Wildland firefighters work to protect communities and natural resources by stopping the spread of wildfire. The position has many facets and nearly unlimited opportunities. The following steps will help you become a wildland firefighter. We will cover physical ability tests, work experience requirements and preparation tips for someone who is looking for employment in wildland firefighting.
Land management agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are always looking to add new firefighters to their ranks. With around 100,000 wildland firefighters employed in the United States, the demand for this job is high. That doesn’t mean that becoming a wildland firefighter is a cinch, however.
How To Become A Wildland Firefighter
How to Become a Wildland Firefighter
Wildland firefighting agencies operate at the federal level (National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs), the state level (Dept. of Forestry, Dept. of Natural Resources), and at the local level where forest lands tie in with the incorporated area. Although each agency has its own hiring processes, the following is a general guide to becoming a wildland firefighter.
Training:
Physical:
- Firefighters are held to rigorous fitness standards as much of the job occurs in the outdoors. The Work Capacity Test is a series of tests used to determine the capabilities of an individual and ensure he/she is physically able to perform the duties of wildland firefighting. This test is required by every federal agency/bureau before an Incident Qualification Card (red card) can be issued.
- It is also recommended that an individual find out if there are any additional standards required of a position and what they are so as to prepare in the off season. This can be done by contacting the specific location of potential employment (i.e., local land management office).
Educational:
- Specific educational requirements are set by each agency. There are multiple areas of academic study that provide credible coursework that is related to various positions within wildland fire. The following are examples of these areas of study:
- Forestry
- Agriculture
- Crop or Plant Science
- Wildlife Management
- Range Management or Conservation
- Watershed Management
- Natural Resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography)
- Outdoor Recreation Management
- Civil or Forest Engineering
- Wildland Fire Science
- Soil Science
Employment:
- Wildland firefighter positions are generally advertised in the off-season (Oct-Dec) and hired as fire season approaches (Jan-Mar).
- Individuals seeking employment should think about applying by Sept/Oct as many announcements close in January.
- Learn more about job openings by visiting USAJobs, keyword: wildland fire.
- Contact the location of potential employment (i.e., local land management office) with additional questions regarding qualifications or standards of a specific position.
Helpful Links
Agency Websites:
- U.S. Department of the Interior – Wildland Fire Jobs
- U.S. Forest Service – FireHire
- National Park Service – Fire & Aviation Management Jobs
- U.S. Forest Service – Fire & Aviation Management Employment
- Bureau of Land Management – Fire & Aviation
- Bureau of Indian Affairs – Branch of Wildland Fire Management
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Wildland Fire
