Table of Contents
- 1 What degree do you need for wildland firefighting?
- 2 Are forest firefighters in demand?
- 3 How do you become a helitack firefighter?
- 4 What is a forest firefighter called?
- 5 How do you become a forest firefighter?
- 6 How do I start a wildland firefighting career?
- 7 Can you get a higher rank as a firefighter with experience?
- 8 Do you need a college degree to become a firefighter?
What degree do you need for wildland firefighting?
Education. State and federal employers often require wildland firefighters to have a combination of post-secondary education and work experience. Those who opt to pursue education typically need a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or a related field.
Are forest firefighters in demand?
Vacancies for this career have increased by 13.78 percent nationwide in that time, with an average growth of 0.86 percent per year. Demand for Forest Firefighters is expected to go up, with an expected 44,460 new jobs filled by 2029. This represents an annual increase of 1.59 percent over the next few years.
How much do BC forest firefighters make?
Forest Firefighter Salaries
| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| BC Public Service Forest Firefighter salaries – 1 salaries reported | $21/hr |
| Government of British Columbia Forest Firefighter salaries – 1 salaries reported | $22/hr |
How do you become a helitack firefighter?
Applicants must have at least a year of experience as a seasonal firefighter or a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Range Management, as well as a valid driver’s license. Prospective helitack crew members who apply prior to February 20 each year get first consideration for all available positions.
What is a forest firefighter called?
They work in various capacities under a variety of job titles including forest fire warden, forest ranger, forest ranger technician, forestry technician (fire), wildland firefighter, and forest fire inspector and prevention specialist.
Should I get a degree before becoming a firefighter?
At the very minimum, you’ll need to obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many firefighters earn a degree in fire science to advance their career. It’s also wise to become an EMT. Some departments might even require an EMT certification; larger departments may require a paramedic’s license.
How do you become a forest firefighter?
The following qualifications are assets when seeking employment as a wildland firefighter:
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience in logging or as a forestry labourer.
- A standard first aid certificate with CPR.
- A chain saw certificate.
- A defensive driving certificate (with 7 demerits or less)
How do I start a wildland firefighting career?
Most entry-level wildland firefighters are hired as a GS-3 forestry technician, and you typically need six months of general experience, such as volunteer firefighting. Often, you’ll begin by working as a hand crew, hotshot, or engine crew member.
What are the requirements to become a wildland firefighter?
In addition to physical and educational requirements, all applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Aspiring wildland firefighters may find that fire departments or other potential employers prefer to hire people with previous firefighting experience.
Can you get a higher rank as a firefighter with experience?
Basically, unless you have a degree that is relevant to fire or have wildland fire experience (possibly through structure fire or as a temporary firefighter hired for a short time by the Federal Government during busy fire seasons) you won’t get anything higher than a GS-3.
Do you need a college degree to become a firefighter?
While a college degree usually isn’t required for entry level jobs, firefighters pursuing leadership positions may need a bachelor’s or even a graduate degree in fire science. Firefighting specialty programs are available as well.
What agencies are involved in wildland firefighting?
Wildland firefighting agencies operate at the federal level (National Park Service, Forest Service Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs), the state level (Fish and Game, Land Management, Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue) and at the local level where forest land lies within the incorporated area.