Seasonal Wildland Firefighter - Field Ops

National Park Service; Bayfield (CO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Park Service in Colorado seeks a Wildland Firefighter to support suppression and fuels management across challenging terrain. You will learn fireline construction, hose lays, pump use, and the handling of tools like Pulaski and McLeod while maintaining strict safety standards.

This role requires physical fitness, willingness to live in remote locations during fire season, and compliance with federal background checks and medical standards.

Qualifications

• GW-03: Six months of experience in related firefighting work or one year of related education/training may substitute for experience.
• General experience includes farm/ranch labor, plant care, or other manual work providing familiarity with firefighting.
• Work Capacity Test (WCT) at the arduous level is a condition of employment and requires a 3-mile hike with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes.

Responsibilities

• Develop knowledge of fuels management and fire suppression techniques.
• Learn to work around aircraft and safety rules and terminology.
• Search and extinguish burning materials using hoses, pumps, and other gear.
• Build firelines using hand tools and power saws to control wildland fires.
• Perform routine maintenance of fire tools and equipment.
• Be prepared for remote locations and occasional travel for assignments.

Skills

Wildland firefighting

Physical fitness

Safety awareness

Tools

Pulaski

McLeod

Axe

Shovel

Chainsaw

Job description

The National Park Service in Colorado seeks a Wildland Firefighter to support suppression and fuels management across challenging terrain. You will learn fireline construction, hose lays, pump use, and the handling of tools like Pulaski and McLeod while maintaining strict safety standards.

This role requires physical fitness, willingness to live in remote locations during fire season, and compliance with federal background checks and medical standards.