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Wildfire Fuels Mitigation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Engine Operator

Hot Springs, SD · On-site

$23.66/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fuels mitigation and reduction, building and grounds maintenance, equipment maintenance and ... Must be able to achieve Firefighter Type 1 according to National Wildfire Coordinating Group PMS ...

Forester - Open Pool

Rifle, CO · Hybrid

$50K - $55K/yr

Experience applying forestry, silviculture, forest health, fuels reduction, wildfire mitigation, and stewardship concepts in Western U.S. forest ecosystems. * Experience using GIS/GPS tools ...

$50K - $55K/yr

Experience applying forestry, silviculture, forest health, fuels reduction, wildfire mitigation, and stewardship concepts in Western U.S. forest ecosystems. * Experience using GIS/GPS tools ...

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Wildfire Fuels Mitigation information

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$13

$29

$54

How much do wildfire fuels mitigation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildfire fuels mitigation in the United States is $29.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Wildfire Fuels Mitigation vs Firefighter?

AspectWildfire Fuels MitigationFirefighter
CertificationsFire safety, chainsaw operation, environmental managementFirefighter certification, EMT or paramedic license
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, forested areas, controlled burns, land managementFire scenes, emergency response sites, various outdoor locations
Employer & IndustryLand management agencies, forestry services, environmental organizationsFire departments, emergency services, government agencies

Wildfire Fuels Mitigation focuses on reducing fire risk through controlled burns and vegetation management, while firefighters respond to active fires and emergencies. Both roles require outdoor work and safety certifications, but their primary functions differ: prevention versus response.

More about Wildfire Fuels Mitigation jobs

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Cities with the most Wildfire Fuels Mitigation job openings:

What states have the most Wildfire Fuels Mitigation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wildfire Fuels Mitigation jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Wildfire Fuels Mitigation jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Wildfire Fuels Mitigation jobs are:

Infographic showing various Wildfire Fuels Mitigation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,454 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Fire Engine Operator

State of South Dakota

Hot Springs, SD • On-site

$23.66/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


State Of South Dakota rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 50 rated states


Job description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Job ID: 36974
Agency: Department of Public Safety
Location:Hot Springs, SD
Salary: $23.66/hr
Pay Grade: F
Closing Date: 08/25/2026
The Wildland Firefighter, Fire Engine Operator (FEO) is a first-line lead worker to a wildland fire engine module in suppressing wildfires. They ensure appropriate work and safety practices are implemented at wildland fires and other emergencies, and to ensure successful completion of fire prevention and remediation projects according to project plans. The FEO performs or directs others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, appropriate nozzle use, effective use of water and additives. Inspects, checks, services and adjusts the pump, hose lays, tank and reels for equipment readiness. The FEO reports to a Wildland Firefighter Engine Captain. Provides direction to firefighters; does not supervise.
Other responsibilities include:
  • Provides work direction to a crew of firefighters to ensure appropriate responses in fires and other emergencies, and to ensure the safety of crew members in conjunction with the Engine Captain.
  • Provides work direction to a crew of firefighters to ensure non-fire assignments such as hazardous fuels mitigation and reduction, building and grounds maintenance, equipment maintenance and readiness, etc., are accomplished according to plans and directions.
  • Assists the Engine Captain with general and daily administrative tasks to maintain crew readiness.
  • Performs other work as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • Must be able to achieve Firefighter Type 1 according to National Wildfire Coordinating Group PMS-310-1.
  • The duties of this position require that the incumbent meet prescribed physical requirements as measured by the Work Capacity Fitness Test at the arduous level.
  • Incumbents must have a valid driver license.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
  • NWCG Firefighter Type 1, ICT5;

Knowledge of:
  • power tools and equipment typically used in fire and emergency situations such as chain saws, pumps, axes, shovels, picks, etc.;
  • equipment maintenance and safety practices;
  • perform vehicle inspections and perform minor preventive maintenance;
  • weather, fuels, and fire behavior; and
  • fireground hydraulics and water handling equipment.

Ability to:
  • provide work direction and assignment to others;
  • communicate information clearly and concisely;
  • maintain required physical fitness standards;
  • continuously assess the weather conditions and fire behavior, communication via digital radio and other methods, and mitigation of hazards during fire incidents;
  • lead the implementation of tactical objectives set by the engine captain to suppress the fire safely and efficiently;
  • operate or direct others in operating a specialized wildland fire engine, which includes starting pump engines, priming the pumps, etc.;
  • act as an engine captain if qualified and when required; and
  • function as a lookout who is expected to relay fire behavior, fire weather, changing conditions. A lookout has no direct supervision and is trusted to make decisions independently.

Working Conditions:
Works in a typical office environment and in the field in all types of weather and on all types of terrain, and is exposed to hazards and strenuous work activity while fighting fires.
Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references.
This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4KS
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite

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