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Wildland Fire Fuels Reduction Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire-Fuels Crew Member

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$49K - $63K/yr

Fire-Fuels Crew Members work as a team daily on fuels reduction projects and respond to primarily wildland-related fires within the County. This position is under the direct supervision of the Fire ...

Fire-Fuels Crew Member

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$49K - $63K/yr

Fire-Fuels Crew Members work as a team daily on fuels reduction projects and respond to primarily wildland-related fires within the County. This position is under the direct supervision of the Fire ...

Primary responsibilities include hazardous fuels reduction and restoration of fire adapted ... Must be willing to participate in Prescribed Fire Operations and Wildland Fire suppression in a ...

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Wildland Fire Fuels Reduction information

See salary details

$32K

$40.9K

$52K

How much do wildland fire fuels reduction jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildland fire fuels reduction in the United States is $40,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $49,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is wildland fire fuels reduction?

Wildland fire fuels reduction refers to the process of managing and decreasing the amount of combustible vegetation, such as brush, trees, and dead plant material, in forested or wildland areas. The goal is to lower the risk and severity of wildfires by removing or altering these fuels through methods like controlled burns, mechanical thinning, and clearing debris. This work helps protect communities, wildlife habitats, and natural resources by making it harder for fires to ignite and spread rapidly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in wildland fire fuels reduction?

To thrive in Wildland Fire Fuels Reduction, you need knowledge of fire ecology, vegetation management, and physical fitness, often supported by certifications like S-130/S-190 (Basic Wildland Firefighter Training). Familiarity with tools such as chainsaws, brush cutters, GIS mapping software, and fire weather monitoring systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and effective communication are essential soft skills for safety and coordination in the field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for reducing wildfire risks, protecting communities, and ensuring the safety of both workers and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in wildland fire fuels reduction, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Wildland Fire Fuels Reduction often encounter challenges such as working in rugged terrain, exposure to extreme weather, and the need to coordinate with diverse teams including landowners and government agencies. Safety is a major concern, requiring strict adherence to protocols and the use of specialized equipment. To address these challenges, ongoing training, strong communication skills, and adaptability are essential. Building collaborative relationships and staying updated on best practices can also help ensure both personal safety and project success.

What is the difference between Wildland Fire Fuels Reduction vs Wildland Fire Suppression?

AspectWildland Fire Fuels ReductionWildland Fire Suppression
CertificationsFirefighter certifications, chainsaw operation, prescribed burn trainingFirefighter certifications, incident command training
Work EnvironmentForests, controlled burn sites, prescribed fire areasActive wildfire sites, emergency response locations
Employer & Industry UsageForestry agencies, land management, conservation groupsFire departments, federal agencies, emergency services

Wildland Fire Fuels Reduction focuses on reducing combustible vegetation through prescribed burns and mechanical thinning to prevent larger wildfires. Wildland Fire Suppression involves responding to active wildfires to contain and extinguish them. Both roles require firefighting certifications and work in outdoor, forested environments, but Fuels Reduction emphasizes prevention, while Suppression centers on active firefighting efforts.

What other helpful pages are available for Wildland Fire Fuels Reduction?

Other pages related to Wildland Fire Fuels Reduction:

Infographic showing various Wildland Fire Fuels Reduction job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,912 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Fire-Fuels Crew Member

Ukiah, CA • On-site

City of Ukiah
Public Administration • 201 - 500 employees

$49K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Participate in fuels management, fire suppression, fire prevention, and related tasks under direct supervision.

  • Assist in constructing fire lines, removing hazardous vegetation, and supporting wildland fire suppression activities.

  • Operate tools and equipment such as chainsaws, weed eaters, and fire suppression tools, and maintain grounds and equipment.


Job description

DESCRIPTION Recruitments posted as "Continuous" are subject to close at any time following an initial two-week posting period. Upon closing, the applications received will be screened and notices will be sent to the applicants regarding the status of their application. Under direct supervision, this position classification participates in all the activities of a fire-fuels crew or functions assigned to it and participates in fuels management, fire suppression, fire prevention, training, and related tasks, as required.

The Fire-Fuels Crew Member is an entry-level position. The Fire-Fuels Crew Member is distinguished from the Firefighter series in that the latter has a full range of firefighting and Emergency Medical Services responsibilities. Fire-Fuels Crew Members work as a team daily on fuels reduction projects and respond to primarily wildland-related fires within the County.

This position is under the direct supervision of the Fire-Fuels Crew Superintendent. JOB REQUIREMENTS These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The examples of work performed are neither restricted to nor all-encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title.

Cut and remove brush, small trees, and other hazardous vegetation using chainsaws, weed eaters, trimmers, pole saws, rakes, McLeods, Pulaskis, axes, rhinos, rogue hoes, shovels, mowers, and other brush clearing tools as required to create fuel breaks. Operate and work around woodchippers. Assist in constructing fire lines around vegetation fires, mop up hot spots, and support hose lays to assist with wildland fire suppression.

Respond to fires and perform fire suppression duties. Utilize back pumps, firefighting tools, and chainsaws. Assist as a holding crew and/or firing team on vegetation management burns with applicable training.

Clean and maintain grounds, work center, and program equipment. Assist with fire suppression repair by laying out erosion control fiber rolls, re-seeding of burn scars, and implementing of water bars on control lines. Drive Authority-owned utility vehicles to tow the Authority's chipper and portable toilet to project sites.

Attend Authority training and meetings. Read and understand fire weather. Use GIS and GPS devices and understand map reading.

Inspect, clean, and maintain Authority-owned chainsaws, firefighting hand tools, and vehicles. Operate radio to advise of daily work location and response to emergencies. Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Abilities: Use various tools and equipment for wildland fuels reduction. Perform heavy physical work and hike for extended periods. Use GIS and GPS tools and read maps.

Read and understand fire weather. Safely and effectively operate various power tools and hand tools. Follow oral and written instructions.

Analyze problems quickly and take appropriate actions under pressure. Use sound judgment; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Establish and maintain positive and cooperative relationships with team members and the public.

Be flexible with change. Work long hours and for extended periods. Meet and maintain physical standards.

Employment Standards: High school diploma or GED certificate. 18 years of age. Class "C" California Drivers License.

Incumbents must complete/attain the following certificates/classes/tests: Work Capacity Pack Test S-212 Wildland Chainsaw S-130 Firefighter training S-131 Firefighter Type 1 training S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service CPR/First Aid ICS 100 Introduction to the Incident Command System ICS 200 Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response IS 700 National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS 800 National Response Framework, An Introduction SELECTION PROCEDURE Applications must be filled out completely. Resumes submitted in lieu of completing an application will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee and those applicants who appear to be among the best qualified will be selected for the examination process.

This process may include a variety of techniques designed to test applicants' knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job. An eligibility list will be established by ranking candidates by their overall score and a selection will be made from the candidates on this list. All employment offers are subject to a City-paid physical examination and a thorough reference and background check.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, the City must verify, once an employment offer has been made, that all persons have written proof of their right to work in the United States. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 463-6244 so your request may be reviewed prior to the occurrence of the test. The City of Ukiah is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce.

Continually working to promote diversity, equity, transparency, and justice through the adoption and implementation of City practices, policies, and procedures.