As previously stated, the field of wildland firefighting is highly competitive. In a sea of hundreds of applicants for a single position, sending out a resume is often not enough to land an interview.
How hard is it to become a wildland firefighter?
While some wildland firefighters work year-round and some work only during the fire season, the work is always strenuous and positions are always highly competitive. Prospective workers can often increase their chances of securing a job by earning a certificate or degree in fire science.
How competitive is wildland firefighting?
Entry level wildland firefighter positions are extremely competitive. Most full-time temporary positions are filled by individuals who already have acquired training and experience through volunteer or part-time positions.
Is wildland firefighting 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 make good money?
The salaries of Wildland Firefighters in the US range from $10,000 to $169,505 , with a median salary of $30,940 . The middle 57% of Wildland Firefighters makes between $30,941 and $77,082, with the top 86% making $169,505.
How long is wildland firefighter training?
Selected applicants will attend a 3,000 hour on-the-job learning program, which includes a two month-long residential firefighting academy at the Wildland Fire Training Center in McClellan, California. Apprentices will be paid and all costs of training will be covered by the Forest Service.
What do hotshots 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 is a Type 1 wildland firefighter?
The Firefighter Type 1 leads a small group (usually not more than seven members) and is responsible for their safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The FFT1 supervises resources at the FFT2 level and reports to a Single Resource Crew Boss or other assigned supervisor.
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.
How do you become a hotshot firefighter wildland?
The basic requirements for wildland firefighting jobs with U.S. federal government agencies, for example, include:
- U.S. citizenship.
- Age 18 or older at date of hire.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Relatively clean criminal record.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Drug test and/or background check.
- Passing the Arduous Work Capacity Test.
Can you make a living as a wildland firefighter?
A good estimate is that you can make $20,000- $40,000 in a 6ish month fire season depending on what type of crew you are on and how much overtime and time on the fireline time you get.
Does Cal Fire have hotshots?
Hotshots are elite firefighters trained to fight wildland fires and respond to other emergencies nationwide. The committee also provides the California IHC community with a united voice. …
Can Cal Fire pull you over?
Unlike other firefighters, fire marshals can be sworn law enforcement officers. … That being said, their priorities are very different than other law enforcement. So, while fire marshals technically have the authority to pull you over and make a traffic stop, they almost never will.
What state pays wildland firefighters the most?
$122,500 is the 90th percentile. Salaries above this are outliers. $2,250 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers.
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What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Wildland Firefighter Jobs.
| City | New York City, NY |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $62,680 |
| Monthly Pay | $5,223 |
| Weekly Pay | $1,205 |
| Hourly Wage | $30.13 |
Where do wildland firefighters get paid the most?
Highest paying cities for Wildland Firefighters in United States
- Missoula, MT. $36.75 per hour. 5 salaries reported.
- Salem, OR. $23.75 per hour. 19 salaries reported.
- Elko, NV. $21.68 per hour. 5 salaries reported.
- Eugene, OR. $20.02 per hour. 11 salaries reported.
- Fairbanks, AK. $18.40 per hour. …
- Show more nearby cities.
How much do hotshot forest firefighters make?
The national average salary for a Hotshot Wildland Firefighter is $53,626 in United States. Filter by location to see Hotshot Wildland Firefighter salaries in your area. Salary estimates are based on 2,493 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Hotshot Wildland Firefighter employees.