Wildland Firefighter

Category:

Role Overview

Wildland Firefighters play a critical role in managing and extinguishing forest and grassland fires, ensuring the safety of both people and wildlife. They work closely with federal, state, and local agencies, employing specialized skills to suppress fires while minimizing environmental impact. This role is essential for protecting communities and maintaining natural resources, serving as a reliable team member during emergency wildland firefighting operations.

Key Skills Required

Roles & Responsibilities

•Fire Suppression Operations
Engage in direct fire suppression activities using hand tools, water hoses, and chainsaws to control and extinguish wildfires, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and fire management plans.
•Wildfire Prevention Strategies
Implement preventive measures by removing vegetation, creating fire breaks, and conducting controlled burns to mitigate wildfire risks and preserve at-risk ecosystems.
•Safety and Risk Management
Conduct safety assessments and risk analyses in rapidly changing wildfire environments, ensuring personal and team compliance with safety standards to minimize hazards.
•Equipment Maintenance
Inspect, maintain, and repair firefighting equipment, vehicles, and tools to ensure readiness for quick deployment and optimal performance during wildfire incidents.
•Emergency Response Coordination
Work collaboratively with other emergency services and agencies to coordinate response efforts, aligning with incident command systems to enhance the effectiveness of firefighting operations.
•Training and Development
Participate in ongoing training and drills to enhance firefighting skills, including specialized techniques for helicopter operations, water drops, and wilderness navigation.
•Public Education Outreach
Engage with communities to deliver educational programs on fire safety, prevention tips, and evacuation procedures, fostering public awareness and preparedness.

Typical Required Skills and Qualifications

•Completion of a wildland firefighting training program.
•Experience in outdoor physical labor, preferably in fire suppression.
•Knowledge of fire behavior, safety protocols, and equipment operation.
•Strong teamwork and communication skills under high-pressure situations.

Trends & Outlook

Emerging Trends

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Advancements in technology such as drones and AI are expected to improve wildfire response strategies, leading to increased demand for technology-proficient Wildland Firefighters. Investment in such technologies is projected to grow by 25% annually.

In-Demand Skills

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Essential skills for Wildland Firefighters include physical fitness, knowledge of fire suppression techniques, and the ability to operate specialized equipment. Certifications such as S-130/S-190 (Basic Wildland Firefighter Training) are often required.

Industry Expansion

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The employment of firefighters, including wildland firefighters, is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing wildfire incidents and enhanced fire prevention measures.

Overview

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The demand for Wildland Firefighters has increased due to more frequent and severe wildfires, with California and the Pacific Northwest being major hotspots. In 2022, there were over 2,000 wildland firefighting positions available across these regions.

Salary Insights

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Wildland Firefighters earn an average of $52,500 per year, with variation depending on location and experience. For instance, those working in California can earn up to 20% more compared to other states.