What Is a Forest Firefighter?
Forest wildfires are becoming increasingly prevalent, and special firefighters are needed to help combat them. Forest firefighters must be in good shape and prove their physical capabilities by undergoing an examination and a fitness test. The exact duties they perform are based on their credentials.
 |
Forest Firefighters
Forest and wildland firefighters work for state or federal government agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. They are specialized and highly trained firefighters working in hazardous conditions to suppress and control wildfires. Entry-level and temporary jobs are available for those who meet physical fitness requirements.
| Required Education | High school diploma or equivalent; some employers may require relevant postsecondary education, such as an associate's degree in fire science |
| Additional Requirements | On the job training, physical examination and fitness test |
| Certification | Advanced firefighter positions require coursework completion from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 6% for all firefighters |
| Average Annual Salary (2019)* | $54,650 for all firefighters |
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Wildland Firefighter Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for firefighters was $54,650 per year in May 2019 (www.bls.gov). Those working for federal government agencies, including forest and wildland firefighters, made an average of $52,620 per year, or $25.30 per hour.
Typically, the salary of a wildland firefighter is dependent on a wide range of factors. These factors include the state's minimum wage, the rate of wildfires in a particular state, the overtime hours that a wildland firefighter will work in order to put fires out, and the rate of danger pay that a firefighter will make. The states with the highest wildland firefighter pay scale are as follows.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| New Jersey | $71,810 |
| California | $66,950 |
| Washington | $62,950 |
| New York | $59,400 |
| Nevada | $56,250 |
| Connecticut | $54,940 |
| Wyoming | $53,440 |
*Source: Recruiter.com
Wildland Firefighter Job Description
Using complex equipment and maneuvers, forest firefighters extinguish, control and contain wildfires. The job can be dangerous and involves the handling of heavy equipment. The would-be wildland firefighter should be in prime physical condition and be able to carry loads of over 45 pounds for long periods of time.
What Does a Wildland Firefighter Do?
A wildland firefighter's duties depend on his or her level of experience, training and qualifications. Trainees typically assist only in fuel management and support, while elite forest firefighters, referred to as 'smoke jumpers,' parachute from helicopters or airplanes to suppress fires in otherwise inaccessible areas. Some of the other duties involved in a forest firefighter job description will likely include:
- Felling trees
- Preventing fires through the removal of flammable material
- Conducting backfire and burnout operations
- Operating water and chemical hoses and pumps
- Analyzing fire weather and topographical data
- Responding quickly to emergency calls
- Using and maintaining personal protective equipment, tools, work equipment, vehicles, and facilities
- Following orders in high-stress situations
- Removing civilians from dangerous areas
- Providing first aid to injured civilians and crewmates
- Constructing landing spots for fire suppression helicopters
- Predicting fire behavior
 |
Requirements to Becoming a Forest Firefighter
According to the BLS, entry-level requirements for wildland firefighters are not the same for all state and federal agencies. Some jobs may require postsecondary education, like an associate's degree, while others might only require a high school diploma or its equivalent. A degree in a related field, such as forestry, natural resources, biology, or fire science, may be favored by employers, the BLS explains.
No matter the level, all would-be wildland firefighters must pass a physical examination and a fitness test. In entry-level positions, training is often provided on the job through agency-specific programs.
To become an advanced wildland firefighter, most federal agencies require candidates to complete additional training from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) or from a program that offers NWCG courses (www.nwcg.gov). NWCG training can be completed either online or on-site and may include courses in specific fire suppression techniques, equipment training, fire behavior, and safety.
A forest firefighter's education and experience level determine their job position. A forest firefighter salary will depend on the job position. Training is provided on the job, but those who want to move up must complete additional training and may be required to have a postsecondary degree of some kind. The average salary for all firefighters is $54,650.
The Work Capacity Test
As the job of a firefighter is highly physically strenuous, one must complete the work capacity test before the beginning of each season. This tests both the muscular strength and aerobic strength of an applicant. Testing is essential due to the highly dangerous nature of the job. All equipment used to put out fires must be carried into the sites, and so one must be able to carry this weight far distances. As forest fires are highly unpredictable, one must be able to carry this weight over long distances quickly.
 |
Wildland Firefighter FAQs
What Is the Demand for Wildland Firefighters?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the predicted growth for wildland firefighters is 6%. However, it is predicted that the rate for wildland firefighters is slightly lower than average. This is due to the seasonal and competitive nature of this field.
How Competitive Is This Field?
This field is relatively competitive. Positions are typically seasonal and full of veteran workers that return for many, many years. This position is physically demanding, and applicants typically must undergo physical tests. Some firefighters will leave their state to gain experience where applications are less competitive so that they may then be hired in their home state after several years.
Where Do Forest Firefighters Work?
A wildland firefighter will spend the majority of their time within their state. Often these firefighters will live in camps far away from towns so that they are near to areas of higher danger. In the case of extreme forest fires breaking out across the US or in Canada, firefighting crews are often deployed to provide workers and more equipment to fight these severe fires.
How Much Overtime Is Required?
The amount of overtime work that a firefighter will work is dependent on the severity of the fire season. Typically, overtime hours will reach 600 hours per season. This overtime is entirely dependent on the fire season and will likely be higher in hot dry summers with frequent fires and lower in cooler, wetter summers.
Are There Any Professional Organizations for Wildland Firefighters?
There are a number of organizations for workers in this field. The two most popular associations within the United States are the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and the National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA). Both of these associations provide education and networking opportunities and promote wildfire safety within the country. The NWSA works directly with federal, state and local agencies and acts as a contact for private firefighting companies.
