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Wildland Fire Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Ecosystem Restoration Technician

Walkerton, IN · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Intro (S-130 / S-190 / L-180). Preferred: * National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire burn boss certifications (S-290, S-234, S-390, and Rx ...

Ecosystem Restortation Technician

Mc Cordsville, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Intro (S-130 / S-190 / L-180). * Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Burn Crew Training Certificate. * First Aid/CPR/AED training, OSHA 10-Hour, OSHA 30 ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

EMERGENCY, FIRE AND RESCUE JOBS IN THE NAVY DAMAGE CONTROLMAN Damage Controlmen are the first responders who are critical to preventing accidents. Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

EMERGENCY, FIRE AND RESCUE JOBS IN THE NAVY DAMAGE CONTROLMAN Damage Controlmen are the first responders who are critical to preventing accidents. Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Terre Haute, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

EMERGENCY, FIRE AND RESCUE JOBS IN THE NAVY DAMAGE CONTROLMAN Damage Controlmen are the first responders who are critical to preventing accidents. Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Hammond, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

EMERGENCY, FIRE AND RESCUE JOBS IN THE NAVY DAMAGE CONTROLMAN Damage Controlmen are the first responders who are critical to preventing accidents. Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

South Bend, IN · On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

EMERGENCY, FIRE AND RESCUE JOBS IN THE NAVY DAMAGE CONTROLMAN Damage Controlmen are the first responders who are critical to preventing accidents. Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Evansville, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

EMERGENCY, FIRE AND RESCUE JOBS IN THE NAVY DAMAGE CONTROLMAN Damage Controlmen are the first responders who are critical to preventing accidents. Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Gary, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

EMERGENCY, FIRE AND RESCUE JOBS IN THE NAVY DAMAGE CONTROLMAN Damage Controlmen are the first responders who are critical to preventing accidents. Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical ...

Wildland Fire information

See Indiana salary details

$13

$16

$21

How much do wildland fire jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildland fire in Indiana is $16.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildland firefighter?

Wildland firefighters are trained professionals who work to suppress and manage fires in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. They use specialized techniques and equipment to contain and extinguish wildfires, protect communities, and preserve natural resources. Their duties often involve working in remote and physically demanding environments, sometimes for extended periods. Wildland firefighters also help with fire prevention efforts, such as controlled burns and clearing brush to reduce fire risk.

What are some common challenges faced by wildland firefighters during a typical fire season?

Wildland firefighters often encounter physically demanding conditions, long shifts, and unpredictable weather, which can make their work especially challenging during peak fire season. Navigating rugged terrain, managing fatigue, and maintaining safety protocols are daily concerns, as is effective teamwork under stressful situations. Additionally, wildland firefighters must stay adaptable, as fire behavior and assignment locations can change rapidly, requiring quick decision-making and frequent coordination with multiple agencies.

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 physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of relevant training such as the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses. Familiarity with specialized equipment like fire shelters, chainsaws, and radio communication systems is typically required. Teamwork, resilience under stress, and strong situational awareness are crucial soft skills for safety and effective performance. These skills and qualities are vital for managing hazardous environments, ensuring crew safety, and successfully containing wildfires.

What is the difference between Wildland Fire vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectWildland FireForest Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certifications, wildland fire trainingFirefighter certifications, wildland fire training
Work EnvironmentForests, grasslands, wildland areasForests, national parks, rural areas
Employer & IndustryFederal, state agencies, firefighting organizationsGovernment agencies, forestry services, firefighting units

Wildland Fire and Forest Firefighter roles both involve combating fires in natural areas, requiring similar certifications and working in forested or grassland environments. While Wildland Fire refers broadly to the fire itself and the overall firefighting efforts, Forest Firefighter specifically describes the personnel actively fighting these fires in forested regions. Both roles are essential in protecting natural resources and communities from wildfire threats.

What are popular job titles related to Wildland Fire jobs in Indiana?

For Wildland Fire jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Wildland Fire jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Wildland Fire job openings:

Infographic showing various Wildland Fire job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,722 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Meteorologist (Wildland Fire)

US Department of the Interior

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$83K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is a Meteorologist, GS-1340-12/13 for the US Wildland Fire Service.

Qualifications:

Only experience and education obtained by 08/12/2026 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience OR combination in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements.
EDUCATION:
A. Degree: Meteorology, Atmospheric science, or other natural science major that included:1. At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of credit in meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of: a. Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;*b. Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale);c. Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and d. Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation.2. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions. *3. Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations. *4. At least nine semester hours of course work appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science.
*There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major.
Minimum Qualification GS-12
In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Example specialized experience may include: (1) Produces and delivers meteorological products and briefings that provide operational guidance for decision-making in fire management or safety-critical operations, while operating effectively as part of a team with diverse interagency partners and audiences; (2) Oversees fire environment systems and data networks, ensuring operational integrity, reliability, and compliance with national standards and agency protocols; (3) Leads interagency coordination during high-impact weather events, providing policy guidance and technical expertise on fire weather programs, equipment, and operational procedures; (4) Applies advanced meteorological techniques and analytical tools to assess weather conditions and deliver actionable intelligence for public safety and resource management; and (5) Develops and delivers technical briefings, training sessions, and fire weather courses while serving as a liaison with agencies and managing weather-related web content to support operational readiness.
OR
A combination of education and experience as described above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Minimum Qualifications GS-13
In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Example specialized experience may include: a) managing interagency fire weather networks, ensuring data quality, operational reliability, and compliance with fire weather standards. b) providing expert consultation and geographic level guidance on fire weather systems, policies, and Predictive Services operations. c) conducting operational forecasting and producing complex, data-integrated fire weather and climatological products for decision support. d) leading technology transfer, developing applied research partnerships, and providing advanced meteorology and fire weather training to interagency personnel.
Merit Promotion candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements by 08/12/2026.
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.
Eligibility and Qualification Requirements: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502.iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions.
Current SF-50 (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee: Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position.
Note: Federal employees who have reinstatement eligibility please review the How to Apply for Reinstatement page for all required documents.
If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.

Education:

PROOF OF EDUCATION:
All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name.
If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Employment Type: OTHER

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