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Hand Crew Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Crew Captain Apply now Job No: 541368 Work Type: Full-time Location: FLAGSTAFF Categories ... firefighting hand tools, prescribed burning devices, ATV's, multichannel radios, and forestry ...

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Flagstaff, AZ ยท On-site

$24.70 - $27.36/hr

Responsible for directing a module of a 10 or 20 person Hand Crew. * Establishes guidelines and ... Fuel types and fire behavior, fire management objectives and policies, and firefighting strategies ...

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Hand Crew Firefighter information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do hand crew firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for hand crew firefighter in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Hand Crew Firefighters?

Hand Crew Firefighters are specially trained wildland firefighters who work in teams to suppress wildfires. They use hand tools, such as shovels, axes, and chainsaws, to create firebreaks, remove fuel, and control the spread of fires, often in rugged and remote terrain. Hand crews are essential for containing wildfires, as they perform physically demanding tasks under challenging conditions, sometimes for long hours. Their work is critical in protecting lives, property, and natural resources from fire damage.

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

To thrive as a Hand Crew Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of wildfire suppression techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like chainsaws, shovels, and fire shelters, as well as certifications such as the Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), are typically required. Teamwork, resilience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this high-stress environment. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safety, effective coordination, and successful wildfire containment in hazardous conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by Hand Crew Firefighters during wildfire assignments?

Hand Crew Firefighters often work in physically demanding and rapidly changing environments, which can present challenges such as long shifts, exposure to extreme weather, and rugged terrain. Team members must remain alert and adaptable as fire behavior can change quickly, requiring constant communication and coordination. Additionally, they may need to hike long distances carrying heavy gear, and manage fatigue while maintaining safety protocols. These challenges make teamwork, resilience, and strong situational awareness essential for success.

What is the difference between Hand Crew Firefighter vs Wildland Firefighter?

AspectHand Crew FirefighterWildland Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter 1, S-130, S-190, First Aid/CPRFirefighter 1, S-130, S-190, First Aid/CPR
Work EnvironmentTeam-based, on-the-ground fire suppression, often in remote areasSimilar, involved in fire suppression in wildland areas
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or local fire agencies; wildfire suppressionFederal, state, or local agencies; wildfire response

Both Hand Crew Firefighters and Wildland Firefighters share similar certifications, work environments, and industry usage. The main difference is that Hand Crew Firefighters typically work as part of specialized hand crews focused on fire line construction, suppression, and containment, whereas Wildland Firefighters may have broader roles including initial attack and support tasks. Both roles are essential in wildfire management and require similar training and qualifications.

More about Hand Crew Firefighter jobs
What cities are hiring for Hand Crew Firefighter jobs? Cities with the most Hand Crew Firefighter job openings:
What states have the most Hand Crew Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Hand Crew Firefighter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hand Crew Firefighter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hand Crew Firefighter jobs are:
Infographic showing various Hand Crew Firefighter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Hand Crew Firefighter

Hand Crew Firefighter

Orange County Fire Authority

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$40K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION This classification will receive the following base wage increases: 4.5% effective March 19, 2027 4.5% effective March 17, 2028 4.5% effective March 16, 2029 4.5% effective March 15, 2030 4.5% effective March 14, 2031 The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently accepting applications for the position of Hand Crew Firefighter. Please review the entire recruitment bulletin for important information before applying. For more information about the Orange County Fire Authority Hand Crew Firefighter please visit www.joinocfa.org

CLASS SUMMARY: Under supervision, to perform a full range of strenuous physical tasks relative to fire suppression, fire line construction, improvement, and rehabilitation to fire lines and burn areas; mop up fire hotspots using hand tools to stop the fire spread; and related support functions. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Hand Crew Firefighter is distinguished from a Firefighter, which has a full range of firefighting responsibilities. In addition to the performance of hand crew firefighting duties, incumbents may serve on as needed basis in technical assignments performing one of the following: fire suppression and prevention, training, and communications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS To view the comprehensive class specification, please click on the following link: Hand Crew Firefighter. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of this job such as those listed in the Essential Functions section of the classification specification for Hand Crew Firefighter. EDUCATION (position requirement at entry) High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) EXPERIENCE (position requirement at entry): Experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of this job OTHER REQUIREMENTS (position requirement at entry) Applicants must be at least 18 years of age LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS (position requirements at entry): Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at time of appointment.

