What do hot shots 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.

What do wildland firefighters do in the winter?

Seasonal firefighters who aren’t headed back to school in the fall often go to work on winter road projects for the Oregon Department of Transportation. Other jobs they take include landscaping and tree removal, wildfire fuels-thinning work in the woods, roofing and bartending, Ballou said.

How much do hotshots make during fire season?

As a federal worker, a Hotshot Firefighter earns an average of $13 per hour during off-season. The pay increases during the peak fire season where they work up to 16 hours, sometimes even extending up to 48-64 hours. They earn an average salary of $40,000 during a six-month season (including overtime and hazard pay).

How often do Hotshots work?

Schedule. Wildland firefighters can work 14 days straight (called a roll) with 16-hour days and possibly up to three days travel before and after the official 14. Night shifts and longer shifts of 16-24 hours are possible depending on the fire and area you are in, but not super common. My record is 29 hours straight.

Do wildland firefighters get housing?

Currently, wildland firefighters are primarily classified as “forestry technicians,” paid an hourly wage of $13.45 at the GS-3 level, and are often not provided adequate health care benefits or housing while on the job.

How much time off do wildland firefighters get?

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.

What season do wildland firefighters work?

Seasonal crews operate during the peak wildfire period during the year, typically April through October. Training may only be offered periodically at seasonal center locations.

Are hotshots federal employees?

However, the firefighters best equipped to tackle large infernos across rugged terrain are quitting. They’re called “hotshots” and are employed by the federal government.

What is the average age of a hotshot firefighter?

Wildland Fire Fighter Age Breakdown Interestingly enough, the average age of Wildland Fire Fighters is 40+ years old, which represents 45\% of the population.