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Smoke Jumper Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Smoke Jumper information

See Indiana salary details

$7

$14

$22

How much do smoke jumper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for smoke jumper in Indiana is $14.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.27 and $16.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a smoke jumper?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a smoke jumper?

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.

What challenges do smoke jumpers face 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.

Do smoke jumpers make good money?

Smoke jumpers are typically paid a competitive salary that varies by experience, location, and agency, with annual earnings often ranging from $30,000 to $60,000. They may also receive hazard pay, overtime, and benefits due to the dangerous nature of the work and the need for specialized training and certifications. Overall, while not among the highest-paying jobs, smoke jumpers earn a reasonable income considering the risks involved.

Is it hard to get a job as a smoke jumper?

Becoming a smoke jumper is highly competitive due to the physically demanding nature of the job and strict qualification requirements, including firefighting experience, physical fitness, and specialized training. Applicants often need to demonstrate strong endurance, agility, and the ability to work in challenging environments, with many positions requiring prior experience in wildland firefighting. The selection process is rigorous, and candidates typically undergo multiple assessments and training programs before being hired.

What are popular job titles related to Smoke Jumper jobs in Indiana?

For Smoke Jumper jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Smoke Jumper jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Smoke Jumper jobs in Indiana are:

Smoke Jumper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Smoke Jumper job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,039 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

LANDSCAPE CREW MEMBER AND CONCRETE FINISHER

Outdoor Concepts, Inc

Bluffton, IN • On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Are you at a place where you are stuck inside or working a job and the hours vary day to day? This is a year-round, full-time position based in Bluffton, Indiana. This position has set work hours but can vary slightly. We are looking for a Landscape crew member and concrete finisher to be on our install crew. Do you want to be outside working getting a tan through the nice months? In winter months we work inside on trucks and trailers or construction work. Do you have experience with driving and operating trucks, trailers, and equipment? If you answered YES to these questions, then we want to talk to you about being part of the OCI family.


Job Description & Responsibilities

Duties Include:

  • Installing material at jobsites (Plants, Mulch, Stone, Patios, Walls, Fire Features, Outdoor Kitchens etc.)
  • Concrete forming and finishing
  • Operating equipment (Skid loader, Dingo, Mini-excavator, Saws, Compactors)
  • Loading and unloading material and equipment for projects
  • Keeping trucks and trailers clean and organized.
  • Clean up jobsite.
  • Excavating at jobsites
  • Repair work at jobsites
  • Driving and Maneuvering trucks and trailers
  • Snow Plowing, Shoveling and Salting
  • List is not ALL inclusive

Depending on seasonal demands and department workloads, you may be asked to temporarily assist in other departments.

Secondary Duties Include:

  • Trim and Mulching
  • Mowing
  • Shrub bed maintenance
  • Nursery sales, product loading and deliveries
  • Clean and organize areas around the shop
  • Clean and repair equipment
  • Building construction and maintenance
  • List is not ALL inclusive

Must have:

  • Good clean driving record
  • Ability to maneuver trucks & trailers
  • Desire to work in all weather conditions
  • Good Attitude
  • Ability to work alone or as a team
  • Ability to lift 120lbs
  • Ability to push, pull, jump, climb, crouch, kneel, stand for extended periods of time
  • No smoking on property, customers property, vehicles and trailers

What do we offer:

  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Community Service Days
  • 401K up to 3% match
  • Health Insurance (Employer Paid 80%, Employee 20%)
  • Dental Insurance (Employee Paid)
  • Vision Insurance (Employee Paid)
  • HSA
  • Free Golf w/ a Friend
  • Employer Paid Life Insurance
  • Employer Paid short Term Disability

Compensation: Starting Based on Experience $19 - $25