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Hand Crew Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The State of Arizona

Fire Crew Captain

Flagstaff, AZ

$24.71 - $27.37/hr

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 ...

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Flagstaff, AZ · 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 ...

State of Nevada (NV)

FIRE CAPTAIN - ELY

Carson City, NV

$59K - $88K/yr

This position, under the supervision of the Battalion Chief acts as a supervisor of a wildland fire module/hand crew with multiple firefighters that participate in all functional areas of wildland ...

Outback Firefighting

Wildland Firefighter

Stevensville, MT · On-site

$500 - $525/day

Wildland Firefighter FFT2 Firefighters MUST have current RED Card & provide the required FFT2, S130 ... hand tools; serving as a crew member during fire break preparation which involves rock removal ...

City of Ann Arbor

Firefighter

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Operate hand fire extinguishers, fog nozzles and similar equipment in extinguishing fires; raise ... Communicate with fire crew, other fire crews or supervisors, fire department management staff and ...

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All JobsHand Crew Firefighter Jobs

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 Jun 9, 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:
Hand Crew Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hand Crew Firefighter job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist-Engine and Hand Crew

Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist-Engine and Hand Crew

Coos Forest Protective Association

Brookings, OR • On-site

$20.49 - $32.72/hr

Temporary

Posted yesterday

Job description

Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) Gold Beach and Brookings Stations are now accepting applications for Wildland Fire Engine and Hand Crew Members for the 2026 fire season.

Suppression Specialist duties include but are not limited to:

Acting and performing effectively in a team environment as a Wildland Firefighter, Hand Crew Member, Engine or Tender Operator to perform initial and extended attack wildland firefighting including fire line construction and mop-up using standard firefighting hand tools, deploying hose lays, operating pumps and acting as nozzle and/or hose person in fire suppression as well as the use of hand tools to clear roadside debris and vegetation in prevention activities. Cleans and maintains various items of equipment including the washing of vehicles. Position includes other tasks as assigned including, but not limited to, Co-Op projects including slash burning, brush clearing and parks maintenance.

Experience operating vehicles with manual transmissions, 4-wheel drive and/or airbrakes, wildland fire engines, trucks with water tanks of 2500 to 5000-gallon capacity or crew transports while obeying all traffic laws and/or driving on steep, narrow forest and/or logging roads are required for some positions. Engine and Tender Operators also perform or direct others in starting pump engines, priming pumps, adjusting engine speeds and pump valves, laying hose, appropriate nozzle use, effective use of water and additives, inspect, check, service and adjust various items of equipment including pumps, hose lays, tank and reels for equipment readiness.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This position requires long hours of arduous physical activity in all types of terrain and weather conditions with exposure to various hazards including, but not limited to poison oak, bees, smoke, snakes, steep terrain, noise, heat, dust, burning and/or falling materials and other hazards. Successfully passing and maintaining the physical fitness level necessary is required and will be tested on a yearly basis. Various shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and long hours with short notice is required. Assignments to emergency incidents may require being away from the assigned duty station for extended periods of time with occasional travel throughout the state of Oregon and other states.

A current/valid Oregon Driver’s License with a Class “C” or higher, as the operation of 4-wheel drive pickups and larger vehicles in various road conditions and during fire situations may be required. Successful candidates for positions that include driving a Company vehicle will be subject to a driving background check with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

For more information on this position, please see the attached position announcement.