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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 May 28, 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.

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 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.

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.

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:
Seasonal Wildland Fire Suppression Crewmember 2026-01109

Seasonal Wildland Fire Suppression Crewmember 2026-01109

State of Wyoming

Cheyenne, WY • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


State Of Wyoming rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Description and Functions Open Until Filled GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD) seeks a Seasonal Wildland Fire Suppression Crewmember to serve as a member of a wildland fire fighting crew that provides wildland fire suppression, management, and control. Work may involve all manners of fire suppression, fire management, and fuels management duties to include fire preparedness, suppression, and/or fuels. Human Resource Contact: Ryan Scheer / 307-777-8570 / ryan.scheer2@wyo.gov ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level

Serve as a skilled and fully trained member of a wildland fire suppression crew with responsibility for utilizing a variety of different types of specialized tools, equipment, and techniques in suppressing fires. Scout fires and develop data on hazardous areas, camp locations, water supply, cargo drop spots, fuel concentrations, helicopter landing spots, fire direction, and the intensity of fire spread. Maintain firefighting tools and equipment assigned to their station or district which includes: placing caches at strategic points; servicing and maintaining tools and equipment; oiling, greasing, and servicing automotive equipment, portable pumps, and power equipment; conducting periodic inventories; keeping records of firefighting equipment and supplies; checking equipment at the end of the fire season; making reports of lost or damaged articles; and arranging for the replacement, reconditioning, and storage of firefighting supplies, tools, and equipment at the close of the fire season.

Receive and record reports of isolated small fires received from dispatchers and develop plans for suppressing fires, including methods of attack on fire, types of equipment required, and travel route to use (trail, road, or cross-country). Locate, suppress, and control/manage isolated small fires usually in timbered and mountainous terrain by applying an understanding of fire behavior, topography of the area, and extensive training in fire management work, involving the use of a variety of hand and power tools in felling trees or snags, operating pumpers, building fire lines, burning out, backfiring, mopping up, and patrolling lines. Participating in the fire prevention program by working with supervisors in recruiting and organizing volunteer emergency firefighting crews of local residents, issuing equipment, and instructing and training cooperators in basic firefighting techniques and the use of equipment.

Qualifications PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS: Preference may be given to candidates with at least one season of experience on a wildland firefighting crew. KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of complex wildland firefighting techniques, fire equipment, fire behavior, fuel models, and the Incident Command System. Skills in written and oral communications and interpersonal relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: None - See "Preferences" Necessary Special Requirements PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Many of the duties performed require considerable physical exertion, working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods of time away from home. Duties include, but may not be limited to: the ability to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb. A work capacity test or "pack" test that measures the physical fitness of candidates is administered as part of the selection process.

Candidates are required to pass at the "Arduous" level for a firefighter crewmember or natural resource worker position. NOTES: FLSA: Non-Exempt This is a seasonal, hourly position. Additional benefits may be available depending on the length of the season.

Housing will be available. Supplemental Information Wyoming State Forestry Division website: wsfd.wyo.gov/ Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.


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About State of Wyoming

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Wyoming is not a company, but the government administration of the U.S. state named Wyoming, with headquarters in the capital city, Cheyenne. Its website, wyo.gov, serves as the official online portal for the state government, providing a diverse range of services focused on improving the lives of its residents. The government's mission encompasses various sectors including education, healthcare, transport, justice, and financial services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cheyenne, WY, US

Year founded

1890

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