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.

What to Know Before becoming a wildland firefighter?

Here’s what to know before becoming a wildland firefighter.

• Wildland Firefighting Is Highly Competitive. Wildland firefighting is a highly competitive career.
• Be Prepared To Work Long Shifts for Days on End.
• Determine What Type of Wildland Firefighter You Want To Become.

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?

A Seasonal Wildland Firefighter in your area makes on average $51,115 per year, or $1,183 (2\%) more than the national average annual salary of $49,932. ranks number 1 out of 50 states nationwide for Seasonal Wildland Firefighter salaries.

What do wildland firefighters do in 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 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.

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.

Are forest firefighters in demand?

Demand for Forest Firefighters is expected to go up, with an expected 44,460 new jobs filled by 2029. This represents an annual increase of 1.59 percent over the next few years.

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 much do smoke jumpers get paid?

The salaries of Smoke Jumpers in the US range from $23,010 to $79,490 , with a median salary of $46,870 . The middle 60\% of Smoke Jumpers makes $46,870, with the top 80\% making $79,490.

Do wildland firefighters wear masks?

No, wildland firefighter face masks offer little protection against the harmful components contained in smoke, and they do not protect against superheated gases or supply oxygen. Fighting wildland fires can expose firefighters to harmful components contained in smoke, which in part include: • Acrolein and formaldehyde.

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 do I become a wildland firefighter?

The U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies hire wildland firefighters at different times of the year, depending on the location. To apply for a wildland firefighter job with the US Forest Service or other federal agencies follow these steps:

What are the benefits of being a wildland firefighter?

This job does have many rewards, including the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country and create friendships that last a lifetime. The U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies hire wildland firefighters at different times of the year, depending on the location.

Why join the Forest Service as a firefighter?

Challenge yourself to new limits, join the Forest Service men and women who serve to protect millions of acres within our national forests, our communities, and our natural resources. Wildland firefighter apprentices are involved with wildland fire suppression, management and control.

How long does it take to become a firefighter in California?

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.