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Wildfire Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manager of Wildfire Mitigation

Lancaster, TX ยท On-site

$141K - $213K/yr

Title: Manager, Wildfire Mitigation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Compensation: $141,873-$213,737 Relocation: Comprehensive Relocation Assistance Available Position ...

The need for proven wildfire hazard and risk modeling has never been greater. Our wildlands are at a tipping point and need streamlined approaches to assessing, planning, and implementing wildfire ...

Spatial Wildfire Analyst

Missoula, MT ยท On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Job Overview The need for proven wildfire hazard and risk modeling has never been greater. Our wildlands are at a tipping point and need streamlined approaches to assessing, planning, and ...

Manager of Wildfire Mitigation

Lancaster, TX ยท On-site

$141K - $213K/yr

Title: Manager, Wildfire Mitigation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Compensation: $141,873-$213,737 Relocation: Comprehensive Relocation Assistance Available Position ...

Head of Wildfire Affairs

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site +1

$175K - $210K/yr

Every minute matters in wildfire response. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires-with longer fire seasons, drier fuels, and more extreme weather-new ignitions can ...

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Wildfire information

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$20

$41

$64

How much do wildfire jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildfire in the United States is $41.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $45.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildland firefighter?

Wildland firefighters are professionals trained to prevent, control, and suppress fires in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. Their work involves battling active wildfires, conducting controlled burns, and clearing vegetation to reduce fire risk. They often work in challenging and dangerous environments, sometimes for extended periods of time. Wildland firefighters use specialized equipment and techniques to protect lives, property, and natural resources from fire damage.

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

To thrive as a Wildland Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of basic wildland firefighting training such as the S-130/S-190 courses. Familiarity with equipment like chainsaws, fire shelters, and communication radios, as well as certifications like Red Card qualification, are typically required. Teamwork, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safely and effectively managing wildfires while protecting lives, property, and natural resources.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in wildfire management roles?

Wildfire management professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing fire conditions, unpredictable weather, and difficult terrain, which require quick decision-making and adaptability. Teamwork is essential, as these roles involve close collaboration with firefighters, emergency responders, and land management agencies. Maintaining physical and mental resilience is critical, as shifts can be long and physically demanding, especially during peak fire season. Continuous training and adherence to safety protocols help mitigate risks and ensure effective response.

What is the difference between Wildfire vs Firefighter?

AspectWildfireFirefighter
Required CertificationsWildfire certifications, basic firefighting trainingFirefighter certifications, EMT/paramedic licenses
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, forested areas, remote locationsUrban and rural fire stations, emergency scenes
Industry UsageEnvironmental agencies, forestry servicesMunicipal fire departments, emergency services

Wildfire specialists focus on preventing and managing wildfires in natural settings, often requiring specialized outdoor training. Firefighters respond to various emergencies, including urban fires and rescue operations, working primarily in fire stations or on emergency scenes. While both roles involve firefighting skills, wildfires emphasize environmental management, whereas firefighters handle a broader range of fire-related emergencies.

Can I become a wildfire firefighter with no experience?

Wildfire firefighting typically requires physical fitness, training, and certification such as Basic Wildland Firefighter training. While prior experience is not always mandatory, applicants usually need to pass physical tests and complete training programs before being hired. Entry-level positions may be available for those willing to undergo necessary training and demonstrate fitness for the demanding environment.

How do I get a job fighting wildfires?

To become a wildfire firefighter, you typically need to meet age and physical fitness requirements, complete relevant training such as fire suppression courses, and obtain certifications like CPR and first aid. Many positions are with government agencies, and applicants often start as seasonal or entry-level firefighters, gaining experience and advancing through training programs.

Is wildland fire a good career?

A career in wildland firefighting involves responding to wildfires, often requiring physical fitness, specialized training, and certifications such as S-130 and S-190. It offers opportunities in emergency response, environmental management, and conservation, but also involves risks and irregular schedules. Job stability and advancement depend on experience, education, and agency employment opportunities.
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What cities are hiring for Wildfire jobs?

Cities with the most Wildfire job openings:

What states have the most Wildfire jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wildfire jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Wildfire jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Wildfire jobs are:

Infographic showing various Wildfire job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 15% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,631 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Castle Rock, CO โ€ข On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

The Wildfire Mitigation Specialist conducts defensiblespace and Home Ignition Zone inspections, ensuring compliance with Countyregulations, building codes, and mitigation standards. The position reviewsdevelopment proposals, coordinates with internal departments, fire districts,developers, and community partners to support wildfire-planning efforts, publicoutreach, and hazard assessments. Responsibilities also include wildfiremitigation grants and Cost-Share programs support, interdepartmental coordinationfor wildfire risk reduction, and supporting related natural-resource projects.

Generally, the hiring range is 62,092-77,615 annually.Qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position will betaken into consideration when determining hiring salary.
Your future is important to us.

Douglas County offers a comprehensive benefits package - including medical,dental, vision, and retirement plans - plus a wide range of additionalresources to support your health, growth, and overall well-being.ย 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Thefollowing examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be allinclusive.)ย 

  • Conduct on-site Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) assessments and inspections; verify that mitigation work meets county or agency standards, communicate corrections, approve completed work, and document results in the relevant database or permitting system.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with county departments, fire protection districts, planning/zoning, community groups, and other agencies to integrate wildfire mitigation into planning, land use, and outreach programs.
  • Support wildfire planning efforts, including community wildfire protection plans (CWPPs), public meetings, wildfire hazard rating systems, and integration of wildfire mitigation into land use and building code development.
  • Assist in grant development and administration, including writing grant proposals, tracking budgets, and reporting, to secure additional funding for wildfire mitigation and forest restoration.
  • Assist in the facilitation of County grant programs, including reviewing applicant proposals, awarding funding, coordinating with contractors and property owners to implement treatments, verifying project completion, and signing off on final deliverables.
  • Perform preliminary and final defensible space and wildfire-mitigation inspections for all proposed residential projects in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI); verify compliance with County building regulations related to fuel loading and home-ignition-zone treatments.
  • Develop and deliver public education and outreach-including workshops, Firewise trainings, and community meetings-and coordinate with homeowners, HOAs, builders, developers, and fire districts to increase awareness of wildfire hazards, mitigation practices, and forest health.
  • Coordinates with the Planning Department and Engineering Division for new development in wildfire hazard areas.
    Works and coordinates with GIS staff on wildfire-related projects.
  • Assist communities with hazard assessments, works with local representatives to prioritize treatment areas and identify mitigation projects, and supports community grant applications as needed.
  • Assists other County departments with special natural resource-related projects.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

In the event of an emergency/disaster in or near theCounty, all County employees are expected to make every effort to be availableto assist the County Manager, Elected/Appointed Officials and DepartmentDirectors to ensure the continued operation of any and all necessary Countyfunctions.ย  This may mean being available to perform additional duties andhours beyond what is normally required.ย  In the event that an exemptemployee does work more than 40 hours a week in support of County operationsduring an emergency, such employee may receive overtime or other appropriatewage compensation in accordance with existing County policies or at thediscretion of the County.