1

Prescribed Fire Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Fire Door Technician

Mechanicsville, VA ยท On-site

$27.07 - $37.90/hr

Fire Door Technician SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday Day shift, occasional weekends required Job Summary ... Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and ...

Fire Door Technician

Hopewell, VA ยท On-site

$27.07 - $37.90/hr

Fire Door Technician SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday Day shift, occasional weekends required Job Summary ... Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and ...

Fire Door Technician

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$27.07 - $37.90/hr

Fire Door Technician SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday Day shift, occasional weekends required Job Summary ... Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and ...

Fire Door Technician

Mechanicsville, VA ยท On-site

$27.07 - $37.90/hr

Fire Door Technician SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday Day shift, occasional weekends required Job Summary ... Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and ...

Fire Door Technician

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$27.07 - $37.90/hr

Fire Door Technician SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday Day shift, occasional weekends required Job Summary ... Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and ...

Fire Door Technician

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$27.07 - $37.90/hr

Fire Door Technician SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday Day shift, occasional weekends required Job Summary ... Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and ...

Fire Door Technician

Tuckahoe, VA ยท On-site

$27.07 - $37.90/hr

Fire Door Technician SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday Day shift, occasional weekends required Job Summary ... Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and ...

Fire Door Technician

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$27.07 - $37.90/hr

Fire Door Technician SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday Day shift, occasional weekends required Job Summary ... Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Prescribed Fire information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$28

$49

How much do prescribed fire jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for prescribed fire in Virginia is $28.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.77 and $38.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prescribed fire?

A Prescribed Fire job involves planning and conducting controlled burns to manage vegetation, reduce wildfire risk, and restore ecosystems. Professionals in this field work with fire crews, land managers, and environmental agencies to ensure burns are conducted safely and effectively. Responsibilities may include preparing burn plans, monitoring weather conditions, and using specialized equipment to ignite and control fires. These roles are often found in government agencies, conservation organizations, and private land management companies.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in a prescribed fire position?

A typical workday in a Prescribed Fire position often involves planning and conducting controlled burns, monitoring weather conditions, preparing equipment, and coordinating with landowners and fire crews. You may spend time in both the field and the office, balancing hands-on fire implementation with administrative tasks such as reporting, mapping, and compliance documentation. Safety briefings and collaboration with various agencies or stakeholders are common parts of the job. The role can be physically demanding and may require irregular hours depending on burn windows, but it offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on ecosystem health and wildfire prevention.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the prescribed fire position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Prescribed Fire role, you need a strong understanding of fire ecology, land management, and wildland fire behavior, often demonstrated by education in natural resources or forestry and specialized fire training. Technical proficiency with fire management tools, GIS mapping systems, and completion of relevant certifications such as NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) courses are typically required. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and strong communication skills are important soft skills for ensuring safety and successful coordination during burns. These qualities are crucial for minimizing risk while achieving ecological management goals and complying with safety regulations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prescribed Fire jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Prescribed Fire jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Prescribed Fire job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,159 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Blacksburg Prescribed Fire and Fuels Crew Lead (SRB)

