What does it take to become a wildland firefighter?
To become a wildland firefighter, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and be a U.S. citizen. You'll also want to be familiar with basic outdoor skills, so try to hike and camp as much as possible to learn how to do things like assembling a tent, using a compass, and reading a map.
What to expect working as a wildland firefighter?
Working in Wildland Fire
- Getting Started. The “ Firefighter Type 2 (Crewmember) ” forms the backbone of our efforts to manage or suppress wildland fire.
- Career Opportunities. Many career opportunities exist for people who possess leadership skills and enjoy working on the operations side of wildland fire.
- Short-term Assignments. ...
How much do wildland firefighters make?
How Much Does A Wildland Firefighter Make In A Season? According to ZipRecruiter, while seasonal Wildland Firefighters make as much as $1.5 million (all 25th percentiles) in the United States, most still make only $26,000 (25th percentile) to $50,000 (75th percentile) apiece. The most coveted seasonal Wildland firefighter earns the (90th percentile
What is it like to be a wildland firefighter?
Wildland firefighters may be required to work long hours in challenging and changing conditions, such as high temperatures and steep terrain. This job does have many rewards, including the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country and create friendships that last a lifetime.
What are the benefits of being a wildland firefighter?
Most common benefits for Wildland Firefighters401(k)Dental insurance.Disability insurance.Health insurance.Health savings account.Life insurance.Paid time off.Vision insurance.
Is wildland fire a good career?
Wildland firefighters may be required to work long hours in challenging and changing conditions, such as high temperatures and steep terrain. A career in wildland fire has many rewards, including the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country and create friendships that last a lifetime.
Do wildland firefighters get housing?
None of the federal agencies that oversee wildland firefighting guarantee lodging for all workers. Some locations offer spaces in bunkhouses free of charge or at reduced rates, but employees say these benefits are inconsistent.
What do wildland firefighter do in the off-season?
During the off-season, wildland firefighters may still work full-time as firefighters. However, seasonal wildland firefighters work during the fire season and may collect unemployment, travel, work other jobs, or further their education during the off-season.
What to do after becoming a wildland firefighter?
After your experience as a fuels crew member or technician, firefighters in their early career may choose to become a prescribed fire monitor. As time goes on, you may also advance to the level of a prescribed fire manager or fuels planner in your mid-career.
What is a Type 2 wildland firefighter?
The “Firefighter Type 2 (Crewmember)” forms the backbone of our efforts to manage or suppress wildland fire. These entry-level positions frequently work long days in hot, smoky conditions to build fire lines across rugged terrain with hand tools and chainsaws.
Where do wildland firefighters sleep?
Because almost all wildland firefighters need to sleep either in fire camps or in spike camps, they sleep in tents, on the ground, and in hot, smoky, and dusty conditions. Shift work interferes with sleep, especially for those on night shift.
How often do wildland firefighters work?
Wildland firefighters can work 14 days straight (called a roll) with 16-hour days and possibly up to three days travel before and after the official 14. Night shifts and longer shifts of 16-24 hours are possible depending on the fire and area you are in, but not super common.
What is a GS 3 wildland firefighter?
Beginning firefighters with no college or technical expertise usually qualify for GS 3 positions, and those with some college or technical training can apply for GS 4 positions. Most GS3/4 positions are listed as nation wide announcements.
Do Hotshots jump out of planes?
There are hundreds of smokejumpers in the U.S. who are all highly trained firefighters that parachute out of planes to quickly attack wildland fires in remote areas.
What do wildland firefighters eat?
Carbohydrate-rich foods include whole-grain products, beans, rice, corn, peas, potatoes, fruit, fruit juice, milk, yogurt, energy bars, and most sport drinks. During work, firefighters need 40 grams of carbohydrate each hour from snacks and sport drinks.
Is it hard to be a wildland firefighter?
These highly skilled individuals are committed to wildfire suppression, management and control. It is inherently dangerous work that requires targeted knowledge, skills and abilities, plus extensive training and a lot of hard work.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a wildland firefighter?
If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate for a wildland firefighter, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay ra...
Do wildland firefighters receive hazard pay?
If the duty they perform meets certain criteria, wildland firefighters can receive hazard pay. This pay is usually calculated as a percentage incre...
How much do similar professions to a wildland firefighter get paid?
Check the below indeed career pages for the detailed pay ranges for the similar professions here: Firefighter Firefighter/Paramedic Firefighter/Emt...
Most common benefits
The average salary for a wildland firefighter is $21.13 per hour in the United States. 469 salaries reported, updated at February 18, 2022.
How much should you be earning?
Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options. See more details
Common questions about salaries for a Wildland Firefighter
If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate for a wildland firefighter, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry and experience.
What are the duties of a wildland firefighter?
The regular duties of a wildland firefighter include: Fighting and extinguishing wildfires. Performing fire prevention activities such as preparing firebreaks. Rescuing people trapped in wildfire situations. Providing emergency medical treatment as needed. Maintaining and cleaning vehicles and equipment. Feedback.
How physically fit do you need to be to be a wildland firefighter?
At a minimum, you must be able to complete a three-mile hike without running in no more than 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
How many hours do wildland firefighters work?
Most wildland firefighters work a regular eight hour day. If they are in the field fighting a fire, however, they could end up working as many as 12 hours per day. For those extra hours, they are normally eligible for overtime pay.
What is a forest firefighter?
A wildland or forest firefighter is a person trained to fight and help prevent wildfires. Wildland firefighters work in forests, grasslands and other outdoor places where wildfires are likely to occur. They usually work in teams with other firefighters. With additional education and training, they can specialize and advance to leadership positions.
Do you need a degree to become a wildland firefighter?
You don't need a college degree to be hired as a wildland firefighter, however you may need one to advance in your career. If you are interested in a leadership position, you can earn associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in fire science. While not required at the application stage, having one of these degrees might be beneficial ...
Do wildland firefighters get hazard pay?
If the duty they perform meets certain criteria, wildland firefighters can receive hazard pay. This pay is usually calculated as a percentage increase for all hours worked that day, even if only a portion of that time was spent in a hazardous situation.
Do you need a college degree to become a wildland firefighter?
You don't need a college degree to be hired as a wildland firefighter, however you may need one to advance in your career. If you are interested in a leadership position, you can earn associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in fire science.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a wildland firefighter?
If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate for a wildland firefighter, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry and experience.
How physically fit do you need to be to become a wildland firefighter?
All firefighters are held to high standards of physical fitness, not least wildland firefighters. At a minimum, you must be able to complete a three-mile hike without running in no more than 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
Do wildland firefighters receive hazard pay?
If the duty they perform meets certain criteria, wildland firefighters can receive hazard pay. This pay is usually calculated as a percentage increase for all hours worked that day, even if only a portion of that time was spent in a hazardous situation.
Are wildland firefighters eligible for insurance?
Most Forest Service employees including wildland firefighters are eligible to participate in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program. This program provides health and dental insurance coverage as well as life and long term care.
How many hours do wildland firefighters work each day?
Most wildland firefighters work a regular eight hour day. If they are in the field fighting a fire, however, they could end up working as many as 12 hours per day. For those extra hours, they are normally eligible for overtime pay.
