EMS / Medical and Safety
Emergency Medical Services (EMS), safety, and occupational health professionals are vital to the fire and forestry workforce. These careers support the physical well-being, medical readiness, and safety of crews working in high-risk, remote, and physically demanding environments. Whether on a wildland fireline, fuels treatment crew, prescribed burn, or timber operation, these professionals provide medical care, develop safety plans, conduct risk assessments, and lead injury prevention. Some work embedded in fire crews as medics; others are part of safety and compliance teams across government, tribal, or private organizations. As fire seasons grow longer and the workforce expands, demand is increasing for culturally competent, trauma-informed, and wilderness-certified professionals who can operate in rugged terrain and high-stress situations.
Industry Insights
A high-level pulse check on talent demand, projected growth, compensation, and how work typically happens across this pathway.
Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
BLS job outlook (2024–2034)
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
Peak demand and work cadence
Active openings across the FireUp network
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Assist with basic first aid, PPE inventory, and crew safety briefings under supervision.
Job Types & Titles
- Safety Aide
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Assistant
- PPE Technician
- Crew Support Volunteer
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
HS diploma / Basic First Aid & CPR
Certifications
Basic First Aid, CPR, WFR
Experience
0 years
Position Responsibilities
Provide emergency medical care, conduct safety checks, and manage injury reporting
Job Types & Titles
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Wilderness EMT
- Wildland Fire Medic
- Safety Officer Trainee
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
EMT, WFR, OSHA-10, NWCG RT-130
Certifications
EMT-B, Wilderness EMT, OSHA-10
Experience
1-3 years
Position Responsibilities
Design and implement safety programs, deliver medical protocols, coordinate with agencies.
Job Types & Titles
- Safety Officer (SOF2, SOF1)
- Occupational Health Specialist
- Public Health & Wellness Coordinator
- Incident Medical Specialist (IMS)
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
AS/BS in EMS, Public Health, or Fire Science
Certifications
Paramedic, SOF1/SOF2, OSHA-30
Experience
3-7 years
Position Responsibilities
Oversee medical & safety operations, develop workforce wellness strategies, and lead training systems
Job Types & Titles
- Medical and Safety Program Manager
- Director of Workforce Safety
- Agency Safety Officer
- Health and Resilience Director
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS/MS, OSHA-30, ICS/NIMS, EMS Admin Certs
Certifications
Advanced medical certifications, program management
Experience
7-10+ years
Who Hires EMS / Medical and Safety Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
U.S. Forest Service
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
National Park Service
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
CAL FIRE
Oregon Department of Forestry
Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
State of Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection – Fire Medic Program
Adventure Medics
Remote Medical International
Air Methods
Education & Certification
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Academic Programs
Professional Certifications
Microcredentials & Specialized Training
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