Job Details

Seasonal Wildfire Jobs - Southwest (Boise)

Join the Idaho Department of Lands team to respond to wildland fires and assist in fire suppression efforts! In partnership with others, IDL safeguards 6.3 million acres and responds to hundreds of fires annually. In 2024 alone, IDL tackled over 340 fires, covering more than 65,000 acres. Numerous openings are available! Positions last 3 to 8 months, starting as early as April 2026 and ending as late as November 2026, depending on the role and state needs.

Physical Requirements:

• The duties of these positions require that the applicant meet prescribed physical requirements as measured by the Work Capacity Fitness Test at the arduous level.
• To meet the arduous level the incumbent must be able to walk 3 miles within 45 minutes while carrying 45 pounds.
• Failure to meet the required physical qualifications will disqualify you for employment.

Firefighter II Pay: Starting rate is $16.39 per hour, depending on experience.

Example of Job Duties:

• Perform and assist in wildland fire suppression operations and hazard management projects.
• Operate and maintain firefighting equipment, construct Fireline, and assist with ignition operations.
• May be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire, and burnout operations; utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires.
• May perform other duties as assigned including forestry management activities.
• May be required to operate light vehicles, chain saws, portable pumps, and ATV/UTVs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• No previous wildland fire suppression experience required.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Must be able to learn how to use a radio, use resource management equipment, and read maps.
• Must be capable of successfully completing training as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) FFT2.
• Must be able to perform strenuous and arduous work outside for up to 16 hours per day.
• Must be willing to work in isolated locations for 1421 days at a time (required in some locations).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Firefighter I Pay: Starting rate is $18.57 per hour, depending on experience.

Example of Job Duties:

• Perform and assist in wildland fire suppression operations and hazard management projects.
• Operate and maintain firefighting equipment, construct Fireline, and assist with ignition operations.
• May be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire, and burnout operations; utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires.
• May assist in preparation of timber sales and forest management projects by using some knowledge of forest measurement technology, dendrology, pathology, and entomology.
• May perform other duties as assigned.
• May be required to operate light vehicles, chain saws, portable pumps, and ATV/UTVs.
• May supervise up to five Firefighter II's and assist with training.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Have a minimum of two seasons as a Firefighter II or equivalent experience AND National WildFire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualified as a FFTI and/or ICT5.
• Must be able to use a radio, use resource management equipment, and read maps.
• Some knowledge of computer processing and use, GIS/GPS interface, and data recording.
• Must be able to perform strenuous and arduous work outside for up to 16 hours per day.
• Must be willing to work in isolated locations for 1421 days at a time (required in some locations).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Resource Boss Pay: Starting rate is $19.66 per hour, depending on experience.

Example of Job Duties:

• Will supervise and train Firefighter I and Firefighter II personnel in preparation for wildland fire suppression/presuppression, timber management, and hazard management projects.
• Coordinate activities, monitor, and evaluate the performance of Firefighters.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records while performing the supervisory role.
• Assists in all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation.
• Along with supervision, could assist in training personnel in all fire skills including engine operation.
• Those with ICT4 Red Card Qualifications may act in the capacity of the Incident Commander for Type 4 fires.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of two (2) seasons of previous experience in a resource-related field OR one (1) season of previous experience and two (2) years of college education in a resource-related field OR equivalent experience.
• National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS) qualified in one or more Single Resource Boss positions and/or ICT4 or greater.
• Ability to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to use a radio, use resource management equipment, and read maps.
• Some knowledge of computer processing and use, GIS/GPS interface, and data recording.
• Must be able to perform strenuous and arduous work outside for up to 16 hours per day.
• Must be willing to work in isolated locations for 1421 days at a time (required in some locations).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Helicopter Crewmember Example of Job Duties:

• Perform and assist in wildland fire suppression operations and hazard management projects.
• Assist the HMGB in wildland fire aviation operations to include preparing helicopter manifests, conducting passenger briefings and transport, preparing internal and or external cargo loads, directing water drops, constructing or preparing landing zones or helispots, following proper procedures for loading/unloading helicopter, marshaling helicopters, managing helispots and/or dipsites, and performing other tasks necessary to effectively suppress wildland fires from the air.
• Operate and maintain firefighting equipment, construct Fireline, and assist with ignition operations.
• May be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire, and burnout operations; utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires.
• May perform other duties as assigned including forestry management activities.
• May be required to operate light vehicles, chain saws, portable pumps, and ATV/UTVs.
• May supervise additional HECM's and assist with training.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be capable of successfully completing training to qualify as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) HECM(T).
• Must be able to use a radio, use resource management equipment, and read maps.
• Some knowledge of computer processing and use, GIS/GPS interface, and data recording.
• Must be able to perform strenuous and arduous work outside for up to 16 hours per day.
• Must be willing to work in isolated locations for 1421 days at a time (required in some locations).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

EEO/ADA/Veteran: The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with