Education. State and federal employers often require wildland firefighters to have a combination of post-secondary education and work experience. Those who opt to pursue education typically need a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or a related field.
How do I get into wildland firefighting?
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Must meet Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) qualifications.
- Position requires a Work Capacity Test (WCT)
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
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.
Is wildland firefighting a 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.
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.
How much do hotshots make?
The highest salary for a Hotshot Wildland Firefighter in United States is $92,430 per year. What is the lowest salary for a Hotshot Wildland Firefighter in United States? The lowest salary for a Hotshot Wildland Firefighter in United States is $31,112 per year.
How hard is wildland firefighting?
“This job makes you mentally and physically tough, no matter what type of crew you work on. Some crews push you physically and mentally when it comes to physical training. With others, you’re uncomfortable the whole time working, digging line or using a chainsaw day in and day out.
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 |
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.
How much do smoke jumpers get paid?
A smokejumper earns around $16.00 per hour while a smokejumper foreman earns about $24.00 per hour. Smokejumpers are paid nothing extra for making parachute jumps; however, they do receive hazard pay equivalent to 25 percent of their base pay when working on an uncontrolled wildfire.
What is a Type 3 wildland firefighter?
Type 3. A water tender with a minimum pump capacity of 200 GPM. 1000-2500 gallon tank. GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds.
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.
Do wildland firefighters wear masks?
This new respirator system for wildland firefighters: Is chest-mounted and has a lightweight mask covering just the mouth and nose. Uses an electric blower to force filtered air to the mask, relying on AA batteries for power.
Do wildland firefighters get days off?
Wildland firefighters are often away from home, without days off, for 14+ days at a time. Wildland firefighters do not work regular schedules of 8 hour days but are often asked to work 16+ hours a day when on a fire or an assignment.
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 long is wildland fire season?
Wildland firefighter positions are generally advertised in the off-season (Oct-Dec) and hired as fire season approaches (Jan-Mar). Individuals seeking employment should think about applying by Sept/Oct as many announcements close in January.