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Wildland Fire Fuels Reduction Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Wildland Fire Fuels Reduction information

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$32K

$40.9K

$52K

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

As of Sep 12, 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, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,912 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)

Kettle Falls, WA • On-site

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$57K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Participate in prescribed fire operations including line preparation, igniting, and holding strategies.

  • Collect and compile fuels management field inventory data involving fuel variations.

  • Monitor burning conditions and perform hazard fuel reduction projects during prescribed fire activities.


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

These positions are located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
These positions serve in a key fire management position in a field fire management organization performing Prescribed Fire/Fuels Management work.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-06: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-05) in Federal service.
Examples of specialized experience are: Participated in prescribed fire operations including line preparation, igniting, and/or holding strategies; Collected and compiled fuels management field inventory data where a variety of fuel variations were involved; Inventoried fuel beds, prepared associated reports, performed hazard fuel reduction projects, monitored burning conditions, piling vegetation debris and/or acted in assigned positions such as ignition or holding specialist or other designated positions during actual fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire.
For the GW-07: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-06) in Federal service.
Examples of specialized experience are: Participated in routine aspects of inventorying and monitoring for wildland fire, prescribed fire, and/or natural resource activities; Planned and/or directed field resource data collection for fuel hazard management program; Assisted in the development and/or implementation of specific plans for fuels treatment projects.
Selective Placement Factors:
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirements of Firefighter 1 (FFT1) and Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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