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Wildland Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Wildland Firefighter information

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$14

$17

$22

How much do wildland firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wildland firefighter?

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.

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 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.

How long does it take to be a wildland firefighter?

Becoming a wildland firefighter typically involves completing a basic training program that lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, followed by on-the-job experience and additional certifications such as S-130 and S-190. The total time to become fully qualified can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on prior experience and training schedules.

Is being a wildland firefighter worth it?

Wildland firefighters perform physically demanding work in outdoor environments, often during fire seasons, and require training and certification such as S-130 and S-190. The job offers a sense of purpose and teamwork but involves risks, irregular hours, and seasonal employment, which should be considered when evaluating its worth.

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 prior experience or connections in the industry.

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:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,489 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

$57K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

These positions are located on a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The primary purpose of the position is fire prevention and wildland fire management. This position is responsible for development, implementation and administration of the unit's Fire Prevention Program and also functions in initial attack fire suppression.
See ADDITIONAL SECTION information about the duties and location.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.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
GW-06: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GW-05) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Performed suppression operations and instructed others during initial attack or assisting with prescribed burns; Gave formal talks and informally provided information on fire prevention laws, rules, and regulations; Issued various permits and ensured users were in compliance with rules and regulations.
GW-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GW-06) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in development and presentation of educational programs; performed extensive public contact work in providing information on fire prevention/protection issues; Issued burning or campfire permits with regards to fire danger levels, and monitoring them for compliance/non-compliance. Assisted in gathering, processing, analyzing fire risks, hazards and values needed to prepare prevention plans; Performed initial attack on fires and serving as an incident commander or implementing prescribed burn plans.
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.
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