork, resilience under pressure, and effective communication are vital soft skills for success in high-risk, rapidly changing environments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring crew safety, effective wildfire suppression, and the protection of natural resources and communities.

What is the highest paying wildland firefighter job?

The highest paying wildland firefighter jobs are typically supervisory roles such as Fire Management Officers or Incident Commanders, who oversee large-scale fire operations and may earn higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and experience. These positions often require advanced certifications, leadership skills, and extensive field experience, and they can be stationed in high-cost-of-living areas or assigned to federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service or BLM.

Is 40 too old to be a wildland firefighter?

Forestry firefighters can be of various ages, and many departments value experience and physical fitness over age. While the job requires good physical condition, individuals up to their 40s and beyond often successfully serve, provided they meet fitness and certification requirements such as wildfire suppression training and CPR. Age alone is not a strict barrier to becoming a wildland firefighter.

Do wildfire fighters make good money?

Wildfire fighters, including forestry firefighters, typically earn an hourly wage that varies by experience, location, and agency, with seasonal and overtime pay often included. Entry-level positions may start around minimum wage, while experienced firefighters with certifications and specialized skills can earn higher salaries, sometimes supplemented by hazard pay or overtime. Overall, the pay is generally considered moderate compared to other emergency services, but it can increase with experience and additional responsibilities.

What is the difference between Forestry Firefighter vs Wildland Firefighter?

AspectForestry FirefighterWildland Firefighter
Required CertificationsFirefighter certification, basic wildland firefighting trainingFirefighter certification, advanced wildland firefighting training
Work EnvironmentForests, national parks, rural areasWildland areas, forests, grasslands
Employer & IndustryForestry agencies, national parks, conservation organizationsFederal, state, and local fire agencies, conservation districts

Forestry Firefighters and Wildland Firefighters share similar roles in combating forest fires, often requiring comparable certifications and working in outdoor, rural environments. However, Forestry Firefighters typically focus on forest management and fire prevention within designated forestry areas, while Wildland Firefighters may respond to a broader range of wildfires across various terrains. Both roles are vital in protecting natural resources and communities from fire hazards.

What are forestry firefighters?

Forestry firefighters, also known as wildland firefighters, are professionals trained to prevent, control, and extinguish fires in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. They use specialized equipment and techniques to contain wildfires, protect wildlife habitats, and ensure public safety. Their work often involves physically demanding tasks, long hours, and responding to emergencies in remote locations. Forestry firefighters also participate in fire prevention, education, and rehabilitation of burned areas.
What cities are hiring for Forestry Firefighter jobs? Cities with the most Forestry Firefighter job openings:
What states have the most Forestry Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Forestry Firefighter jobs include:
Forestry Firefighter jobs near you
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Job Page

Arizona State Hospital

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$16.72 - $20.24/hr

Temporary

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT In partnership with local, county, state, and federal agencies, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) protects Arizona's people by: providing coordination and resource response for the suppression and management of wildland fire; delivering education to aid in wildland fire prevention; providing integrated management strategies, technical assistance and information through various Department programs; collaborating in forest restoration projects; and ensuring fire and life safety through permitting, plan reviews and building inspections.
Seasonal Fire Prevention Technician
Job Location:
Address: 1110 West Washington, Suite 500, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Posting Details:
Salary: $16.7260 - $20.2400 Hourly Grade: 13 Closing Date: Open Until Filled (Resumes reviewed on a continuous basis)
Job Summary:
The primary responsibility of this position is to respond to wildland fire incidents and assist Investigators to locate the origin and to determine cause. This position implements field level wildland fire prevention and mitigation programs and coordinates these programs with other agencies, cooperators, stakeholders, partners and institutions .
Job Duties:
  • Responds to initial attack dispatches. Often as the first responder, advises the dispatcher on the need for further suppression resources based on the behavior, size, and hazards.
  • Works with communities and regional/multi regional fire management collaboration groups to reduce risk from wildfire through implementation of a prevention education program and its practices.
  • Assists communities to achieve Firewise USA recognition through the development and implementation of a community Firewise Plan. Provide training to communities and fire departments to become qualified Firewise Assessors.
  • Facilitates Community Wildfire Protection Plan meetings.
  • Performs project work as stated in NWCG FEMO training, such as fuel inventory, monitors and controls fire line, collects data on fire weather and fire behavior. Supports hazard fuel reduction projects including prescribed burns as assigned.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
  • Policies, techniques and practices of wildland firefighting obtained through substantial service as a primary firefighter of the Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
  • Fire behavior including causes of wildland fire, influence of temperature, humidity, wind, topography, slope and fuel moisture conditions, and fuels.
  • NFPA Firewise standards and practices.
Skills in:
  • Computer techniques and word processing software.
  • Communication, both written and verbal.
  • Organization and prioritization.
  • Operation, maintenance, repair and care of wildland firefighting hand tools, chainsaws, small engines, vehicles and facilities.
Ability to:
  • Organize, coordinate, and present Firewise, wildland fire prevention and mitigation programs.
  • Effectively communicate wildland fire issues with community and media relations.
  • Practice fire suppression under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain.
  • Adhere to State of Arizona and Department of Forestry and Fire Management Standards of Conduct, policies, procedures and practices.
  • Drive on State Business

Pre-Employment Requirements:
  • Arduous Pack Test-Red Card Qualified and Wildland Firefighter Type 2 must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
  • A valid Arizona Driver's License.
Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:
This position does not qualify for benefits.
Retirement:
This position does not qualify for retirement benefits.
Contact Us:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 623-236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

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