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Smoke Jumper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q

Meat Cook / Preparation

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

You will need to be a team player that likes to jump in and support all areas. Your daily duties will include: seasoning the meat for the load, unloading the smoker, slicing turkey and ham, pulling ...

Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q

Meat Cook / Preparation

Wichita, KS · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

You will need to be a team player that likes to jump in and support all areas. Your daily duties will include: seasoning the meat for the load, unloading the smoker, slicing turkey and ham, pulling ...

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How much do smoke jumper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for smoke jumper in the United States is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are smoke jumpers?

Smoke jumpers are highly trained wildland firefighters who parachute into remote areas to combat wildfires. Their main role is to reach fires that are difficult to access by ground, provide initial attack, and prevent the fires from spreading. Smoke jumpers carry all the equipment they need, including fire suppression tools and survival gear, and often work in challenging and dangerous conditions. Their work is vital in protecting forests, wildlife, and communities from wildfire threats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Smoke Jumper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Smoke Jumper, you need specialized wildfire suppression training, exceptional physical fitness, and experience in firefighting or forestry, often supported by certifications like Firefighter Type 1 and parachute jump training. Competence in using firefighting tools, GPS navigation, and radio communication systems is essential for effective field operations. Critical soft skills include teamwork, resilience, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under extreme pressure. These skills and qualities are crucial for safely containing wildfires, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety of the team in hazardous environments.

Do smokejumpers make good money?

Smokejumpers are federal wildland firefighters who parachute into remote areas to fight wildfires. They typically earn a salary that ranges from around $30,000 to over $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and years of service, with additional pay for hazardous conditions and overtime. The job also requires physical fitness, firefighting skills, and often involves seasonal or temporary work.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by smoke jumpers during wildfire response operations?

Smoke jumpers often face unpredictable and hazardous conditions, including rough terrain, intense heat, and rapidly changing weather patterns. The job requires them to parachute into remote locations with limited access to supplies and immediate support. They must work closely with a small team to establish fire lines, suppress flames, and ensure everyone's safety, often for extended periods. Adaptability, physical endurance, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure are essential for success in this demanding role.

What is the difference between Smoke Jumper vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectSmoke JumperForest Firefighter
Required CertificationsWildland Firefighter Certification, Basic EMTWildland Firefighter Certification, Basic EMT
Work EnvironmentAerial deployment, remote forest areas, high-risk fire zonesGround-based, forest and grassland areas, fire suppression
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Forest Service, BLM, firefighting agenciesState and federal agencies, local fire departments

Both Smoke Jumpers and Forest Firefighters work in wildfire suppression, often requiring similar certifications. Smoke Jumpers specialize in aerial deployment into remote areas, performing rapid initial attack on wildfires, while Forest Firefighters typically work on the ground, managing and controlling fires in accessible terrains. The main difference lies in their deployment methods and work environments, with Smoke Jumpers operating from aircraft in high-risk, hard-to-reach areas.

How much do smokejumpers get paid per hour?

Smokejumpers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and federal pay scales. They often work in remote environments and may receive additional compensation for hazardous conditions and overtime.

How can I become a smoke jumper?

To become a smoke jumper, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and experience in firefighting or outdoor survival. Applicants often undergo rigorous training in parachuting, wildfire behavior, and safety procedures, and must pass physical and medical exams before joining a specialized firefighting team.

How hard is it to be a smoke jumper?

Being a smoke jumper is physically demanding and requires rigorous training, including firefighting skills, survival techniques, and physical fitness assessments. Candidates typically need to pass a series of tests, have strong endurance, and be prepared for challenging conditions in remote environments.
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Smoke Jumper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Smoke Jumper job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,111 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Pit Cook

Sugarfire Smoke House - Wentzville

Wentzville, MO

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Pit Cook

Sugarfire Smoke House – Wentzville

About Sugarfire

Sugarfire Smoke House is known for doing barbecue differently—scratch kitchens, high-quality ingredients, and a team that takes pride in the craft. We move fast, we stay organized, and we care about doing things the right way.

Job Description

We’re looking for a Pit Cook to support our kitchen team and help execute one of the most important parts of our operation—the smoker.

This is an entry-level position, but it’s a great opportunity to learn real kitchen skills and be part of a team that takes food seriously.

What You’ll Do

  • Assist with smoking and preparing various cuts of meat

  • Support daily food prep and kitchen setup

  • Help maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards

  • Work with the Chef on meat counts and daily prep needs

  • Keep prep areas stocked and ready for service

  • Jump in where needed to support the kitchen team

What We’re Looking For

  • No experience required—we’ll train the right person

  • Strong work ethic and willingness to learn

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

  • Reliable, on time, and takes direction well

  • Interest in cooking, BBQ, or kitchen work is a plus

Why This Role Matters

The Pit Cook plays a key role in preparing the product Sugarfire is known for. This position directly impacts food quality and consistency every day.

Apply Today

If you’re dependable, willing to learn, and want to be part of a team that takes pride in what they do—we’d love to meet you.