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Wildfire Fighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nature

Northwoods Prescribed Fire Module Lead

Ely, MN

$26.70 - $29.50/hr

The successful candidate will be able to support will be able to support prescribed and wildfire ... Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book.

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$41

$64

How much do wildfire fighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildfire fighter 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.

Is it worth it to become a wildland firefighter?

Wildfire fighters perform critical roles in wildfire suppression and prevention, often working in challenging outdoor environments and requiring physical fitness and firefighting certifications. The job offers a sense of public service and can provide seasonal employment, but it also involves risks such as exposure to dangerous conditions and long, irregular hours.

How much do wildfire fighters make a year?

Wildfire fighters typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the level of certification. Seasonal and federal positions may offer higher pay and additional benefits, especially for those with specialized skills or leadership roles.

What are some common challenges faced by wildfire fighters during a typical fire season?

Wildfire fighters often face physically demanding and unpredictable work conditions, including long hours, rugged terrain, extreme heat, and exposure to smoke. They must be prepared for rapidly changing fire behavior and weather conditions, which require quick decision-making and adaptability. Additionally, working as part of a closely coordinated team is essential for safety and effectiveness, and constant communication is necessary to manage risks and achieve operational goals. Mental resilience is also important, as the work can be stressful and emotionally taxing, especially during large-scale or prolonged fire events.

What does it take to become a wildfire firefighter?

To become a wildfire firefighter, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and often obtain certifications such as Basic Wildland Firefighter Training. Relevant skills include teamwork, communication, and the ability to work in challenging outdoor environments, with some positions requiring prior experience or specialized training in fire suppression techniques.

What is the difference between Wildfire Fighter vs Firefighter?

AspectWildfire FighterFirefighter
CertificationsWildfire suppression training, basic firefighting certificationsFirefighter certification, EMT or paramedic license often required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote wildfire areas, often seasonalIndoor and outdoor, urban and rural fire stations
Employer & IndustryForest services, wildfire agencies, conservation organizationsMunicipal fire departments, emergency services

Wildfire Fighters primarily focus on combating wildfires in outdoor, often remote environments, requiring specialized wildfire suppression skills. Firefighters work in urban and rural settings, responding to various emergencies including fires, medical incidents, and rescues. While both roles require firefighting certifications, Wildfire Fighters often have additional wildfire-specific training. The roles differ mainly in work environment and scope, but share core firefighting skills and certifications.

Is 40 too old to be a wildland firefighter?

Wildland firefighting is open to individuals of various ages, and being 40 is not typically a barrier to entry. Physical fitness, training, and certifications like S-130 and S-190 are important, and many agencies value experience and maturity alongside fitness levels. Age requirements vary by agency, but many firefighters continue working into their 50s and beyond with proper conditioning.

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

To thrive as a Wildfire Fighter, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of formal wildfire training such as S-130/S-190 courses. Familiarity with specialized firefighting equipment, GPS navigation, and chainsaw operation is typically required, along with certifications like Red Card (Incident Qualification Card). Teamwork, resilience, and quick decision-making are vital soft skills for effectively handling high-stress, unpredictable environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring personal safety, protecting public lands, and successfully containing wildfires under challenging conditions.

What are Wildfire Fighters?

Wildfire fighters are trained professionals who work to suppress and control wildfires in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. Their duties include creating firebreaks, using specialized equipment to fight fires, and ensuring public safety during fire emergencies. They often work in challenging conditions, such as extreme heat, rugged terrain, and smoky environments. Wildfire fighters may be employed by government agencies or private organizations and typically receive specialized training in fire behavior, safety, and emergency response techniques.
More about Wildfire Fighter jobs
What states have the most Wildfire Fighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Wildfire Fighter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wildfire Fighter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wildfire Fighter jobs are:
Wildfire Fighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildfire Fighter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,631 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

LATERAL FIREFIGHTER

Daily Dispatch - Classifieds - Jobs

Minden, NV • On-site

$60K - $74K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

East Fork Fire Protection District is Recruiting for

Lateral Firefighter (EMTB, EMTA, and Paramedic)

BE SURE TO ATTACH THE RELEVANT CERTIFICATION, AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION.

This recruitment is open and continuous, with no closing date. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and eligible candidates will be considered as vacancies arise.

