Eligibility Requirements Must be a US Citizen or US 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
Is it hard 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 much does a wildland firefighter make in a season?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $155,000 and as low as $17,500, the majority of Seasonal Wildland Firefighter salaries currently range between $26,000 (25th percentile) to $52,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $122,500 annually across the United States
What education do I need to be a wildland firefighter?
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
What it takes to be a hotshot?
The path to becoming a Hotshot can vary, but it typically includes experience as a Type-2 Firefighter on a Fire Engine Module, Type 2 Handcrew, Fire Use Module, or Helitack Crew with one of the Federal land management agencies (such as the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or National Park Service)
What are forest firefighters called?
Hotshot crews are the most highly trained, skilled and experienced type of handcrews They are qualified to provide leadership for initial-attack and extended-attack on wildland fires Hotshots are trained and equipped to work in remote areas for extended periods of time with minimal logistical support
Can you make a living as a wildland firefighter?
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 Smokejumpers make?
A smokejumper earns around $1600 per hour while a smokejumper foreman earns about $2400 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
How much does a first year wildland firefighter make?
Wildland firefighters work in crews to suppress fires in remote locations The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour marketEmployers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years Starting $2690 Overall $3192 Top $3647
How do you get a red card in wildland fire?
“How do I get my Red Card?” a minimum 32 hours of training (S-130/190 Basic Firefighting and Wildland Fire Behavior) demonstration of physical fitness at the “arduous” level, by completion of the Pack Test — walking 3 miles in 45 minutes or less carrying a 45 pound pack an employing agency to certify the individual
What is a wildland pack test?
The Pack Test is a 483-km (3-mile) hike over level terrain carrying a 205kg (45 pound) pack To qualify for arduous fireline work, you must complete the pack test in 45 minutes or less Tests taken at altitude should be adjusted (see table)
What is a non CDL hotshot?
Simply, if you do not have a CDL, the max weight must be 26,000 lbs or less If you have an F-350 that weighs 10,100 lbs and a trailer that weights 7,000 lbs empty, then this only gives the non-CDL hotshot the ability to haul a maximum of 8,900 lbs Empty weight is 14,560 lbs with fuel, luggage, and you in the cab
What do hotshots do in the off season?
The seasonal employees are laid off, and go to college, get other jobs, travel, or collect unemployment The permanent staff have several options Some go to work for other functions inside the agency, like timber management, recreation, or wildlife
Who are the highest paid firefighters?
10 States Where Firefighters Earn the Most Money Rank State 2017 Mean Annual Wage 1 New Jersey $75,880 2 California $73,860 3 New York $70,560 4 Washington $70,300
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 do I volunteer for Cal Fire?
Contact your nearest CAL FIRE Unit and talk to the VIP coordinator You will need to fill out a volunteer service agreement, emergency contact form, vehicle registration form, and a parental consent form if you are a minor
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
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?
Wildfire season has become longer based on conditions that allow fires to start and to burn—winter snows are melting earlier and rain is coming later in the fall What was once a four-month fire season now lasts six to eight months
What do smoke jumpers do?
Smokejumpers are wildland firefighters trained to parachute into fires Smokejumpers are also called upon to provide rescue and first-aid services on fires and other emergencies in rugged and remote locations
How many smoke jumpers are there?
Smokejumpers load up into fixed-wing aircraft and dive into the hot zone It’s quite possibly the most elite, specialized job in the entire fire service And as a result, there’s only about 270 of them in active duty Take a look at some facts about these upper echelon skydiving fire chasers
What is a hotshot firefighter?
A hotshot crew consists of 20 specially-trained firefighters They provide an organized, mobile, and skilled workforce for all phases of wildland fire management Hotshot crews receive top-notch training, adhere to high physical standards, and have the ability to take on difficult assignments