Prescribed Fire
Prescribed fire careers focus on using planned, controlled burns to manage vegetation, restore ecosystems, reduce wildfire risk, and support Indigenous cultural practices. These jobs combine ecological understanding with technical fire operations and safety. Prescribed fire work involves pre-burn planning, burn execution, weather and smoke monitoring, and post-burn evaluations. Workers operate under strict regulatory and environmental standards and collaborate with fire agencies, landowners, tribal governments, and environmental NGOs.
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
Year-round planning and training
Active openings across the FireUp network
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Support burn operations; perform ignition and suppression under direct supervision.
Job Types & Titles
- Fire Crew Member
- Burn Crew Intern
- Burn Boss Trainee (FFT2)
- Ignition Assistant
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
HS Diploma / S-130, S-190, L-180
Certifications
FFT2, S-130, S-190, L-180
Experience
0-1 years
Position Responsibilities
Participate in fireline operations, hold lines, operate drip torches, conduct mop-up.
Job Types & Titles
- Prescribed Fire Technician
- Fireline Crew Lead
- RX Engine Operator
- Holding Boss
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
FFT2+, S-212, RX301
Certifications
FFT1, S-212, RX-301, drip torch certification
Experience
1-3 years
Position Responsibilities
Write burn plans, secure permits, lead burns, manage burn units, and train new crews.
Job Types & Titles
- Burn Boss Type 2 / Type 1
- Prescribed Fire Planner
- Air Quality Coordinator
- Ecologist / RX Specialist
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS/MS, CAL-TREX or equivalent, RX Certs
Certifications
RXB2/RXB1, Air Quality, NEPA
Experience
3-7 years
Position Responsibilities
Lead prescribed fire programs, oversee budgets and staffing, and coordinate with multi-agency partners.
Job Types & Titles
- RX Fire Program Manager
- Tribal Fire Director
- Land Stewardship Director
- State Prescribed Fire Coordinator
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS/MS, CAL-TREX or equivalent, RX Certs
Certifications
RXB1, Advanced NIMS/ICS, program management
Experience
7-10+ years
Who Hires Prescribed Fire Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
U.S. Forest Service
National Park Service
Bureau of Land Management
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
CAL FIRE
Florida Forest Service
The Nature Conservancy
Tall Timbers Research Station
Lomakatsi Restoration Project
Yurok Tribe Fire Department
Education & Certification
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Academic Programs
Professional Certifications
Words from the Field
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