What is a Wildland Firefighter Job?
A wildland firefighter job is a highly challenging and rewarding career that involves fighting fire in rural or wilderness areas. Wildland firefighters work in various capacities, including initial attack, fire suppression, and fire management. They work to control and extinguish wildfires, protect property, and ensure public safety. Wildland firefighters work in teams and are often required to work long hours in challenging terrains, extreme weather conditions, and dangerous situations.
What Usually Do in This Position?
Wildland firefighters are responsible for responding to fire emergencies in remote and rural areas. They work to contain and extinguish wildfires, protect property, and ensure public safety. Wildland firefighters can work in various capacities, including initial attack, fire suppression, and fire management. They use various tools and equipment, such as shovels, chainsaws, and firefighting trucks, to control and contain the fire.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Physical fitness and endurance
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Ability to work under pressure in challenging and dangerous environments
- Knowledge of firefighting techniques, tools, and equipment
How to Become this Type of Specialist?
To become a wildland firefighter, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer or require a college degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. You can also enroll in training programs offered by agencies such as the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) or the US Forest Service.
Wildland firefighters must pass a physical fitness test, which typically includes running, hiking, and carrying heavy equipment. They must also pass a background check, drug test, and medical exam before being hired.
Average Salary
The average salary for a wildland firefighter in the United States is around $45,000 per year. However, the salary can vary depending on the employer, location, experience, and qualifications.
Roles and Types
Wildland firefighters work in various roles and capacities, including:
- Initial attack firefighters: Are the first responders to wildfires and are responsible for containing and extinguishing the fire before it spreads.
- Hotshot crews: Are highly trained and specialized teams that work in the most challenging and dangerous environments to control and contain the fire.
- Smokejumpers: Are specialized firefighters who parachute into remote and inaccessible areas to fight wildfires.
- Fire prevention specialists: Work to prevent wildfires by educating the public, enforcing fire regulations, and conducting controlled burns.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
Wildland firefighting jobs are available in various locations across the United States. Some of the most popular locations for wildland firefighting jobs include California, Colorado, Arizona, Montana, and Oregon.
What are the Typical Tools?
Wildland firefighters use various tools and equipment to control and contain wildfires. Some of the typical tools used in wildland firefighting include:
- Hand tools such as shovels, axes, and Pulaskis
- Chainsaws for cutting trees and brush
- Firefighting trucks and engines for transporting equipment and personnel
- Fire retardants and foam for suppressing and containing the fire
In Conclusion
Wildland firefighting is a challenging and rewarding career that requires physical fitness, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. Wildland firefighters work in various capacities, including initial attack, fire suppression, and fire management, to control and contain wildfires, protect property, and ensure public safety. With the right education, training, and qualifications, you can pursue a career in wildland firefighting and make a difference in protecting our natural resources and communities.