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Wildland Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Wildland Firefighter information

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How much do wildland firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildland firefighter in the United States is $17.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Wildland Firefighter vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectWildland FirefighterForest Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter 1 & 2, CPR, First AidFirefighter 1 & 2, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentForests, wildlands, national parksForests, national parks, rural areas
Employer & IndustryFederal, state agencies, firefighting crewsGovernment agencies, forestry services

Wildland Firefighters and Forest Firefighters often share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on combating fires in natural, wooded areas. The main difference lies in terminology and regional usage, with 'Wildland Firefighter' being more common in federal agencies and 'Forest Firefighter' often used locally. Both roles are vital for protecting natural resources and communities from wildfire threats.

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 basic firefighting training such as S-130/S-190 courses. Familiarity with tools like chainsaws, pumps, GPS devices, and radio communication systems is commonly required, along with certifications like Red Card qualification. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and resilience under pressure set candidates apart in this demanding role. These skills ensure effective response to wildfires, personal safety, and the protection of communities and natural resources.

Is wildland firefighting hard to get into?

Wildland firefighting is a competitive field that often requires physical fitness, relevant training, and certifications such as S-130 and S-190. Entry can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the work, seasonal schedules, and the need for experience or connections in the industry.

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

Wildland firefighters often contend with physically demanding work, unpredictable weather conditions, and long hours during peak fire season. The job frequently requires working in remote locations with limited access to amenities and support, as well as adapting to rapidly changing fire behavior. Additionally, effective teamwork and communication are critical, as crews must coordinate closely for safety and efficiency while navigating rugged terrain and hazardous situations.

What qualifications do I need to be a wildland firefighter?

To become a wildland firefighter, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and completion of basic firefighting training such as the S-130 and S-190 courses. Additional certifications like CPR and first aid are often required, and applicants must pass background checks and medical exams. Experience with outdoor work and the ability to work in challenging environments are also important.

Is it worth being a wildland firefighter?

Wildland firefighters perform essential work in wildfire suppression and prevention, often working in challenging outdoor environments and requiring physical fitness and firefighting certifications. The job offers a sense of contribution to community safety and can provide seasonal employment with opportunities for advancement, but it also involves risks, irregular schedules, and physically demanding conditions.

What Is a Wildland Firefighter?

As a wildland firefighter, you work with crews to put out wildfires and forest fires all around the country—mostly in the west. You can find wildland firefighter jobs with the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A career as a wildland firefighter can be dangerous, since your job duties involve going into the wild and fighting raging fires, but most crews successfully fight fires without incident.

What are wildland firefighters?

Wildland firefighters are professionals trained to prevent, control, and suppress fires that occur in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. They work in challenging outdoor environments, often using specialized equipment and techniques to contain and extinguish wildfires. Their duties also include creating firebreaks, clearing vegetation, and sometimes conducting controlled burns to reduce fire risks. Wildland firefighters play a crucial role in protecting communities, natural resources, and wildlife habitats from the destructive impact of wildfires.

What is the highest paying wildland firefighter job?

The highest paying wildland firefighter positions are often supervisory roles such as Fire Management Officers or Incident Commanders, which can earn significantly higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and experience. These roles typically require advanced certifications, leadership skills, and extensive field experience, and they may include additional hazard pay or overtime compensation during large wildfire events.
What cities are hiring for Wildland Firefighter jobs? Cities with the most Wildland Firefighter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wildland Firefighter jobs? The most popular types of Wildland Firefighter jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Wildland Firefighter jobs? The top employers for Wildland Firefighter jobs are:
What states have the most Wildland Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Wildland Firefighter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wildland Firefighter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,489 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)

IBC Opportunities | U.S. Department of the Interior

Fort Washakie, WY • On-site

$72K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority

This Wildland Firefighter (Prevention) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-9 working in the following location(s):

  • Fort Washakie, Wyoming
Qualifications:

In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.
Prior on-the-line firefighting: This experience must be clearly documented in your resume with specific to and from dates, description of work performed, and hours worked per week in order to be considered. Candidates must possess substantial wildland firefighting experience, gained through fire line work in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. The Department of the Interior defines wildland firefighting experience as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Wildland firefighting experience is gained through work on the fire line in containment, control, suppression or use of wildland fire. This experience can be met by serving in a temporary, seasonal, or equivalent private sector fire position. Wildland fires are categorized into two distinct types: (1) Wildfires - Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires; and (2) Prescribed Fires - Planned ignitions. This description includes only fireline experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.

To qualify for the GW-09 grade level:
If you are a current or former federal employee who served in a competitive or excepted appointment, your resume must show that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW-07 grade level.
Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: assisting on plans for wildland fire mitigation, assisting in coordination of wildland fire educational programs with other agencies, institutions, and/or communities; assisting in the development and implementation of prevention campaigns for internal and external wildfire causes.
If you have never been or are NOT a current federal employee who served in a competitive or excepted appointment, your resume must show that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GW-08 grade level. Examples of work experience include but are not limited to: making recommendations on plans for wildland fire mitigation; assisting in coordination of wildland fire educational programs with other agencies, institutions, and/or communities; assisting in the development and implementation of prevention campaigns for wildfire causes; and acting as a wildland fire investigator.
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.

Secondary Firefighter Retirement Coverage - Applicants for this secondary administrative fire fighter position under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d), must possess knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of wildland firefighting as demonstrated by direct wildland firefighting experience. In order to receive credit, you must provide a written description of your experience in wildland firefighting. Education without hands-on wildland firefighting experience does not meet this requirement. Periods of wildland firefighting experience, gained through militia and rural fire departments, can also be credited. Wildland fire is defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Two distinct types of wildland fire have been defined and include wildfire and prescribed fires as follows: Wildfire: Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires. Prescribed Fires: Planned ignitions. This description includes only fire line experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.

Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary, although a level of physical fitness is required which will allow for work during periods of extended stress and in the field when wildland fire situations arise. During the fire season, extended fire assignments away from the unit may be required under very stressful conditions. This position may involve performing strenuous activities under rigorous fieldwork conditions during emergency situations requiring above average physical performance, endurance, and superior conditioning.
Working Conditions: Although work is generally performed in an office setting. Field work involves exposure to temperature extremes, both from weather and fire conditions where falling trees and the presence of smoke and/or dust conditions are create hazardous conditions. The nature of fire investigation work requires that protective clothing (boots, hard hats, etc.) be worn. The incumbent must exercise a variety of safety practices and precautions for the well-being of self and of others.

Education:There is no qualifying education for the 0456 series at the GW-09 grade level.Employment Type: OTHER