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Smokejumper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bighorn Airways, Inc.

Aircraft Mechanic

Sheridan, WY · On-site

$28.75 - $37.50/hr

Bighorn Airways has been a leader in the Wyoming aviation community for over 70 years and has been conducting smokejumper and par cargo operations for over 30 years. All positions offered are based ...

Bighorn Airways Inc

Aircraft Mechanic

Sheridan, WY · On-site

$28.75 - $37.50/hr

Bighorn Airways has been a leader in the Wyoming aviation community for over 70 years and has been conducting smokejumper and par cargo operations for over 30 years. All positions offered are based ...

Bighorn Airways Inc

Aircraft Mechanic

Sheridan, WY · On-site

$28.75 - $37.50/hr

Bighorn Airways has been a leader in the Wyoming aviation community for over 70 years and has been conducting smokejumper and par cargo operations for over 30 years. All positions offered are based ...

Bighorn Airways Inc

Aircraft Mechanic

Sheridan, WY

$28.75 - $37.50/hr

Bighorn Airways has been a leader in the Wyoming aviation community for over 70 years and has been conducting smokejumper and par cargo operations for over 30 years. All positions offered are based ...

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Smokejumper information

What are some common challenges smokejumpers face during fire season, and how do teams typically address them?

Smokejumpers often encounter unpredictable wildfire behavior, rugged terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions, which require quick decision-making and adaptability. Teams address these challenges through intensive pre-season training, clear communication protocols, and strong teamwork, both in the air and on the ground. Regular drills and debriefings help ensure everyone is prepared for high-stress situations, and safety is always the top priority. Collaboration with ground crews and incident command is also essential for effective firefighting and resource management.

Is being a smokejumper hard?

Being a smokejumper is physically demanding and requires rigorous training, including parachuting, firefighting skills, and physical fitness. The job involves working in challenging environments, often with irregular schedules and high risk, making it a difficult and high-stress profession. Success depends on physical endurance, mental resilience, and specialized certifications.

What is the difference between Smokejumper vs Wildland Firefighter?

AspectSmokejumperWildland Firefighter
Required CertificationsBasic firefighting training, parachuting certificationBasic firefighting training, often includes wildland fire certifications
Work EnvironmentHigh-altitude parachuting into remote fire zonesGround-based firefighting in wildland areas
Employer & IndustryU.S. Forest Service, BLM, firefighting agenciesU.S. Forest Service, local fire departments, federal agencies

Smokejumpers are specialized wildland firefighters trained to parachute into remote fire areas, often working in challenging environments. Wildland Firefighters work on the ground to contain and suppress fires in forested and wildland areas. While both roles require firefighting skills and certifications, smokejumpers have additional parachuting training and operate in more remote, high-risk settings.

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

To thrive as a Smokejumper, you need excellent physical fitness, wildfire suppression training, and usually firefighter certification. Familiarity with specialized parachuting gear, fire shelters, and communication systems is essential for safe and effective operations. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and resilience under pressure are critical soft skills for this demanding role. These abilities are vital for safely combating wildfires in remote locations and ensuring the well-being of both the team and the public.

How do you become a smokejumper?

To become a smokejumper, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and experience in firefighting or related outdoor activities. They must complete specialized training in parachuting, wildfire suppression, and safety procedures, often through federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, and pass rigorous physical and skills assessments.

Is it hard to get a job as a smokejumper?

Becoming a smokejumper is highly competitive due to the physically demanding nature of the job, strict selection criteria, and limited openings. Candidates typically need prior firefighting experience, strong physical fitness, and specialized training such as parachuting and wildfire suppression skills.

What is a smokejumper?

Smokejumpers are specially trained wildland firefighters who parachute from airplanes into remote areas to combat wildfires. Their primary role is to quickly reach and contain new fires in hard-to-access locations before they grow larger. Smokejumpers carry firefighting tools and supplies with them and may work for extended periods in rugged and hazardous conditions. They play a critical role in wildfire management, often serving as the first responders to emerging fires.
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Smokejumper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Smokejumper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution.

Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Redding, CA

$27.63/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization. Serves as a smokejumper, performing a variety of duties in the areas of parachute jumping and fire suppression.

Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
GW-06: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-5 grade level in federal service or equivalent.
GW-06: Education cannot be substituted for this grade level.
Examples of specialized experience include: Performed parachute jumps under many conditions while executing landings on rough terrain, open areas, mountain slopes, and/or timber; Suppressed the full range of difficult and complex wildland fire using common and proven basic techniques; Served as a Squad boss on a Fire Crew, Helitack Crew, Pump Crew or served as Crew Boss, Fire Boss, or Sector Boss.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a ''condition of employment.'' The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test consists of a three (3) mile hike, within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack.
In accordance with USDA Department Regulation 4430-792-2, this position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing. All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis, after appointment as directed.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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