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Wildland Fire Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

The FAS Talent Hub is seeking a fellow for a 1-year term (with potential opportunity to extend, contingent on funding) to join the Wildland Fire Service team within the Department of the Interior ...

The FAS Talent Hub is seeking a fellow for a 1-year term (with potential opportunity to extend, contingent on funding) to join the Wildland Fire Service team within the Department of the Interior ...

Fire Protection Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)

Bowie, MD · On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

... and wildland fires, explosions, industrial processes, combustion systems, consumer products ... Reviewing fire protection codes and standards * Conducting laboratory assessments of material ...

Fire Protection Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)

Bowie, MD · On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

... and wildland fires, explosions, industrial processes, combustion systems, consumer products ... Reviewing fire protection codes and standards * Conducting laboratory assessments of material ...

Familiarity with emergency management and wildland fire concepts and terminology is a plus. Job Location(s): Position is remote. Bot and Third-Party Applications Please note that this application ...

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Wildland Fire information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$15

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How much do wildland fire jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildland fire in Silver Spring, MD is $18.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $18.89 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 Silver Spring, MD?

For Wildland Fire jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wildland Fire jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Wildland Fire jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Wildland Fire jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Wildland Fire job openings:

Infographic showing various Wildland Fire job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,721 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Principle Staff Assistant (Wildland Fire)

US Department of the Interior

Washington, DC • On-site

$169K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. 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

416th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is a Principle Staff Assistant (Wildland Fire), GS-0301-15, working in Washington D. C. for the US Wildland Fire Service.Qualifications:

In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.

Only experience and education obtained by 08/18/2026 will be considered.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. Please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.
For the GS-15 level:

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level, or higher, in the Federal service, or equivalent, which includes all of the following: experience advising senior leadership on wildland fire strategy and administrative operations for an organization; representing senior executives in high-level meetings and activities and speaking on their behalf; and interpreting and applying wildland fire legislation, regulations, and policy directives to guide wildland fire operations and resolve complex issues.

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.

*Applicants must meet all minimum qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement.
Physical Demands: Work is primarily sedentary and performed in office and executive meeting settings.
Working Conditions: Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment, executive meeting setting, congressional or interagency briefing environment, or comparable stakeholder forum, with occasional travel to operational, field, or interagency locations.

Education:This position does not allow substituting education for experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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