The U.S. Forest Service, for example, has its own Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program. Selected applicants learn on the job by attending a two-month-long, 3,000-hour residential firefighting academy. They are paid for their time, and all training costs are covered by the agency.
How do you become a certified wildland firefighter?
To become a wildland firefighter, follow these five steps:
- Get a driver’s license.
- Complete post-secondary education or work experience requirements.
- Create a resume.
- Pass a drug test.
- Undergo on-the-job training or complete an apprenticeship.
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 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.
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.
What is a Type 1 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.
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.
How much do Smokejumpers make?
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 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.
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.
Do wildland firefighters sleep in tents?
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 are Cal Fire shifts?
You’ll average 3-4 (24hr & 48hr) shifts a year if you move back each work period.
How much weight do wildland firefighters carry?
According to The Times News’ report on the weight of firefighter gear, the average weight of a structural firefighter’s protective equipment is between 66 to 70 pounds. In contrast, the average weight of a wildland pack is about 25-40 pounds. So, what do they wear as PPE?
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.
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.
How do I get a job at Cal Fire?
Fire Fighter I Hotline: (951) 901-5060 CAL FIRE Website: www.fire.ca.gov Applications will be accepted each year during a one-month filing period from November 1st through November 30th. Applications must be filed at Southern Region Headquarters- Fresno office to be considered for employment.