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Hand Crew Firefighter Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Hand Crew Firefighter information

See Indiana salary details

$27.1K

$56.7K

$95.2K

How much do hand crew firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for hand crew firefighter in Indiana is $56,719.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $65,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Hand Crew Firefighter jobs in Indiana? For Hand Crew Firefighter jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hand Crew Firefighter jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Hand Crew Firefighter jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Hand Crew Firefighter jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Hand Crew Firefighter job openings:
Firefighter

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description
  • #1 Airport in North America and Indiana Chamber's Best Places to Work!
  • Paid Childcare Reimbursements up to $10k/year, per child.
  • Paid Tuition Assistance up to $5,250/year
  • Generous Medical, Dental, Vision and RX
  • Free Healthcare through Marathon Health
  • Pet Insurance
  • Up to 5% Match Retirement Plan
  • Generous Paid Time Off Programs & MORE

GENERAL SUMMARY
It is the responsibility of the Firefighters to respond to all emergency calls on airport property which involves property damage, injury, or a threat of property damage or injury focusing first on the safety of the individual and secondly on minimizing property damage. Ensure that the airport has the capability to respond to emergencies within the standards established by the FAA regulations
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Daily, inspect and confirm the operating status of the truck assigned checking fluid levels by gauge and manually, operating pumps, ensuring that all required equipment is on board and that radios operate properly. Fuel and clean truck as necessary
  • Throughout the shift, maintain the fire station both inside and outside, mopping floors, washing windows, sweeping, dusting, maintaining storeroom, shoveling walks and cleaning the kitchen and restrooms
  • Respond to emergency calls within the FAA time limits by getting to one's truck, bunkering, operating the truck, driving to the scene and employing the necessary rescue tactics ranging from spraying fire retarding agent, to stabilizing an injured party and packaging for transportation. Emergency calls may include, but are not limited to, airplane crash, building fire, automobile accident, occupational injury, passenger or crew injury.
  • Respond to spills of fuel or hazardous substances and bomb threats. Build dikes or contain fuel or hazardous substances in such a manner as to prevent discharge into the surface drainage system. Respond to bomb threats by evacuating and securing the area and assisting the Police Bomb Squad.
  • Conduct fire code inspections, escorts, safety seminars, training sessions Participate in continuous physical and mental training
  • Work in Emergency Operations Center per NIMS guidelines
  • Perform any other function assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • Graduation from a standard high school or vocational school or successful completion of a high school equivalency exam
  • Ability to perform all the physical and cognitive tasks outlined in the job description
  • Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position
  • Valid driver's license and a demonstrated good driving record
  • Successfully complete Airport Firefighter certification as prescribed
  • Successfully complete, on an annual basis, required EMS In-service, once certified by the state
  • Ability to perform all the essential functions of the job outlined above without creating a direct threat to the safety of oneself or others
  • Uncorrected vision of 20/100 or better and corrected vision of 20/40 or better
  • NIMS 100, 200, and 700, and 800 certifications
  • Certification of Firefighter II

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Operate a motor vehicle
  • Operate heavy equipment
  • Operate small equipment and power tools
  • Operate a computer keyboard
  • Operate office equipment
  • Lift and carry up to 160 pounds
  • Climb ladders/stairs
  • Walk, crawl, sit, stand, stoop, bend, squat, push, pull, jump, run
  • See, hear, talk, write
  • Have physical dexterity and agility
  • Eye-hand coordination
  • Operate airport radio
  • File/store
  • Operate machinery

COGNITIVE TASKS
  • Read and comprehend
  • Comprehend, retain and follow oral and written instructions
  • Exercise good judgment
  • Set priorities
  • Effectively communicate
  • Make informative presentations
  • Continue technical and physical training
  • Control high stress situations
  • Provide instructions and training
  • Direct
  • Complete forms
  • Make decisions

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Work as a team
  • Regular extended continuous work schedules
  • Outside and inside work sites
  • Exposure to all type of weather and temperature conditions
  • Exposure to dust, dirt, mud
  • Exposure to hazardous chemicals and infectious substances
  • Exposure to moving machinery, nip points
  • Exposure to high stress situations
  • Exposure to life threatening situation
  • Work in bulky, heavy protective clothing
  • Multiple work sites