How to Become a Wildland Firefighter
Do You Want to be a Wildland Firefighter?
If you have a passion for the outdoors, are willing to learn and be part of a team, then you should apply to be a wildland firefighter for the DNRC. Applications for seasonal wildland firefighting positions are now open at statecareers.mt.gov. Positions include firefighter, engine boss, helicopter crew member, aerial observer, fuel truck driver, initial attack dispatcher, and forest improvement technician. For more information on what it takes to be a wildland firefighter, click through the links below and APPLY ONLINE.
- At least 18 years of age at date of hire
- High School Diploma or GED or enrolled in HS or GED program (alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
- Valid driver's license
- Proof of Authorization to work in the United States
- Relatively clean criminal record
- Completion of Arduous Pack Test upon hire which requires you to carry a 45-pound pack the distance of 3 miles in not more than 45 minutes.
Application Phase
To apply for a seasonal wildland firefighter position with the DNRC, candidates must submit their applications online through the State of Montana website. To view open positions, visit statecareers.mt.gov, type "firefighter" in the "Keyword" box and click the search button. Applications are accepted each year beginning in January. Early applications are strongly recommended. Required application materials include a resume, an online application, and a cover letter that addresses specific questions related to outdoor experience, physical fitness, teamwork, and relevant skills. Applications will be reviewed on a continual basis starting in mid-February.
Hiring Phase
Interviews are typically held between mid-March through Mid-April. Interviews are conducted in person at the Unit (office) location. If successful in the interview, the candidate will be offered the position conditioned upon successfully passing the arduous pack test. This test is comprised of a 3-mile hike with 45-pound pack in 45 minutes which is typically completed the first or second week in May.
Training Phase
DNRC has developed a comprehensive training program that supports all fire management activities and delivers training courses to its own permanent and seasonal firefighting personnel. In addition to providing training, DNRC also maintains records of firefighters’ training, experience, qualifications, and certifications to help ensure that appropriately trained personnel are available to meet Montana’s wildfire management staffing needs.
In 2024, DNRC will host a statewide engine academy (location TBD). Additionally, each Unit will provide supplemental training and field days. Continued training will take place throughout the summer.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter?
All required training needed will be provided to successful candidates onces they are hired. Qualifications vary depending on whether you are coming in as a wildland firefighter 2 or 1, helitack crew member, initial attack dispatcher, engine boss, etc.
What should I write in my cover letter?
Your cover letter should focus on detailing relevant experiences, such as outdoor or physically demanding work, equipment use (such as chainsaws, axes or mechanical repair) and teamwork skills, and motivation for applying. One page is sufficient so long as you answer the questions listed in the job posting.
What is the salary for a firefighter?
The base pay varies by position:
The base pay varies by position:
- Wildland Firefighter/Helicopter Crewmember 2 – $17.55/hour
- Wildland Firefighter/Helicopter Crewmember 1 - $18.24/hour
- Engine Boss 2 - $18.90/hour
- Engine Boss 1 - $20.52/hour
In the 2023 Legislative Session, Montana legislators passed a bill to raise pay by $1.50 per hour which will take effect on July 1, 2024. This will increase the above firefighter pay range to $19.05 to $22.02.
What locations (units) provide FREE housing?
Helena Unit, Dillon Unit, Lincoln Unit, Olney Station, Clearwater Unit, Garrison Station, Boorman Station of Kalispell Unit, Stillwater Unit, Swan Unit and Libby Units all have bunkhouses on location that are free for seasonal employees on a first come, first served basis.
What kind of hours do firefighters work?
A typical workday will vary depending on the season and fire activity, scheduled training, project work, assignments, etc. Work will also vary based upon Units across the state.
Do firefighters receive overtime pay?
Yes. Employees receive overtime pay for hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek at one and one-half times their regular rate of pay.
When does the season begin and how long does a typical season last?
Employment is generally 3-4 months with work beginning as early as May and ending in early September with the potential to begin as early as April and run as late as October depending on fire activity.
How and where can I gain experience before the season begins?
Joining a volunteer fire department is a good way to gain experience if candidates are looking into getting into this field of work. Additionally, there is an opportunity to take some online training courses through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.
What type of gear do I need to purchase and what will the DNRC prove for me?
The DNRC will provide all the necessary personal protective equipment though each firefighter will be responsible for purchasing their own fire boots. Wildland firefighting personnel are required to wear boots that are at least 8 inches high from the heel to the top with a lace-up design and lug soles that are melt-resistant, adhering to specific requirements for durability and safety in rugged conditions.
