U.S. Wildland Fire Service Hiring

- 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.