1

Wildfire Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Lead Porta Kleen's Special Operations Group (SOG) during wildfire response, natural disasters, emergency incidents, and large-scale recovery operations. * Coordinate the rapid deployment of personnel ...

National Account Manager (UVM)

Columbus, OH · On-site

$93K - $120K/yr

Focus on growing ArborWorks presence in emergency response and wildfire support and mitigation efforts throughout the country. * Develop and execute account growth strategies to expand market ...

New

Crumbl has quickly seen it's success grow as it has spread like wildfire across the country. If you are friendly, reliable and customer service oriented we would love to talk to you! All shifts ...

Baker

Huber Heights, OH · On-site

$11/hr

Crumbl has quickly seen it's success grow as it has spread like wildfire across the country. If you are friendly, reliable and customer service oriented we would love to talk to you! All shifts ...

Baker

Dayton, OH

$11 - $14.50/hr

Crumbl has quickly seen it's success grow as it has spread like wildfire across the country. If you are friendly, reliable and customer service oriented we would love to talk to you! All shifts ...

Baker

Beavercreek, OH

$11 - $14.50/hr

Crumbl has quickly seen it's success grow as it has spread like wildfire across the country. If you are friendly, reliable and customer service oriented we would love to talk to you! All shifts ...

General Manager - Bibibop

Columbus, OH · On-site

$51K - $71K/yr

From the time we opened the doors to our first location, our fresh food and quality service caught on in our community and quickly spread like wildfire. Since then, we've grown to dozens of locations ...

From the time we opened the doors to our first location, our fresh food and quality service caught on in our community and quickly spread like wildfire. Since then, we've grown to dozens of locations ...

Now 20+ years later, the company has spread like wildfire with more than 1000 locations across 40+ states, one U.S. territory (Puerto Rico) and Canada. Specializing in hot subs, Firehouse Subs ® ...

Now 20+ years later, the company has spread like wildfire with more than 1000 locations across 40+ states, one U.S. territory (Puerto Rico) and Canada. Specializing in hot subs, Firehouse Subs ® ...

Team Member

Columbus, OH · On-site

$9 - $10/hr

Now 20+ years later, the company has spread like wildfire with more than 1000 locations across 40+ states, one U.S. territory (Puerto Rico) and Canada. Specializing in hot subs, Firehouse Subs ® ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Wildfire information

See Ohio salary details

$19

$39

$61

How much do wildfire jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildfire in Ohio is $39.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.12 and $43.65 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 Ohio?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Wildfire job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,359 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Director Wildfire Program Strategy & Analytics - FE Operations - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

FirstEnergy Corp.

Akron, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


FirstEnergy rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description


FirstEnergy at a Glance
We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers' lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.
FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.
About the Opportunity
This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.
This is a full-time, on-site position in a FirstEnergy location in Akron, OH; Holmdel, NJ or Morristown, NJ
Reports to: Vice President, Operational Excellence
Organization: FirstEnergy Operations
Role Summary
The Director, Wildfire Mitigation is the executive owner for the utility's end-to-end wildfire risk strategy-spanning governance, risk analytics, regulatory strategy, program design and execution, operational readiness, and cross-jurisdictional stakeholder engagement. This leader builds and scales a high-performing organization that reduces ignition risk, enhances community and system resilience, and enables sustainable regulatory recovery across multiple state jurisdictions. The role stewards the company's Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) portfolio-including grid hardening, vegetation management strategy, situational awareness and meteorology, operational protocols (e.g., PSPS), and emergency coordination-and ensures measurable risk reduction aligned to enterprise goals and Board oversight.
Scope & Impact
  • Enterprise remit across all operating companies and service territories; influences capital allocation and O&M priorities tied to wildfire risk.
  • Serves as primary executive liaison to the Board Operations/ERMC committees on wildfire risk, and as executive sponsor in state regulatory proceedings.
  • Accountable for a multi-year, multi-hundred-million-dollar portfolio with rigorous benefits realization and transparent performance reporting.
  • Stands up a center of excellence integrating engineering, data science, field operations, regulatory/legislative affairs, communications, and emergency management.

Key Responsibilities
Strategy, Governance & Portfolio Leadership
  • Establish the enterprise Wildfire Mitigation strategy with clear goals, policies, and decision rights; align with enterprise risk appetite, climate adaptation strategy, asset management, and Grid Modernization plans.
  • Design and chair the Wildfire Governance Council, integrating Transmission, Distribution, Vegetation Management, System Planning, Regulatory, Legal, and Corporate Affairs.
  • Own the multi-year WMP portfolio (capital and O&M): set priorities, sequencing, and tradeoffs; ensure alignment to risk models and regulatory recovery pathways.
  • Provide regular briefings and written reports to the Executive Risk Management Committee and the Board; maintain executive-level dashboards and leading KPIs.

