Fireline jobs, federal, state or private, start from the same base:
- NWCG basic training: S-130 (Firefighter Training) and S-190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior), usually with L-180, ICS-100 and IS-700.
- The work capacity test. For arduous jobs it’s the pack test: 3 miles over level ground in 45 minutes or less, carrying a 45-pound pack.
- A Red Card, issued once your training and test are on record.
- For fireline EMT and paramedic jobs: a current EMT or paramedic license on top of the NWCG basics and the arduous pack test.
What the work looks like
Crew and engine jobs are mostly seasonal, with long days and assignments away from home. Federal agencies post most of next season’s crew jobs well ahead, through fall and winter.
Fireline medics usually work for private contractors that staff federal and state fires. Expect deployments of 14 to 21 days, long shifts and camp living. One fireline medical contractor says its federal contract requires medics to be W-2 employees, not 1099 contractors.
Supervisory, fire management, dispatch and prevention jobs are more often permanent.
How to get hired
- Take S-130 and S-190, usually with L-180, ICS-100 and IS-700. Agencies and contractors run them before the season.
- Train for the pack test well before the day.
- For federal jobs, build a USAJOBS profile and apply in fall and winter, when most seasonal jobs post. Federal firefighter jobs have a maximum entry age, with exceptions for veterans and prior service.
- For state jobs, watch your state forestry or natural resources agency.
- For fireline EMT or paramedic work, keep your license current and apply to fireline medical contractors before the season starts.
- Be ready to deploy: gear packed and two or three weeks away on short notice.
Before you go after it
- It’s seasonal. Plan for the off-season, unless you’re in a permanent job.
- Base pay is modest. In a big fire year, overtime does the heavy lifting. In a quiet one, it doesn’t.
- Deployments are long. Two or three weeks away, long shifts, camp living.
- Federal hiring is slow. Apply early and have a backup.
- Vet private crews. Ask who they contract with and how they pay before you sign on.