HIRING PROCESS

  • Must complete a Fire District Employment Application.
  • Meet the qualifications of the Job Description for the position for which they are applying.
  • All licenses, certifications, and/or qualifications are required to be kept current and maintained for continued employment.
  • Successfully pass an oral review board.
  • Successfully pass EMS skills test for the applicable position.
  • Successfully pass established fire skills test based on current probationary Firefighter job sheets for the applicable position.
  • Successfully pass a required medical evaluation prior to employment.
  • Successfully pass a comprehensive background examination prior to employment.

PAY PER CERTIFICATION LEVEL

Firefighter/EMTB - $60,577- $74,373

Firefighter/EMTA - $66,120 - $81,178

Firefighter/Paramedic - $76,190 - $93,541

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Firefighter/EMTB

  • Certified EMT-Basic.
  • ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800.

Firefighter/EMTA

  • Certified EMT-Advanced.
  • ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800.

Firefighter/Paramedic

  • American Heart Association ACLS/PALS certification.
  • Ambulance Attendant license within six (6) months of date of employment.
  • EMT-Paramedic certification.
  • ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800.

Education and Other License Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid Class A, B, or C driver's license.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CERTIFICATION LEVELS

  • The applicant must possess a minimum of two (2) years of continuous full-time employment (inclusive of probationary periods) as a Firefighter/EMT-B, Firefighter/EMT-A, or Firefighter/Paramedic, or higher-ranking fire operations personnel. The employment must be with a public fire agency, authority, or department that provides comprehensive Fire/ALS EMS/Patient Transport services comparable to East Fork Fire Protection District, as defined by NFPA standards, including NFPA 1710. Applicants must have served in such position(s) within the past twelve (12) monthsAND completion of a fire academy equivalent to the Capital City Regional Fire Academy.

OR

  • The applicant must have successfully completed the Capital City Regional Fire Academy.

Important: As a condition of employment, EMT-Basic and EMT-Advanced positions are required to achieve Paramedic certification (or be in the process of) within forty-eight (48) months of the date of employment with the District. Failure to attain Paramedic certification within the required time period will result in termination. (Certification funded by the District)

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR LATERAL FIREFIGHTER HIRES:

  • Upon hiring, the District will provide direct payment of $5,000 to the lateral hire's former agency to cover any outstanding paramedic program (school) costs.

OR

  • In lieu of direct payment, the District will credit $5,000 worth of sick and/or annual leave to the new lateral hire's leave bank.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responds to and mitigates medical emergencies, structure and wildfire, hazardous materials releases and other incidents to protect life and property; participates in fire prevention, training, and station and equipment maintenance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Responds to medical emergencies; triages the incident; evaluates the condition of the sick or injured person; and determines the level of care needed.
  • Performs emergency medical services consistent with certification level (EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic) including basic life support and advanced life support procedures as approved by the Medical Director.
  • Administers medications and performs medical procedures within scope of practice; transports sick or injured persons; maintains voice contact with medical practitioner to report status of patient while en route per protocol; completes all required documentation.
  • Responds to fire emergencies; operates engine, pumps, and fire-fighting equipment; performs ground fire operations; establishes an incident command system and evaluates the situation; documents events for written incident report; participates in the practice of cross staffing apparatus as necessary.
  • Maintains equipment, apparatus, and fire station facilities; ensures all equipment is in a constant state of readiness; checks equipment according to schedule; cleans and maintains station facilities in accordance with District polices.
  • Responds to hazardous material emergencies; identifies potential hazardous material situations and determines strategy for dealing with incident; follows evacuation procedures including the proper handling of contaminated patients; sets up and provides decontamination.
  • Performs rescue efforts; determines tactics to use and ensures the safety of all rescue personnel and observers. Participates in search operations; enters hazardous environments; administers appropriate rescue techniques.
  • Participates in training; attends mandatory training classes including CPR, EMS recertification, hazardous materials incidents, and infection control; participates in practice drills and physical fitness activities.
  • Represents the District with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with community members, professional organizations, and governmental agencies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Mobility to climb ladders and work at considerable heights; fight fires wearing protective equipment weighing approximately 58 pounds; use power driven tools; stand for extended periods of time; walk on uneven terrain; lift and carry up to 100 pounds. Work is performed under adverse environmental conditions including exposure to smoke, chemicals, bodily fluids, electrical current, and life-threatening environments.

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