Risk Intelligence, Analytics & Performance
  • Institutionalize wildfire ignition risk modeling (asset condition, environmental hazards, fault/operations data, weather) to target investments (e.g., covered conductor, sectionalization, fast-curve protection, distribution automation).
  • Define enterprise KPIs and KRIs, such as ignitions per 1,000 circuit-miles, wire-down events, weather-normalized risk score reductions, PSPS customer-minutes, asset-level risk reduction, and benefits realization against plan.
  • Build a situational awareness function (meteorology, fire weather indices, camera networks, LiDAR imagery, remote sensing, and field intel) that informs operational posture and investment prioritization.
  • Drive continuous improvement via post-season/after-action reviews and independent validation of risk reduction claims.

Regulatory Affairs, Policy & Recovery
  • Serve as executive sponsor and expert witness in relevant state and federal proceedings; lead strategy for WMP filings, PSPS protocols, cost recovery (riders/trackers), and prudency reviews across jurisdictions.
  • Shape legislative and policy positions in collaboration with State Affairs; develop credible recovery narratives (safety outcomes, equity impacts, system resilience, customer affordability).
  • Pursue external funding and partnerships (e.g., FEMA/IIJA/BIL grants, state forestry programs, academic/National Lab collaborations).

Program Delivery & Operational Integration
  • Oversee integrated execution across core pillars:
    • Grid Hardening: covered/insulated conductor, strategic undergrounding, fire-hardening standards, high-impedance fault detection, recloser/relay strategy, sectionalization and automation.
    • Vegetation Risk Strategy: ignition-centric VM standards (clearance widths, remedial action timelines, hazard tree mitigation), inspection technologies (LiDAR/drones), contractor governance, and QA/QC.
    • Situational Awareness & Technology: wildfire cameras, satellite data, forecasting, asset health analytics, mobile workforce tools.
    • Operational Protocols: PSPS criteria and decisioning, communications, and restoration playbooks; integration with EOC/ICS/NIMS.
  • Stand up robust program controls (scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, change management) and stage-gate governance.
  • Ensure cyber, data privacy, and records management controls for all analytics and imagery platforms.

Emergency Readiness & Event Support
  • Partner with Emergency Management to ensure wildfire preparedness plans, drills, and cross-functional playbooks are current and exercised.
  • During elevated fire weather or active incidents, provide executive decision support, including PSPS recommendations, agency coordination, and external communications alignment.
  • Ensure rapid post-event assessment, claims coordination, and corrective action plans.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications
  • Build trusted relationships with Public Utility Commissions, state forestry and fire agencies, emergency managers, local governments, and community groups.
  • Oversee customer and community outreach for wildfire season readiness, PSPS education, medical baseline and vulnerable customer support, and critical infrastructure coordination.
  • Partner with Corporate Communications on proactive media, thought leadership, and transparent performance reporting.

Organization Building & Talent Leadership
  • Design and scale a Wildfire Prevention & Resilience organization including Strategy & Governance, Risk Analytics & Meteorology, Program Delivery, Vegetation Risk Strategy, Operational Protocols & PSPS, and Stakeholder/Regulatory.
  • Recruit, develop, and retain senior leaders and technical experts; instill a culture of safety, accountability, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement.
  • Establish vendor/contractor strategy and performance management for key workstreams (VM, construction, technology platforms).

Financial Stewardship
  • Own the multi-year capital and O&M budgets; ensure transparent cost controls, audit-ready documentation, and timely regulatory reporting.
  • Demonstrate quantified risk reduction and customer value for all major investments; maintain a clear line of sight from spend to outcomes.

Qualifications
Minimum
  • 15+ years of progressive leadership in investor-owned or large public power utilities, energy infrastructure, or critical infrastructure risk domains; 8+ years leading cross-functional programs/portfolios at scale.
  • Demonstrated success designing and governing enterprise-wide risk mitigation portfolios with regulatory recovery.
  • Expertise in wildfire risk or closely related domains (grid hardening, vegetation risk, emergency management, reliability engineering, power system protection).
  • Strong command of utility regulatory constructs, rate mechanisms, and testimony/filing processes.
  • Proven leadership of multi-state or multi-jurisdictional initiatives with complex stakeholder environments.
  • Exceptional communication skills with Board-level presence; ability to translate technical risk into business and community outcomes.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Emergency Management, Public Policy, or related field.

Preferred
  • Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, MS in Engineering, Data Science, or related).
  • Professional credentials such as P.E., PMP, CEM (Certified Emergency Manager), or wildfire/ICS/NIMS certifications.
  • Experience establishing PSPS frameworks, wildfire meteorology programs, remote sensing/imagery operations, and modern vegetation risk programs.
  • Demonstrated success securing grants/federal funding and managing external research or pilot consortia.

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity
At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.
Safety
Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.
Position Classification
Exempt
FirstEnergy Human Resources Team
FirstEnergy takes a market-based approach to pay, which may vary depending on your location. In addition, your actual base salary will depend on various factors such as your skills, qualifications, and experience.
The estimated pay range for this role is $ 197,000. The pay range for certain locations, including the state of New Jersey, include a 20% differential to account for an increased cost of living, making the pay range for $ 200,940 - $ 283,680.

What FirstEnergy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom