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Weekend Prescribed Fire Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$81K - $122K/yr

You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. You may ... A.) Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Type 2 (RXB2 ); AND Secondary Core Requirement: B.) Single Resource ...

... forest health, fuels reduction, prescribed fire, and wildfire risk reduction. * Support ... Frequent travel (primarily within California) with occasional evening/weekend and overnight ...

Forest Ecologist

Mckinleyville, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... forest health, fuels reduction, prescribed fire, and wildfire risk reduction. * Support ... Frequent travel (primarily within California) with occasional evening/weekend and overnight ...

Experience in the use of prescribed fire, basic plant identification, and the use of herbicides ... Occasional after hours, weekend and/or holiday work required to meet departmental deadlines, to ...

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Weekend Prescribed Fire information

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How much do weekend prescribed fire jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend prescribed fire in the United States is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Weekend Prescribed Fire jobs?

Weekend Prescribed Fire jobs involve planning, coordinating, and executing controlled burns during weekends to manage vegetation, reduce wildfire risks, and promote ecosystem health. Individuals in these roles typically work with fire management teams, follow strict safety protocols, and use specialized equipment to conduct burns. These positions are often seasonal or part-time and may require physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and relevant certifications. Weekend schedules allow landowners and fire crews to conduct burns when conditions are suitable and when more volunteers are available. This work is vital for maintaining healthy landscapes and preventing uncontrolled wildfires.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges faced during a weekend prescribed fire assignment?

Weekend prescribed fire roles involve planning, executing, and monitoring controlled burns, often in collaboration with land managers and fire crews. A typical shift includes preparing burn units, setting and controlling fires, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Challenges can include changing weather conditions, smoke management, and adapting to dynamic team roles. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as you’ll coordinate with both experienced and volunteer personnel. This role offers valuable field experience and opportunities to develop leadership and wildfire management skills.

What is the difference between Weekend Prescribed Fire vs Weekend Firefighter?

AspectWeekend Prescribed FireWeekend Firefighter
Required CertificationsFirefighter 1 & 2, CPR, First AidFirefighter 1 & 2, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentControlled burns, outdoor, forest or grassland areasEmergency response, outdoor, various terrains
Employer & Industry UsageForestry agencies, land management, conservationFire departments, emergency services

Weekend Prescribed Fire involves planned, controlled burns to manage land and reduce wildfire risk, often performed by trained fire crews during weekends. Weekend Firefighters respond to emergency fires and assist in firefighting efforts. While both roles require similar certifications and outdoor work environments, prescribed fire focuses on land management, whereas firefighters handle active wildfires and emergencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Weekend Prescribed Fire Crew Member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weekend Prescribed Fire Crew Member, you need knowledge of fire ecology, experience with wildland fire management, and typically a certification such as S-130/S-190 (Basic Wildland Firefighting). Familiarity with tools like drip torches, chainsaws, radios, and GPS systems is often required for safe and effective operations. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to follow safety protocols under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure prescribed burns are conducted safely, effectively manage land, and protect both crew members and natural resources.
What cities are hiring for Weekend Prescribed Fire jobs? Cities with the most Weekend 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 Weekend Prescribed Fire jobs? States with the most job openings for Weekend Prescribed Fire jobs include:
Infographic showing various Weekend Prescribed Fire job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,257 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Forestry Specialist (Timber Sale Preparation and Prescribed Fire)

Ayuda Companies

Columbia, SC

$19 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Forestry Specialist (Timber Sale Preparation and Prescribed Fire)

Ayuda Companies - Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC


To apply, please send resume to: cdittmer@ayudacompanies.com


Full-time employment: Non-Exempt

Compensation: $19 - $24/hr commensurate with experience


Position Overview:

The candidate will provide technical support to the Natural Resources Conservation and Endangered Species Act compliance programs at Fort Jackson to include forestry, wildland fire, endangered species conservation, and other wildlife management.

Primary job duties include:

30% - Timber Marking

  • Marking annual timber harvests as prescribed for multiple objectives.
  • Painting boundaries and collecting GPS data for the creation of harvest maps.


30% - Prescribed Fire

  • Preparing burn areas and equipment for prescribed fire.
  • Assisting with the ignition and mop-up of prescribed fire to acreage identified in the annual prescribed fire plan at Fort Jackson, SC.
  • Completes post-burn evaluations and collection of fire weather data necessary for reporting requirements.


25% - Timber Inventory

  • Conducting pre and post timber harvest inventory.
  • Managing data on inventory software for desktop and mobile device for field collection.


15% - Other Duties as Assigned

  • Assisting with wildlife management practices including prepping and planting food plot fields, inventorying and maintaining RCW clusters and migratory bird boxes, and conducting other wildlife surveys.


Candidate must be able to perform physical tasks such as walking while carrying at least 20 lbs for extended periods of time. Candidate should also be capable of lifting and carrying 50 lbs for a short duration. Environment requires working in dense vegetation and in hot, humid weather, raking RCW cavity trees, preparing areas for prescribed burns, and conducting prescribed burns.

Although not required, the candidate will preferably have completed NWCG S130/S190 wildland fire training and have experience with wildland fire.


Qualifications:

  • College Degree in Forestry or related discipline.
  • Experience marking and cruising timber 
  • Ability and willingness to work in challenging field conditions, including long days and inclement weather (extreme heat/humidity, cold).
  • Must be comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong work ethic.
  • Experience with ATVs, off-road vehicle operation, and 4-wheel drive vehicles on unimproved roads.
  • Preferred candidate will also have:
  • The ability to safely operate chainsaws, vehicles, agricultural tractors, and implements.
  • A clear understanding of the theories of forestry and wildlife management and the ecological management of the longleaf pine ecosystem.
  • Experience with GPS units and capable of independent navigation.


Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen, have a current driver’s license, be able to pass a background security investigation, and have an original copy of their birth certificate. Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day. Schedule will be determined by work activities and may exceed 8 hours in one day. Occasional weekend or holiday work may occur.


Company Overview:

Ayuda Companies is a successful small business providing expertise and innovation across the environmental, restoration, and compliance service sectors nationwide. Ayuda supports the Department of Defense, NASA, and various commercial clients.


We offer competitive pay and an excellent benefits package including:

  • Medical insurance coverage with Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield – with significant Company contribution towards premium (up to a Company contribution of 100% depending on plan selected)
  • Dental insurance coverage – with significant Company contribution towards premium
  • Vison insurance – with significant Company contribution towards premium
  • Flexible spending plans
  • 401k with 3% company matching (with a 3% employee contribution) or 4% company matching (with a 5% employee contribution)
  • Short Term disability insurance coverage – 100% Company paid
  • Long Term disability insurance coverage – 100% company paid
  • $50,000 life insurance – 100% Company paid. Additional coverage limits can be added by the employee
  • 4 weeks paid personal time off
  • 11 holidays


Ayuda’s success is due to our commitment to our valued employees, establishing lasting partnerships, and providing innovative, high-quality services. We conduct our business ethically, honestly and with integrity in everything we do. We leverage our multi-disciplinary strength to benefit our clients and we communicate, collaborate, and execute together as a team.