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How much do prescribed fire jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for prescribed fire in the United States is $29.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $39.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Prescribed Fire job?

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.

More about Prescribed Fire jobs
What cities are hiring for Prescribed Fire jobs? Cities with the most 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 Prescribed Fire jobs? States with the most job openings for Prescribed Fire jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prescribed Fire jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prescribed Fire jobs are:
Prescribed Fire jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prescribed Fire job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,830 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Blacksburg Prescribed Fire and Fuels Crew Member (FFT1, FAL2)

The Ember Alliance

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

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 Member based in Blacksburg, Virginia. Crew Members will support a four-person prescribed fire module working under TEA's contract with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Western Virginia, with a primary focus on post-Hurricane Helene recovery operations. Primary duties include fireline preparation, prescribed fire implementation, mop-up and patrol, fuels reduction and debris clean-up, and burn unit mapping and monitoring. Crew Members will work under the direction of designated agency Burn Bosses, the Crew Lead, and TEA staff, and will coordinate closely with partners from TNC, the U.S. Forest Service, the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. This role requires strong situational awareness, a commitment to safety and professionalism, and the ability to work effectively as part of an interagency team in Southern Appalachian fuels and landscapes.
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 member of a four-person prescribed fire and fuels module during daily operations.
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including commitment to the principles of Duty, Integrity, and Respect.
  • Support fire line preparation, prescribed fire implementation, ignition support (as qualified), holding, mop-up, patrol, and post-burn rehabilitation activities.
  • Participate in fuels reduction activities including chainsaw operation (as qualified), brushing, and debris removal.
  • Operate chainsaws, hand tools, hose lays, portable pumps, engines, and other equipment on prescribed fire operations and fuels projects.
  • Assist in implementing approved Burn Plans under the supervision of the Crew Lead and assigned Burn Boss.
  • Follow all NWCG standards, safety protocols, LCES, and risk-mitigation procedures.
  • Assist with monitoring fire behavior, weather, and fuel conditions common to Southern Appalachian ecosystems.
  • Assist with burn unit mapping, documentation, and basic monitoring activities.
  • Maintain readiness, safe operation, and maintenance of required equipment, including type 7 UTV, chase truck, fireline and prep tools, and PPE and personally issued gear.
  • Assist in maintaining equipment, vehicles, pumps, chainsaws, and suppression tools.
  • Support logistical needs including organizing supplies, refurbing and preparing tools, and loading/unloading equipment.
  • Participate in daily operational briefings and After-Action Reviews; contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture.
  • Communicate effectively with crew members, partners, and the Crew Lead.
  • Travel for extended periods of time and work outside of normal business hours.
  • Camp at remote work sites when required.
  • Contribute to a safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment for all team members.
  • Record daily activities as directed by the Crew Lead.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Employee may be required to participate in prescribed fire implementation, suppression, or training up to the level of their current qualification, on an as-needed basis as determined by the supervisor.

Pay and Benefits
Pay: $23.00/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
  • NWCG-qualified Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) or Faller 2 (FAL2)
  • Ability to pass the annual Arduous Work Capacity Test (a 3-mile walk in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack)
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Current and valid U.S. driver's license
  • Legally eligible to work in the U.S. and participate in a background check.

Desired Qualifications and Experience
  • If FFT1 then NWCG Faller 2 or 3 certification
  • First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher medical certification
  • Experience working on a prescribed fire, fuels, conservation, or land-stewardship crew
  • Experience with fuels reduction activities (saw work, brushing, piling)
  • Experience maintaining hand tools, pumps, vehicles, and/or basic fire equipment
  • Familiarity with Avenza, Field Maps, or other handheld GIS/navigation applications
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a small team
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in variable field conditions
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, risk management, and situational awareness
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.)
  • Ability to work in challenging weather and terrain with flexible schedules to meet burn windows
  • Ability to be on foot for prolonged periods of time, including hiking several miles with line gear
  • Proficiency with field navigation including use of 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

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 four 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.
Positions are 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

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