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Weekend Prescribed Fire Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Save the Redwoods

Forest Ecologist

Mckinleyville, CA · On-site +1

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

Save the Redwoods

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 ...

MyFlorida

PARK RANGER - 37020269

Santa Rosa Beach, FL · On-site

$2.8K/mo

The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays ... Participate in resource management tasks, including but not limited to; prescribed fire, non-native ...

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Weekend Prescribed Fire information

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How much do weekend prescribed fire jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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:
Weekend Prescribed Fire jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Prescribed Fire job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,257 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Forest Ecologist

Forest Ecologist

Save the Redwoods

Mckinleyville, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

PURPOSE or FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

The Forest Ecologist advances Save the Redwoods League's capacity to plan, implement, and monitor restoration projects across California's coast redwood and giant sequoia ranges, with emphasis on forest and fire ecology, collaborative partnerships, and landscape-scale conservation.


This role provides scientific and technical leadership for restoration planning, field implementation, and monitoring; translates forest science into on-the-ground action; and serves as a technical resource within partnership efforts including Redwoods Rising and the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition.


This position can be located in McKinleyville, CA or Visalia, CA


ESSENTIALDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide scientific and technical leadership for restoration planning, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management across coast redwood and giant sequoia landscapes.
  • Develop monitoring strategies (surveillance, effectiveness, research) including questions, metrics, data standards, and coordination of field data collection and management (in collaboration with the GIS Program Manager).
  • Partner with agencies, Tribes, NGOs, and research institutions; serve as a technical advisor within collaboratives focused on forest health, fuels reduction, prescribed fire, and wildfire risk reduction.
  • Support organizational priorities by contributing to cross-team efforts (Restoration & Stewardship, Development, and Marketing & Communications) through technical input, clear communication products, and fundraising support as needed.
  • Provide training and field support to staff, contractors, and crews; represent Save the Redwoods locally and at public events; and perform other related duties as assigned.


Required Qualifications:

  • Graduate degree in forestry, conservation biology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years' experience in a combination of restoration forestry, fuels reduction/fire ecology, management planning, climate adaptation, and/or field research.
  • Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including ability to organize data, conduct analyses, and develop practical technical recommendations.
  • Excellent writing and science-communication skills, including ability to synthesize scientific literature and tailor messages to varied audiences.
  • Commitment to Save the Redwoods' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion values, cultural attributes, and pragmatic, non-confrontational approach to conservation.
  • Strong knowledge of California natural history and ecology.
  • Able to work independently and collaboratively, building productive relationships in complex environments.
  • Strong project-management and organizational skills; able to set priorities, stay flexible, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
  • Strong verbal communication and public-speaking skills; able to manage multiple complex tasks under time constraints.


Desired Qualifications:

  • Cultural competency and ability to work effectively across cultures and identities; additional language proficiency is a plus.
  • Understanding of federal, California, and local environmental regulatory frameworks.
  • Proficiency with GIS and Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools (SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams); R experience a plus.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • May supervise Forest Fellows; frequently manages contractors and field crews in collaboration with partners.


WORKING CONDITIONS/physical effort:

  • Frequent travel (primarily within California) with occasional evening/weekend and overnight commitments; valid driver's license and safe driving record required.
  • Work includes office-based duties and regular fieldwork in forest conditions (uneven terrain, remote locations) and occasional lifting/carrying up to 30 pounds.
  • When supporting prescribed fire activities, required certifications must be current and work must be performed within certification scope and supervision requirements (unless holding higher qualifications).

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