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Wildland Firefighting Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Wildland Firefighting information

See Oregon salary details

$30.1K

$63K

$105.7K

How much do wildland firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildland firefighting in Oregon is $63,021.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $73,000.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Wildland Firefighting jobs in Oregon? For Wildland Firefighting jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wildland Firefighting jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Wildland Firefighting jobs in Oregon are:
Infographic showing various Wildland Firefighting job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,021 per year, or $30.3 per hour.
Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)

Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)

US Department of the Interior

Grants Pass, OR

$83K/yr

Other

Posted 10 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

408th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS)
This Wildland Fighter (Prevention) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-11 working in the following location(s):

  • Grants Pass, Oregon
  • Medford, Oregon

Qualifications:Hours worked per week must be stated for each season and position held in your resume.

Basic Qualification Requirements:

Applicants must have documented prior primary firefighting experience, with substantial service defined as either:

  • At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper, Wildland Fire Modules or Fire Suppression Crews, etc.) with a federal, state, tribal, local, or private-sector organization;- OR -
  • At least 14-days of on-the-ground fireline experience (cumulative or consecutive).

Prior primary wildland fire experience must be clearly documented in your resume. Note: an IQCS Master Record or equivalent document will not be used to determine or calculate prior primary wildland fire experience eligibility for this requirement.

This position has a selective placement factor. Applicants must show they are a Fully Qualified Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF). To show you meet this requirement, you will need to show you have certificates for FI-210, ICS-100 and IS-700. You may either upload the certificates or the ICQS record to show you meet this requirement.
To qualify for a GW-11
You must meet at least one of the following:
1). One (1) year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GW/GS-09 level duties.
Examples of specialized work experience include:
Writing and implementing plans for wildland fire mitigation; developing and coordinating information pertaining to wildfire prevention and mitigation activities; coordinating wildland fire educational programs with other agencies, institutions, and/or communities; serving as a spokesperson on controversial issues or policies to media, interest groups, public, and government officials; developing prevention campaigns for wildfire causes; and acting as a wildland fire investigator.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Physical Demands: Arduous exertion for protracted periods of time such as, but not limited to, extensive running, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, pulling hoses, jumping and twisting, prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity.
Work Environment: Forest, range, and desert environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick tangled vegetation, smoky conditions, etc. Temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees F and may fall below freezing. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material. Employee must adjust and cope with exposure to weather elements, dust and smoke, poor bivouac and eating situations under an unpredictable set of circumstances. Firefighters may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be worn (e.g., boots, hard hat, gloves, flame resistant clothing). Work may require travel by fixed-wing or rotor-wing aircraft.
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.

Education:

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: There is no qualifying education for the 0456 series at this grade level.

Employment Type: OTHER

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