U.S. Wildland Fire Service Hiring
What happened
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is hiring for Wildland Firefighter (GW 03/04/05) and Fire Dispatcher (GW 04/05) positions across multiple locations. Applications for the roles, which focus on firefighter safety and community protection, are due by March 5, 2026.
Why it matters
- Pay for these federal firefighter roles was significantly increased through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided temporary raises of up to $20,000 or 50% of base salary. Congress has since worked to make these pay raises permanent to aid in recruitment and retention. - A GW-4, Step 1 wildland firefighter has a base hourly wage of $23.20, which increases to $34.80 for overtime. With hazard pay (25% of base pay) and a 16-hour day on an active fire, daily earnings can reach over $550 before taxes. - The "GW" pay scale is a new structure for wildland firefighters. For 2025, it included special base rate increases ranging from a 33% increase for a GW-4 to a 30% increase for a GW-5. - Unlike structural firefighters who typically work set shifts from a station, wildland firefighters often work seasonally and can be deployed to remote areas for extended periods, working long hours in difficult terrain. - The National Interagency Fire Center's 2026 outlook predicts a gradual increase in fire activity for the northwestern U.S., with the potential for an active season in the West if dry conditions persist. - Federal wildland firefighter applications are submitted through USAJOBS.gov, where candidates can search for "Wildland Firefighter" or "Forestry Technician" positions. The hiring process includes passing a Work Capacity Test, also known as the "pack test." - Fire Dispatcher (GW-04/05) is a vital role responsible for receiving fire reports, mobilizing resources, and providing logistical support to firefighters on an incident. - Experience as a wildland firefighter can be a valuable asset for a career in municipal firefighting, providing foundational knowledge of fire behavior, Incident Command System (ICS), and working within a team under stressful conditions.
Key numbers
- Wildland Fire Service is hiring for Wildland Firefighter (GW 03/04/05) and Fire Dispatcher (GW 04/05) positions across multiple locations.
- Applications for the roles, which focus on firefighter safety and community protection, are due by March 5, 2026.
- - Pay for these federal firefighter roles was significantly increased through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided temporary raises of up to $20,000 or 50% of base salary.
- A GW-4, Step 1 wildland firefighter has a base hourly wage of $23.20, which increases to $34.80 for overtime.
Quick answers
What happened in U.S. Wildland Fire Service Hiring?
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is hiring for Wildland Firefighter (GW 03/04/05) and Fire Dispatcher (GW 04/05) positions across multiple locations. Applications for the roles, which focus on firefighter safety and community protection, are due by March 5, 2026.
Why does U.S. Wildland Fire Service Hiring matter?
Pay for these federal firefighter roles was significantly increased through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided temporary raises of up to $20,000 or 50% of base salary. Congress has since worked to make these pay raises permanent to aid in recruitment and retention. A GW-4, Step 1 wildland firefighter has a base hourly wage of $23.20, which increases to $34.80 for overtime. With hazard pay (25% of base pay) and a 16-hour day on an active fire, daily earnings can reach over $550 before taxes. The "GW" pay scale is a new structure for wildland firefighters. For 2025, it included special base rate increases ranging from a 33% increase for a GW-4 to a 30% increase for a GW-5. Unlike structural firefighters who typically work set shifts from a station, wildland firefighters often work seasonally and can be deployed to remote areas for extended periods, working long hours in difficult terrain. The National Interagency Fire Center's 2026 outlook predicts a gradual increase in fire activity for the northwestern U.S., with the potential for an active season in the West if dry conditions persist. Federal wildland firefighter applications are submitted through USAJOBS.gov, where candidates can search for "Wildland Firefighter" or "Forestry Technician" positions. The hiring process includes passing a Work Capacity Test, also known as the "pack test." Fire Dispatcher (GW-04/05) is a vital role responsible for receiving fire reports, mobilizing resources, and providing logistical support to firefighters on an incident. Experience as a wildland firefighter can be a valuable asset for a career in municipal firefighting, providing foundational knowledge of fire behavior, Incident Command System (ICS), and working within a team under stressful conditions.