This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program, which periodically provides Risk Management with the incumbent's Driver License record and status. HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of an S-130 Firefighter Training Certificate Possession of an S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Certificate Possession of L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service Certificate Possession of a CA/S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws Certificate or NWCG S-112: Introduction to Chainsaw Operations Possession of an NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Possession of a valid California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License or Paramedic License Completion of a State Certified Basic Firefighter 1 Academy Possession of a valid Incident Qualification Card / Firefighter Red Card or Incident Qualifications and Certifications System (IQCS) Master Record NOTE: Applicants who possess some or all of the highly desired certificates listed above MUST attach a scanned PDF copy at time of application submission. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Last Day to Apply: Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM Written Examination: Week of August 31, 2026 Arduous Pack Test: Week of October 5, 2026 Oral Interviews: October 26, 2026 - November 6, 2026 Fire Chief Interviews: January 2027 Eligibility List Established: TBD Background Investigation Orientation: TBD Expected Start Date: June 2027 Please note, all dates are subject to change based on organizational need.

Should a change occur, Human Resources will notify all affected candidates via email. ONLINE APPLICATION An applicant must submit, during the application filing period, an online application and attach any supplemental information as required in the job announcement, which may include submitting responses to a supplemental questionnaire and PDF copies of certificates. To apply for this position, please visit www.ocfa.org and submit your online application and all relevant supplemental documentation

Online resumes and other unsolicited materials may be attached but will not be considered in lieu of the required online application. The OCFA reserves the right to limit the number of online applications when necessary. Applicants are responsible for maintaining/updating their contact information through the online application system.

Human Resources will screen all applications for minimum qualifications, however, the OCFA reserves the right to refer only the better qualified applicants. WRITTEN EXAMINATION The minimum passing score is 80%. The written exam will have a weight of 25% of the candidates' overall score.

All candidates that achieve a score of 80% or above on the written examination will be invited to the arduous pack test. ARDUOUS PACK TEST Candidates must pass the arduous pack test exam in a time of 45:00 minutes or less. The arduous pack test consists of a three (3) mile hike with a 45-pound pack over level terrain.

The arduous pack test will be coordinated by the OCFA at a nearby facility. Candidates may substitute an IQCS Master Record showing their current fitness level status as Arduous as a substitute for completing this portion of the recruitment process. All candidates who successfully complete the arduous pack test will be invited to the oral interview.

PANEL INTERVIEW The minimum passing score is 80%. The panel interview will have a weight of 75% of the candidates' overall score. The panel interview will be arranged by Human Resources.

Human Resources will notify referred candidates by email of the scheduled dates, times, and locations. CHIEF'S INTERVIEW Candidates who successfully complete the Chief's interview may be invited to begin the pre-employment background process. The Chief's interview will be arranged by Human Resources.

Human Resources will notify candidates by email of the scheduled dates, times, and locations for their assigned interview. ELIGIBILITY LIST Placement on the eligibility list will be established based on a combination of the written examination score (25%) and the panel interview score (75%). The arduous pack test is pass/fail.

The eligibility list will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of establishment or until all the names on the list are exhausted. The eligibility list may be extended or abolished at the discretion of the Assistant Chief/Human Resources Director. SELECTION Tentative selections will be completed after the Fire Chief interviews.

Final selections are based on vacancies and successful completion of: Pre-employment background check Pre-employment medical examination PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION Candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment medical exam including a drug screen through the OCFA's designated physician. PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND Candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation including, but not limited to fingerprinting, current and previous employment history check, reference check, DMV check, criminal history check, and licensure/certification check. POST EMPLOYMENT OFFERS All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion / clearance of a comprehensive pre-employment medical exam and drug screen through the OCFA's designated health care providers, and completion of a comprehensive background investigation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, driving, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. TOBACCO PRODUCTS Employees represented by the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) hired after September 1, 2016, are not permitted to use tobacco products on or off duty. LOYALTY OATH All new employees must take an oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst II at (714) 573-6828 or juliekwak@ocfa.org within 72 hours prior to the need for the accommodation. QUESTIONS All questions regarding this position should be directed to Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst II at (714) 573-6828 or juliekwak@ocfa.org. NOTE The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract

Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.