Wildland Firefighter I

Nederland Fire Protection District; Nederland (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Nederland Fire Protection District is seeking a Wildland Firefighter I in Colorado to join a disciplined, team-focused crew. You will fight fires, build firelines, protect structures, and operate wildland tools while engaging in training, deployments, and community wildfire education. Applicants must be 18+, have a HS diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, FFT2, Red Card and NWCG courses; FFT1 preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong teamwork and communication required.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and follow direction.
• Willingness to accept feedback and work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Fight fire and construct/maintain fireline.
• Support engine operations and use wildland tools.
• Assist with fuels reduction and prescribed fire projects.
• Participate in training, deployments, and community wildfire education.
• Follow safety directives and work as a cohesive team.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Calm under pressure

Feedback acceptance

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

FFT2

Red Card

IC-200

IS-700

IS-800

BLS Provider

Job description

Full-Time | $60,000–$70,000 annually | Overtime available on deployments

Do Work That Matters

Wildland firefighting takes more than physical strength. It takes courage, teamwork, good judgment, and a commitment to looking out for the people beside you. Nederland Fire Protection District is looking for a Wildland Firefighter I who is ready to work hard, learn, grow, and serve our community when it matters most.

As a Wildland Firefighter I, you’ll work as part of a highly trained team responding to wildfires, wildland-urban interface incidents, prescribed fires, and mitigation projects. You’ll help protect lives, property, and natural resources while building your skills through training, deployments, and real-world experience.

What You’ll Do

You’ll fight fire, construct and improve fireline, support structure protection, operate wildland tools and equipment, assist with engine operations, and help prepare for and respond to emergency incidents. You’ll also take part in fuels reduction, defensible-space projects, prescribed fire, physical conditioning, training, equipment readiness, and community wildfire education.

This is a team environment where safety comes first. We’re looking for people who communicate clearly, follow direction, stay calm under pressure, accept feedback, and take pride in supporting their crew and community.

What You’ll Need

Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, current NWCG Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) and Red Card qualifications, IC-200, IS-700, and IS-800, and current BLS Provider certification.

Preferred qualifications include FFT1, Faller 3, Colorado Firefighter 1, Colorado EMT, and experience with wildland fire, engine operations, prescribed fire, fuels mitigation, forestry, chainsaw use, WUI operations, or interagency deployments.

Ready for the Challenge?

This work is physically and mentally demanding. You may work in rugged terrain, extreme weather, smoke, heat, cold, and remote environments, with extended travel and multi-day deployments possible. You must be able to meet the NWCG arduous-duty fitness standard and District physical requirements.

If you’re looking for a career where your work has a purpose, your crew has your back, and every day brings a new challenge, we want to hear from you.