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Smoke Jumper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meat Cook / Preparation

Lincoln, NE ยท 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 ...

Meat Cook / Preparation

Wichita, KS ยท 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 ...

Meat Cook / Preparation

Wichita, KS ยท 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 ...

Meat Cook / Preparation

Lincoln, NE ยท 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 ...

Houseperson

Gatlinburg, TN ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Company Description Adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park ... Are you ready to jump into this adventure? As a Houseperson, you will: * Interact courteously with ...

Houseperson

Gatlinburg, TN ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Company Description Adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park ... Are you ready to jump into this adventure? As a Houseperson, you will: * Interact courteously with ...

Showing results 21-40

Smoke Jumper information

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$8

$15

$24

How much do smoke jumper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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.

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 requirements, including prior firefighting experience, physical fitness, and specialized training. Applicants often need to pass rigorous fitness tests, background checks, and training programs before being hired.

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 pay often ranging from $30,000 to over $70,000. They also receive benefits such as hazard pay, overtime, and specialized training, reflecting the demanding and risky nature of the job.
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What cities are hiring for Smoke Jumper jobs? Cities with the most Smoke Jumper job openings:
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Infographic showing various Smoke Jumper job openings in the United States 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 $33,111 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Meat Cook / Preparation

Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q

Lincoln, NE โ€ข On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Full-time

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


Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated employee that likes working in the Back of House and takes pride in producing the best product possible. 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 chicken, and pulling our pork shoulder/brisket. You will also clean the smokers, empty grease, clean your work station, wash dishes, and sweep/mop the floor.

We are a Kansas based BBQ restaurant that serves award winning BBQ in 15 locations in three states:
Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. Our team takes pride in serving the highest quality meats and delicious sides. The only thing that matters to us more than the flavor of our food is how we hire, train, and retain our staff. We are always looking to strengthen our team and expand our brand. Are you looking to join an organization that values a strong entrepreneurial spirit? Could you be the next ace on our team? - Don't Be Late...We Close At 8!