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Manager Prescribed Fire Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Manager Prescribed Fire information

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$22.5K

$64.2K

$114K

How much do manager prescribed fire jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager prescribed fire in the United States is $64,154.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager Prescribed Fire, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Prescribed Fire, you need expertise in fire ecology, land management, and incident command, usually backed by a degree in natural resources or a related field and wildland fire certifications. Familiarity with GIS mapping, fire behavior modeling software, and safety compliance systems is crucial. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with agencies under dynamic conditions. These competencies ensure safe, effective prescribed burns that support ecological goals and minimize risk.

What are some common challenges faced by a Manager Prescribed Fire and how can they be addressed?

A Manager Prescribed Fire often encounters challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, coordinating with multiple agencies, and ensuring public safety. Effective planning, clear communication with team members and stakeholders, and staying updated on local regulations are essential to address these challenges. Additionally, Managers must be adept at risk assessment and problem-solving to adapt plans when conditions change suddenly. Developing strong relationships with local communities and training teams in the latest fire management techniques can also help overcome these obstacles and ensure successful prescribed burns.

What is a Manager Prescribed Fire?

A Manager Prescribed Fire is a professional responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing controlled burns, also known as prescribed fires, to achieve specific land management objectives. These objectives can include reducing wildfire risk, improving ecosystem health, and promoting native species. The manager ensures that all burns are conducted safely, in compliance with regulations, and under appropriate weather conditions. They work closely with landowners, fire crews, and regulatory agencies to create burn plans, obtain permits, and monitor fire effects. This role requires expertise in fire behavior, ecological principles, and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Manager Prescribed Fire vs Prescribed Fire Specialist?

AspectManager Prescribed FirePrescribed Fire Specialist
CertificationsFire Management Officer, S-130/190, and other certificationsFirefighter Type 2, S-130/190, and related certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple prescribed burns, manages teams, plans projectsConducts prescribed burns, implements fire plans, monitors conditions
Employer & IndustryFederal, state agencies, land management organizationsFire departments, land agencies, conservation groups

While both roles involve prescribed fire, the Manager Prescribed Fire typically oversees planning and management, whereas the Prescribed Fire Specialist focuses on executing burns and monitoring conditions. The manager has more leadership responsibilities and often holds advanced certifications, while the specialist is more hands-on with fire implementation.

More about Manager Prescribed Fire jobs
What cities are hiring for Manager Prescribed Fire jobs? Cities with the most Manager Prescribed Fire job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prescribed Fire jobs? The most popular types of Prescribed Fire jobs are:
What states have the most Manager Prescribed Fire jobs? States with the most job openings for Manager Prescribed Fire jobs include:
Infographic showing various Manager Prescribed Fire job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,154 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Management Specialist Prescribed Fire and Fuels)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Naches, WA • On-site

$72.83K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

These positions are located within Region 5 (Pacific Southwest Region) and Region 6 (Pacific Northwest Region).
The incumbent's primary responsibilities include program responsibility for prescribed fire, fuels management, and smoke management, provides professional advice and assistance to meet resource management objectives with prescribed fire and/or multiple objective wildland fires.
For additional information about the duties of these positions, see Additional Information section below.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Basic Requirement 0401 Series:
Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry, or related discipline appropriate to the position being filled.-
OR-

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
Fo
r the GW-09 level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-07 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: Planned, developed, and implemented land management plans, compliance documents, and agreements; Worked closely with other resource specialists to integrate vegetation management project designs in fuels program direction; Provided input and recommended strategies for fuels and fire management; Provided expertise in the development of resource objectives and guidance for implementation of projects and programs; Evaluated post burn fire effects, identified potential problems and made appropriate recommendations.
-OR-
A master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., (coursework directly related to the position being filled such as biological sciences, botany, ecology, horticulture, climate sciences, natural resource management);
-OR-
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
For the GW-11 level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-09 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: Reviewed and evaluated fire management plans for ecological soundness and technical adequacy; Conducted field inspections before and after prescribed or wildland fires to determine if resource objectives were achieved and/or to evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken; Developed analyses on the ecological role of fire and its use and/or exclusion, and smoke management.
-OR-
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (coursework directly related to position being filled such as biological sciences, botany, ecology, horticulture, climate sciences, natural resource management);
-OR-
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.).
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.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary IFPM Core Requirement of NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) -OR- Task Force Leader (TFLD).
-OR-
Successfully completed the Primary IFPM Core Requirement of NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Helibase Manager (HEBM).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See above for education requirement(s) for this position.Employment Type: OTHER