How much money do smokejumpers make a year?
The salaries of Smoke Jumpers in the US range from $23,010 to $79,490 , with a median salary of $46,870 . The middle 60% of Smoke Jumpers makes $46,870, with the top 80% making $79,490.
Is it hard to become a smokejumper?
Candidates must be highly motivated individuals in top physical condition and capable of performing arduous duties. Any physical defect sufficient to impair efficiency or endanger fellow workers will disqualify the applicant.
What does it take to become a smoke jumper?
In addition to passing the physical training test, prospective smokejumpers must meet the following requirements: Age: Must be at least 18 years old. Height: Must be not more than 77 inches or less than 60 inches tall without shoes. Weight: Must weigh at least 120 pounds but no more than 210 pounds without clothes.
Do smokejumpers make good money?
A smokejumper earns around $16.00 per hour while a smokejumper foreman earns about $24.00 per hour. Smokejumpers are paid nothing extra for making parachute jumps; however, they do receive hazard pay equivalent to 25 percent of their base pay when working on an uncontrolled wildfire.
What is the difference between a smokejumper and a hotshot?
While Hotshots hike up to battle remote wildfires on foot, Smokejumpers parachute in. These elite wildland firefighters are most often deployed to battle wildfires in extremely remote areas, before the flames spread far enough to pose a threat.
How do you become a wildland firefighter?
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Must meet Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) qualifications.
- Position requires a Work Capacity Test (WCT)
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Are smokejumpers hotshots?
Hotshots and Smokejumpers are considered the two most highly skilled, trained, and experienced firefighting crews at the U.S. Forest Service's disposal. Becoming a Smokejumper, however, is a bit more competitive because, while there are about 2,000 Hotshots nationwide, there are only about 400 smokejumpers.
Where are smokejumpers trained?
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also has smokejumpers at two bases in Boise, Idaho and Fairbanks, Alaska. Smokejumpers travel all over the country, including Alaska, to provide highly-trained, experienced firefighters and leadership for quick initial attack on wildland fires in remote areas.
What states have smokejumpers?
The U.S. Forest Service has about 320 smokejumpers that work from seven bases located in following areas:
- Grangeville, Idaho.
- McCall, Idaho.
- Missoula, Montana.
- Redding, California.
- Redmond, Oregon.
- West Yellowstone, Montana.
- Winthrop, Washington.
How many smokejumpers are there in the United States?
Smokejumpers can get to remote fires safely and quickly, helping keep high-risk fires small. The United States has about 450 jumpers at nine smokejumper bases across the western U.S. (Conversely, Russia uses about 4,000 jumpers.)
What are elite firefighters called?
Hotshot crew In the United States, a hotshot crew, officially known as an interagency hotshot crew (IHC), is a handcrew of 20-22 wildland firefighters which responds to large, high-priority fires across the country and are assigned to work the most challenging parts of the fire.
Do wildland firefighters jump out of planes?
Some say you have to be crazy to jump out of an airplane into a forest fire, but smokejumpers can't wait for the next fire call. Smokejumping was first proposed in 1934 as a means to quickly provide initial attack on forest fires.
How do I become a hotshot?
The path to becoming a Hotshot can vary, but it typically includes experience as a Type-2 Firefighter on a Fire Engine Module, Type 2 Handcrew, Fire Use Module, or Helitack Crew with one of the Federal land management agencies (such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or National Park Service).
Is wildland firefighting a good career?
Wildland firefighters may be required to work long hours in challenging and changing conditions, such as high temperatures and steep terrain. A career in wildland fire has many rewards, including the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country and create friendships that last a lifetime.
Do smokejumpers go to airborne school?
Then-Major William C. Lee of the U.S. Army saw the smokejumpers training and adapted their methods into the Army's newly formed airborne school at Ft. Benning — and later into the 101st Airborne Division. There are countless hoops a firefighter must go through before becoming a smokejumper today.
Are Smokejumpers hotshots?
Hotshots and Smokejumpers are considered the two most highly skilled, trained, and experienced firefighting crews at the U.S. Forest Service's disposal. Becoming a Smokejumper, however, is a bit more competitive because, while there are about 2,000 Hotshots nationwide, there are only about 400 smokejumpers.
What do hotshots do in the off season?
During the off-season, wildland firefighters may still work full-time as firefighters. However, seasonal wildland firefighters work during the fire season and may collect unemployment, travel, work other jobs, or further their education during the off-season.
What is a Type 1 firefighter?
The Firefighter Type 1 leads a small group (usually not more than seven members) and is responsible for their safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The FFT1 supervises resources at the FFT2 level and reports to a Single Resource Crew Boss or other assigned supervisor.
What do hotshots do in the off-season?
During the off-season, wildland firefighters may still work full-time as firefighters. However, seasonal wildland firefighters work during the fire season and may collect unemployment, travel, work other jobs, or further their education during the off-season.
How do I join hotshots?
Become a Hotshot The application process for Federal Hotshot employment typically goes through USAJOBS.com, but direct contact with your chosen Hotshot Crew's leadership—by phone, email, and particularly in-person visit—is very beneficial, and often essential.
How long does it take to become a hotshot?
Selected applicants learn on the job by attending a two-month-long, 3,000-hour residential firefighting academy. They are paid for their time, and all training costs are covered by the agency.
What is a Type 2 fire crew?
The “Firefighter Type 2 (Crewmember)” forms the backbone of our efforts to manage or suppress wildland fire. These entry-level positions frequently work long days in hot, smoky conditions to build fire lines across rugged terrain with hand tools and chainsaws.
How long is a hotshot season?
But Hotshotting itself is much more than that. Hotshotting is work that becomes a way of life. Hotshotting is spending a hundred plus days on assignment over a six month fire season. Hotshotting is working 1000 hours of overtime on top of 40 hours/wk of base pay.
Do Hotshots jump out of planes?
Some say you have to be crazy to jump out of an airplane into a forest fire, but smokejumpers can't wait for the next fire call. Smokejumping was first proposed in 1934 as a means to quickly provide initial attack on forest fires.
What is a Type 1 fire crew?
The Firefighter Type 1 leads a small group (usually not more than seven members) and is responsible for their safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The FFT1 supervises resources at the FFT2 level and reports to a Single Resource Crew Boss or other assigned supervisor.
What is the difference between a smoke jumper and a hotshot?
Smokejumpers. While Hotshots hike up to battle remote wildfires on foot, Smokejumpers parachute in. These elite wildland firefighters are most often deployed to battle wildfires in extremely remote areas, before the flames spread far enough to pose a threat.
What is a hotshot fireman?
Hotshot Crews A hotshot crew consists of 20 specially-trained firefighters. They provide an organized, mobile, and skilled workforce for all phases of wildland fire management. Hotshot crews receive top-notch training, adhere to high physical standards, and have the ability to take on difficult assignments.
How many smokejumpers are in the US?
The United States has about 450 jumpers at nine smokejumper bases across the western U.S. (Conversely, Russia uses about 4,000 jumpers.)