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Fire Hire

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Seasonal firefighting positions run May through November with occasional opportunities to work during the winter.

Off-zone fire assignments may last from 14 to 21 days away from employee’s duty station.

While not performing suppression and prescribed fire activities, the employees may be assigned to other resource management activities such as hazard fuels reduction, brush disposal, recreation, range, wildlife, or timber.

Qualifications for Firefighting:

  • Individuals must be able to pass the Medical Qualification Standards for arduous fitness level as condition of employment. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the Work Capacity Test (WCT) at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
  • Strong, diverse experience in wildland fire fighting techniques and tactics.
  • Good written and oral communication skills.
  • A positive attitude towards the work environment and fellow crewmembers.
  • A safe and professional working attitude.
  • Ability to work effectively within a zone organization
  • Leadership abilities and team building
  • A strong work ethic, tenacity
  • Forestry or logging background
  • High physical fitness level and stamina
  • Educational background in fire sciences, forestry, environmental/biology, communication, sports medicine.
  • EMT, medical field and/or structural fire experience
  • Ability to live and work outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and backcountry travel
  • Trades skills-Welding, fabrication, automotive, carpentry

FAQs

Black Hills & Nebraska National Forests Duty Station Locations

How to Apply 

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:

1)  Visit USAJobs.gov (link is external) 

2)  Type in  â€świldland firefighter” in the “Keywords” box

3)  Click “Search”

4)  A listing of current job openings will come up. 

Other Helpful Tips and Information

Last updated July 16, 2026