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Wildland Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Wildland Firefighting information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do wildland firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildland firefighting in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 strong physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and basic emergency medical training, often supported by completion of courses like S-130/S-190 and a high school diploma. Familiarity with specialized tools such as chainsaws, hand tools, fire shelters, and communication systems like radios is essential. Teamwork, resilience under pressure, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safety, effective response, and successful collaboration during high-risk, dynamic wildland fire situations.

Is wildland firefighting hard to get into?

Wildland firefighting can be competitive, requiring physical fitness, relevant training, and often a certification such as S-130/S-190. Entry may involve seasonal or volunteer work, and applicants should be prepared for demanding outdoor conditions and irregular schedules.

What is the highest paying wildland firefighter job?

The highest paying wildland firefighter jobs are typically supervisory roles such as Fire Management Officers or Incident Commanders, which can earn significantly higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and experience. These positions often require advanced certifications, leadership skills, and extensive field experience, and they may include additional benefits like hazard pay and overtime during wildfire seasons.

What is wildland firefighting?

Wildland firefighting is the practice of combating and controlling fires that occur in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. Wildland firefighters work to suppress wildfires, prevent their spread, and protect lives, property, and natural resources. Their duties include creating firebreaks, using specialized equipment, and sometimes working in challenging and dangerous conditions. The job requires physical fitness, teamwork, and knowledge of fire behavior and safety procedures.

Is 30 too old to become a wildland firefighter?

Wildland firefighting is open to individuals of various ages, and 30 is not considered too old to start. Physical fitness, training, and certifications such as S-130 and S-190 are important, but many firefighters begin their careers later in life and bring valuable experience. Age requirements vary by agency, but generally, candidates of all ages can pursue this career with proper preparation.

What is the difference between Wildland Firefighting vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectWildland FirefightingForest Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter 1 & 2, S-130, S-190Firefighter 1 & 2, S-130, S-190
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote, forested areas during wildfiresForests, national parks, and rural areas during fire seasons
Employer & IndustryFederal, state agencies, firefighting crewsNational parks, forestry services, firefighting agencies

Wildland Firefighting and Forest Firefighter roles often overlap, requiring similar certifications and working in outdoor, forested environments. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job focus, with both roles dedicated to combating wildfires in natural settings.

Can a diabetic be a firefighter?

Wildland firefighting is physically demanding and requires good health and fitness. Diabetics can become firefighters if their condition is well-managed, they meet medical standards, and they can perform essential duties safely. Medical evaluations are typically part of the hiring process to ensure fitness for duty.

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

Wildland firefighters often contend with unpredictable weather conditions, rapidly changing fire behavior, and physically demanding work environments. Long shifts, exposure to smoke and heat, and working in remote, rugged terrain require strong endurance and adaptability. Teamwork is essential, as crews must coordinate closely to ensure safety and efficiency, and communication skills are critical when responding to dynamic situations. Additionally, managing fatigue and stress is important, as fire seasons can be intense and extended.
More about Wildland Firefighting jobs
What cities are hiring for Wildland Firefighting jobs? Cities with the most Wildland Firefighting job openings:
What states have the most Wildland Firefighting jobs? States with the most job openings for Wildland Firefighting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wildland Firefighting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)

US Department of the Interior

Fort Washakie, WY • On-site

$72K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


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

409th of 835 rated public administrative organizations


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

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