Getting Started
in WILDLAND Firefighting
Wildland fire positions are available through Federal, State, and Private Sectors
FEDERAL POSITIONS
Federal positions are seasonal, and work is guaranteed for the whole season. They may also come with travel opportunities as you may be called upon to assist on a fire in a different state.
These positions are all applied for using USA Jobs and are grouped by a specific code.
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US Forest Service
NOTE on USA JOBS
​USA Jobs Resumes are different than your typical resume and require DETAILS! Include extensive detail about all skills
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example: if you have used a shovel, include this. It may seem silly but they want to see everything you are capable of
PLAN AHEAD! Be ready to apply
9-12 months in advance
To set yourself apart as an applicant, contact hiring managers directly and express interest! It shows commitment and gives you a better shot at being remembered as more than just a name. Don't be afraid to ask them questions!
more on the application process below
FEDERAL FIRE
JOB CODE: 0462
GS Pay scale
- listed under job title on USA jobs
- dictates hourly pay
- advancing within a career brings higher GS level
entry level wildland fire applicant will start as a GS-03 or a GS-04.
STATE POSITIONS
CONTRACT POSITIONS
Non Federal Wildland Fire positions are available within all State Forestry Departments. These positions typically also guarantee work for the duration of the fire season. These positions are applied for using USA Jobs.
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Oregon Department of Forestry
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California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
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Contract positions are available through private companies that are hired to work on a specific fire. This generally means that work for a whole season is not guaranteed, rather specifically when there is a need for the resource on a fire. This however can make it a more flexible schedule option.
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Multiple bases in Oregon
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Eugene, OR: OregonWoods ​​
JOB SELECTION
COMPONENTS
REQUIREMENTS
Starting your career in wildland fire generally requires
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GRE
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18 years old upon hire
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Valid driver's license
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Clean criminal record
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each crew has different standards, so you will not be immediately disqualified for DUIs and felonies
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Background Check
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potential for Drug Test​
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The ability to pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test
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Find job postings online under Forestry Aid or Forestry Technician (title has potential to change due to new infrastructure bill), or USA Job Code 0462.
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Job applications generally get posted between September and November to work the following year.
Certain regions get posted first, once they are up you can sign up to get notifications for new listings. Stay on top of job listings, as they are often only open for a week!
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Application Processing
After you submit an application it is reviewed to check
qualifications (another reason the detailed resume is
important). If you are qualified your application is sent to
the hiring managers.
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USA Jobs will send you an email once you make it
through that first stage