The Ember Alliance

Blacksburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Company Description
The Ember Alliance (TEA) is a national nonprofit organization of wildland fire practitioners, researchers, analysts, and instructors. The mission of TEA is to restore the relationship between communities and fire on the landscape. TEA is a just and transparent workplace that strives for clear and kind communication. We are dedicated to a workplace that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports work / life balance, and encourages growth. Learn more about TEA at https://emberalliance.org
Job Description
Position Description Overview
TEA is hiring for a 6-month, full-time Prescribed Fire & Fuels Crew Lead based in Blacksburg, Virginia. This position provides day-to-day leadership and direct supervision for a four-person prescribed fire module supporting TEA's contract with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Western Virginia, with a primary focus on post-Hurricane Helene recovery operations.
The Crew Lead will oversee and participate in fireline preparation, prescribed fire implementation, mop-up and patrol, fuels reduction and debris clean-up, and burn unit mapping and monitoring. Work is conducted under the supervision of designated agency Burn Bosses, and the position collaborates closely with partners from TNC, the U.S. Forest Service, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
This role requires exceptional operational leadership, experience working in Southern Appalachian fuels and landscapes, strong communication and partner-coordination skills, and a demonstrated commitment to safety, professionalism, and interagency cooperation.
The position begins upon hire and is expected to continue through September 2026, with the possibility of extension based on available funding.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Serve as a Single Resource Boss (SRB) by leading and supervising a four-person module during prescribed fire assignments and daily operations.
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including a commitment to the principles of Duty, Integrity, and Respect.
  • Report daily to multiple land agency representatives and TEA Project Manager.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with partner organizations.
  • Ensure module timeliness and engagement in prescribed fire operations or other work as assigned by agency representatives.
  • Perform fire line preparation, prescribed fire implementation, mop-up, patrol, and post-burn rehabilitation, and fuels reduction.
  • Ensure all module operations follow approved burn plans and direction from the assigned burn boss.
  • Maintain compliance with NWCG standards and required qualifications.
  • Conduct daily operational briefings and After-Action Reviews and ensure crew understanding of LCES, contingency plans, and risk mitigation measures.
  • Monitor fire behavior, weather conditions, and fuel conditions typical of Central Appalachian ecosystems.
  • Support burn unit mapping, planning, documentation, and monitoring activities.
  • Assist with fire effects, vegetation, or other assigned monitoring tasks.
    • Ensure readiness, safe operation, and maintenance of required equipment, including type 7 UTV.
  • Manage logistical needs such as supplies, equipment, vehicles, lodging, and support requirements.
  • Coordinate crew schedules, scout burn units, and procure necessary equipment.
  • Ensure all crew members are fit for duty, properly equipped, and compliant with PPE standards.
  • Complete and review timesheets, daily logs, equipment inspections, and required contract documentation; approve crew timesheets.
  • Foster a strong safety culture where hazards are reported, discussed, and mitigated.
  • Mentor and support crew development, providing guidance and training as needed to all crew members.
  • Travel for extended periods and work outside normal business hours as needed.
  • Participate in hiring processes for seasonal, permanent, and assistant lead positions when requested.
  • Record and report daily activities and metrics (e.g., units completed, hours worked).
  • Assist Project Manager with project reporting as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Employee may be required to participate in prescribed fire implementation, suppression, or training up to level of current qualification, on as needed basis as determined by supervisor.

Pay and Benefits
Pay: $27.00/hour
Overtime will be based on operational needs. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available upon employment. Employer-matched retirement plan is available 3 months after hire.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Qualified Single Resource Boss (SRB); Engine Boss preferred
  • Experience in prescribed fire and fuels management
  • Ability to pass the annual Arduous Work Capacity Test (a 3-mile walk in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack)
  • Strong mechanical ability
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Current and valid U.S. driver's license
  • Legally eligible to work in the U.S.; able to pass a background check

Desired Qualifications and Experience
  • NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) qualification
  • NWCG Faller 1 or 2 certification
  • Experience in prescribed fire or fuels management in the Southern Appalachians
  • First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher medical certification.
  • M-410 or teaching equivalent and ability to lead or assist instruction for 100 and 200-level NWCG courses
  • Experience leading or serving in a senior role on prescribed fire or fuels crews
  • Demonstrated experience implementing prescribed fire in complex fuel and varied terrain
  • Proven leadership in field operations
  • Experience coordinating with federal, state, nonprofit, or private land management partners
  • Proficiency in fire line preparation, ignition, holding, and mop-up
  • Experience maintaining vehicles, UTVs, pumps, drip torches, chainsaws and suppression equipment
  • Ability to use Avenza, Field Maps, or similar applications
  • Strong organizational, technical, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to work in challenging weather and terrain with flexible schedules to meet burn windows
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience with basic budget management
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.)
  • Competent with field navigation using map, compass, and GPS

**Employment is contingent upon the submission and review of all required qualifications and documentation, including copies of all NWCG certifications, all pages of all task books, and master record in XML format.
Education
Minimum of an Associate's degree OR demonstrates written and verbal communication skills as deemed sufficient by hiring team
Span of Control
  • Supervise 1-3 module members

*Supervisory duties include:
  1. Approving timesheets and time off in The Ember Alliance's HRIS
  2. Approving expense reports
  3. Training and mentoring module members and identifying professional development opportunities

Candidates meeting 75% of the requirements are encouraged to apply.
Additional Information
Schedule Requirements
The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary based on weather and project needs. Overtime hours may be required. Projects may require working during weekends and/or up to 14 days continuously, traveling for extended periods of time, remaining overnight near project locations, and working outside of normal business hours with limited notice. This is a full-time, 4-month position with the potential opportunity to extend based on other project needs within TEA.
Duty Station
Blacksburg, Virginia
Housing
The Ember Alliance may provide crew housing in Blacksburg, VA. Housing would be paid for by The Ember Alliance and will be counted as a "fringe benefit" and as such is subject to applicable state and/or federal taxes. Employer-provided housing is not required should candidates live locally.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should review The Ember Alliance website and submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references through the Smart Recruiters website.
Position open until filled. Please specify your earliest available start date.
For queries during the application process, please reach out to:
Meg O'Brien
Planning and Implementation Program Manager
megan.obrien@emberalliance
.org