Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

2026 Wildland Fire Careers Opportunities

A firefighter in the forest with others fits a hose.
A firefighter prepares to provide hose laying support in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon. USDA Forest Service photo by Cecilio Ricardo.

Now Hiring Wildland Fire Management Positions for 2026

Apply on USAJOBS.gov August 22 through September 23, 2025. If chosen, start your position in 2026.

Available Positions 

A firefighter in a truck smiles with another firefighter outside the truck.
Beaver Creek Fire, Sawtooth National Forest, Hailey-Ketchum, Idaho, August, 2013 (USDA Forest Service Photo by Kari Greer)

  • Aviation Officers

  • Dispatchers

  • Equipment Operators

  • Fire Engine Operators

  • Fire Management Officers

  • Fire Planners

  • Fire Prevention Specialists

  • Forestry Aids and Technicians

  • Hand Crew Members

  • Helitack Crew Members

  • Hotshot Crew Members

  • Pilots

  • Prescribed Fire & Fuels Specialists

  • Smokejumpers

  • Much More

Pay Information 

Compensation is based on the new 2025 Wildland Firefighter (GW) locality pay tables. Pay ranges from grade GW levels 3 through 9 and varies based on the position and duty location.  Review the positions on USAJOBS.gov for more information.

 

Benefits May Include  

3 fire trucks drive down a dirt road in the forest.
Hot shot fire crews heading out to start the day working on the Dodge Springs Fire July 26, 2022. Photo by Jess D. Harvey/USDA Forest Service

  • Career Advancement Opportunities

  • Overtime and Hazard Pay

  • Paid Holidays & Leave

  • Medical Vision, and Dental Plans

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Life Insurance

  • Retirement and Thrift Savings Plans

  • Flexible, Seasonal, or Year-Round Schedules

  • Wellness Programs

  • Paid Training and Educational Opportunities (locally and nationally)

  • Employee Housing (if available)

 

 

Apply on USAJOBS.gov August 22 through September 23, 2025

A line of people hold signs and wave by the road expressing their thanks for firefighters.
South Lake Tahoe locals cheer, yell, and blow horns to thank the firefighters for their support in protecting their homes from the Caldor Fire. The locals gathered for several days near the Incident Command Post in South Lake Tahoe. USDA Forest Service photo by Cecilio Ricardo

More Information

Application Tips

#Careers, #WildlandFirefighters, #Firefighters, #Jobs

The USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer