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Wildfire Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Description AEM (Advanced Environmental Monitoring) is the global leader in innovative mission critical weather, wildfire and water monitoring and intelligence solutions. We aim to be the world ...

Implements vegetation and wildfire management plans; recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects such as ...

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Wildfire information

See Florida salary details

$15

$31

$48

How much do wildfire jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildfire in Florida is $31.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.06 and $34.33 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.

What are popular job titles related to Wildfire jobs in Florida?

For Wildfire jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wildfire jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Wildfire jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Wildfire jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Wildfire job openings:

Infographic showing various Wildfire job openings in Florida 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 $64,738 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER - 42903105

MyFlorida

Orlando, FL

$18/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Requisition No: 881873 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER - 42903105

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42903105 

Salary:  $18.00/Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 08/26/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS WILDLAND FIRE DISPATCHER

(CLASS TITLE: OPS DUTY OFFICER)

 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

 

FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE

 

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY***

 

THIS IS A FULL-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION***

 

 

CONTACT:

Edward Bean, (407) 888-8760

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma or its equivalent and one (1) year of experience in radio-teletype operations, sworn law enforcement, dispatching, forestry, firefighting or other public contact work.

College education from an accredited institution can substitute at the rate of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours for the required experience.

Requires possession of a valid class E driver license.

 ***ATTENTION CANDIDATES***

 

To be considered for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

 

  • All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
  • Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
  • Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.

 

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values
and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified
individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional to moderate travel required.

Position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters or other type incidents requiring travel, as needed.

The incumbent must live within 30 miles of the headquarters, which is located at 8431 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida, throughout employment in this position.

NOTES:

To maintain fairness and integrity, applicants are required to provide honest and authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and selection process. Applicants must rely on their own personal knowledge, thoughts, and impressions. A candidate's use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews will be taken into consideration when determining qualification for the position.

 

Work shift on a rotating basis.

JOB DUTIES:

The Wildland Fire Dispatcher works in direct support of fire suppression and other emergency response operations. The incumbent coordinates emergency response of firefighters, supervisors, pilots and law enforcement personnel through the use of a communications center. The Wildland Fire Dispatcher deals with critical situations requiring independent and sound judgment. The incumbent has both operational fire control and other support duties. Work may be scheduled over a variety of shifts and may frequently remain or be called to duty beyond the assigned work schedule.

Dispatch Crews to Wildfires, Smoke Complaints and other Incidents - Operates a computer, radio and telephone for the purpose of transmitting, receiving and storing information used to dispatch fire crews, supervisory personnel, aircraft and law enforcement personnel to wildfires and other incidents.  Follows protocol on 'Smoke on the Highway' issues. Keeps up to the minute knowledge of the locations and status of all personnel and equipment used in fire suppression activities and investigations.  Triggers 209s as needed and enters information available. Requests and coordinates assistance with other state, federal and local agencies as well as area cooperators with wildfire suppression and other emergency situations.  Keeps supervisors, Center Manager, Center Officer in Charge (OIC) and State OIC abreast of wildfire status as necessary.  Reads and uses county maps as well as various websites and/or software programs (FMIS, County Property Appraiser, ArcGIS, Spider Tracks, Mapquest, etc.) to provide incident locations to responding emergency personnel. Has a good general knowledge of the lay of the land (landmarks, highways, major roads, rivers, lakes, power lines). 

 

Burn Authorizations, On-Site Inspections, Compliance Checks, and Landowner Assistance - Operates a computer, radio and telephone for the purpose of transmitting, receiving and storing information used to approve or deny issuance of burn authorizations throughout five counties.  Continually updates map with new burning authorizations.  Maintains landowner and certified burner contact information.  Notates landowner accounts regarding any special burning restrictions.  Advises landowners of burning laws and predicted weather. Also gathers information to relay to forest rangers, senior forest rangers and supervisory personnel that is needed to conduct on-site inspections and compliance checks.  Tracks landowner assists.

 

Administrative Functions - Maintains paper and electronic files, records and reports relating to the Communication Center's responsibilities.  Uses a variety of computer programs, software, copiers, scanners and fax machines to carry out administrative functions.  Receives and responds to electronic mail as required. Prepares reports and assists supervisor and other personnel. Also orders uniforms, cleaning and office supplies. Reconciles vehicle logs. Maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). 

 

Active member of the Communications Center - Receives and handles or transfers incoming telephone calls.  Regularly gathers and relays a variety of information to and from supervisors, crews, other governmental agencies, cooperators, news media personnel and the general public.  Maintains up to date contact information for fire departments, other governmental agencies, cooperators, etc.

 

Fire Weather Forecasts - Gathers and relays daily fire weather information and fire weather predictions to crews, supervisory personnel, certified burners and landowners.   Acts as a weather observer and reports any unusual weather activity to all personnel.

Performs other related work as assigned, which may include the handling of revenue. Successfully completes all training requirements for the Wildland Fire Dispatcher position, within the time period designated by the supervisor and in accordance with the established training performance standards.

The Following Special Benefits for this Position Include

  • Uniform Allowance

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

Working for the State of Florida as an OPS employee is more than just a paycheck. 

  • Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*);
  • Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com;
  • State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees);
  • Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com;
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:

https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/myhealth/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

SPECIAL NOTES:

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.