Become a Wildland Firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service
Are you looking for a career that combines physical rigor with the critical responsibility of protecting our natural resources? The U.S. Forest Service is currently accepting applications for Wildland Firefighter positions across multiple locations. This role is a cornerstone of the agency’s fire management organization, tasked with the high-stakes responsibility of wildland fire suppression and fuels management. If you are ready to face challenging terrains and volatile conditions to protect public land, this opportunity is for you.
Job Responsibilities
As a Wildland Firefighter, you will be a key member of a fire crew. Your daily duties will include:
- Fire Suppression: Actively fighting wildfires in adverse climates and terrain.
- Fuels Management: Assisting with prescribed burns, piling debris, and monitoring burn conditions.
- Equipment Maintenance: Operating and performing emergency repairs on specialized firefighting tools, pumps, and chainsaws.
- Data Collection: Mapping project areas, recording weather patterns, and sampling fuel moisture.
- Safety and Training: Engaging in daily safety drills, proficiency checks, and post-fire critiques.
Comparison: Standard vs. Arduous Duty Roles
| Feature | Standard Forestry Support | Wildland Firefighter (Arduous) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Requirement | Routine Maintenance | Arduous Fitness Test Required |
| Primary Focus | Resource Management | Fire Suppression & Control |
| Travel | Occasional | Frequent (including overnight) |
| Certification | General | FFT1 & S-290 Required |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Possess a valid state driver's license.
- Complete the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
- Complete the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).
- Pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive pay rate of $25.37 per hour. Please note that salary rates can be subject to locality adjustments depending on the final duty station. Applicants should refer to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) pay scales for more detailed information regarding regional variations.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a stable environment with benefits, including:
- Access to federal, high-quality training and career development.
- Professional development in specialized fire science and forestry.
- Opportunities to work in diverse ecological environments across the U.S.
Application Tips
- Keep it Short: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Omit unnecessary details and focus on fire-related experience.
- Documentation: Do not forget to attach your IQCS Master Record. Red cards are not accepted.
- Formatting: Ensure your uploaded documents are in a standard format (PDF, Word, or TXT) and are under 5MB.
- Status Check: Regularly check your USAJOBS account to ensure your application status is current.
Can I work remotely?
No, this position requires on-site presence at the designated forest or fire management station.
Being a Wildland Firefighter is a challenging, rewarding experience that directly impacts the safety and health of our forests. If you meet the qualifications and are prepared for the demands of the job, submit your application before the closing date. Help us manage and protect the wildlands that define our nation.
Why This Wildland Firefighter Job Matters
Step into the front lines of forest stewardship as a Wildland Firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service and protect our nation's most precious natural landscapes.
Wildland Firefighter Job Overview
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking courageous individuals to join their firefighting teams across the United States. This temporary role is essential to the agency's mission of managing over 193 million acres of public land. As a Wildland Firefighter, you will perform critical suppression duties, maintain specialized equipment, and work alongside seasoned crews in diverse and challenging terrain. This is a high-impact position for those dedicated to public service, environmental conservation, and emergency response.
Requirements for Wildland Firefighter
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Successful completion of NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) training
- Successful completion of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)
- Ability to pass the arduous-level Work Capacity Test (3-mile hike with 45lb pack in 45 minutes)
- Possession of a valid state driver's license
- Registration with the Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959)
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and participate in random drug testing
Preferred Qualifications for Wildland Firefighter
- Proven experience on specialized fire crews such as hotshots, helitack, or engine teams
- Certification or hands-on experience as a chainsaw operator
- Experience in fuels management and prescribed fire operations
- Ability to collect and interpret weather, fuel, and soil moisture data
- Prior work experience in forestry, conservation, or emergency services
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly compensation
- ✓Exposure to professional wildland fire training programs
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in forestry and land management
- ✓Access to a nationwide network of forestry professionals
- ✓Direct deposit payroll
💡 How to Apply Wildland Firefighter Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wildland Firefighter Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Gather your IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documentation proving FFT1 and S-290 status.
- Click the Apply button in the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, ensuring files are under 5MB.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the major duties listed, including hours worked per week and exact dates of employment.
- Check for document formatting; do not use Adobe Portfolio files as they are unreadable by the hiring system.
- Ensure your IQCS Master Record is attached, as red cards are not accepted as valid proof of qualification.
- Verify your resume length; exceeding two pages will lead to automatic removal from consideration.
- Monitor your email for status updates and ensure you turn on notifications within your account settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the arduous-level Work Capacity Test involve?
It requires you to complete a three-mile hike while carrying a 45-pound pack, and you must finish this hike within 45 minutes.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation expenses are not covered for this temporary position.
What happens if I forget to attach my training documents?
Failure to provide necessary documentation like the IQCS Master Record will result in your application being incomplete and you will lose consideration for the position.
What is the Work Capacity Test?
It is a mandatory physical exam where you must hike 3 miles with a 45-pound pack in under 45 minutes.
Job from Forest Service
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of National Forest land. Our mission extends beyond fire suppression; we conduct world-class research, support state and private forestry, and conserve ecosystems. Working for the Forest Service is more than a job—it is a commitment to the preservation of America’s most magnificent landscapes for future generations.