Below are some links to some of the popular boots:
A Preparedness Guide for Wildland Firefighters and Their Families - National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Hiring Locations
Location: Missoula is the second largest city in Montana with a population of 74,822
About Us: Missoula Unit offers a high-tempo work environment and ample opportunity to work with our inter-agency partners on approximately 670,000 acres of direct protection, primarily in Missoula County. Missoula Unit works closely with multiple Local Government Fire Departments, two neighboring Ranger Districts, and adjacent DNRC Units. Missoula Unit is primarily an engine-based operation and Missoula Unit’s fire load is typically one of the highest in the State. Missoula Unit supports fire suppression efforts locally, statewide, and nationally as conditions allow; with the aim to provide individuals opportunity to get diverse experiences in different types of terrain and fuel types. Missoula Unit aims to create a strong team environment and aims to cultivate the next generation of wildland firefighters.
Recreational Opportunities: The convergence of the Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers offers ample opportunity for fishing and floating. There are also numerous trails in and around the city for hiking and mountain biking. Additionally, the city boasts a rich cultural scene with art galleries, music venues and annual festivals.
Hiring Contact: Ashleigh Burwick, aburwick@mt.gov
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Location: Kalispell is located in northwest Montana with a population of 26,110
About Us: Our Unit includes two duty stations, one in Kalispell, and one in Marion, 30 miles to the West of Kalispell. In Marion, Boorman Station has a bunkhouse for free housing if needed. Kalispell Unit’s Fire protection encompasses 700,000 acres and averages 90 fire responses per year. We actively work and train with other State Units, Federal Agencies, and Volunteer Fire Departments. We are available locally and nationally, as conditions allow, and aim to get our crews experiences in other states and fuel types. We are primarily an engine-based operation, however often we create 20-person hand crews out of our engine staffing with other units as the needs arise. We take pride in our training and physical fitness programs, and we aim to create career opportunities and strive to train you to be the next supervisor. We have also been successful extending firefighters’ seasons into the fall for those that are interested, assisting our Good Neighbor Authority projects, using our fire crews for thinning projects as late as November.
Recreational Opportunities: For outdoor enthusiasts, Kalispell is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes where you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and camping in the nearby Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest, Whitefish Mountain Resort and countless other natural wonders. The city also boasts several golf courses, perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely round in a picturesque setting.The downtown area is filled with unique shops, boutiques, craft breweries and dinning to satisfy every appetite. Don't forget to try the famous huckleberry treats, a local specialty that you won't want to miss! Aside from Kalispell, the Flathead Valley encompasses the resort towns of Big Fork and Whitefish which boast ample water sports, additional unique downtown experiences as well as countless music and art festivals throughout the year.
Columbia Falls is also only 20 minutes away and is the gateway to Glacier National Park and backcountry access for hunters and anglers wanting to find the less taken path.Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, or cultural experiences, this charming city has it all.
Hiring Contact: Jeremy Pris (406) 751-2269 jpris@mt.gov
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Location: Located between the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness to the south and the Purcell Mountains to the north, Libby, MT lies in the heart of the Kootenai Valley along the Kootenai River. In the northwest corner of Montana, Libby is 45 minutes from the Canadian border and Idaho. Population: 2,775
Housing: Free seasonal housing is available.
About Us: Libby Unit includes one fire duty station approximately 17 miles from the town of Libby, MT. The unit itself is nestled between the confluence of the Kootenai and Fisher Rivers and offers free bunkhouse accommodations for employment. The unit provides direct wildland fire suppression service to nearly 400,000 acres of protection on state, private, and federal lands. We primary staff 4 engine apparatus throughout the fire season, as well as provide staffing to the Kootenai Interagency Type 2 IA Crew. A typical length of employment is between the months of May and September, but extended employment from April-November is offered to those that are interested. The Libby Unit provides entry and advanced level training to all employees to include NWCG certified courses. A typical fire season can take firefighters all over Montana and the country chasing smoke.
Recreational Opportunities:The Libby area is an outdoor enthusiast's playground. With over 2 million acres of public lands for recreation, summer offers many opportunities. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails and many scenic places to camp with wildflowers and huckleberries nearby. High mountain lakes, miles of streams, and the Kootenai River known as “a blue-ribbon trout stream” offer some of the best fishing in Montana. If you enjoy the outdoors, without fighting the crowds, Libby is the place for you!
Hiring Contact: Logan Sandman (406) 283-3537 lsandman@mt.gov or Kelly May (406) 283-3532 Kelly.May@mt.gov
Libby Unit Firefighters on Initial Attack 2023 |
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Location: Plains is nestled along the banks of the mighty Clark Fork River, Montana’s second largest river. Plains is Sander’s county second largest town with a population of 1,500 people. Plains is home to many things including the Sanders County Fair, referred by many as he “Best Little Fair in Montana”.
Recreational Opportunities: The beautiful Lower Clark Fork River Valley has multiple recreational opportunities including world class hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking experiences. With access to multiple rivers, lakes, and mountain trails, Plains is an outdoor recreational enthusiast ideal destination. Escape the crowd and enjoy small town Montana living at its finest.
Hiring Contact: Ben Holland (406) 529-3585 bennett.holland@mt.gov
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About Our Unit: Swan Unit is located south of Big Fork, north of Seeley, a secluded historical unit in the Swan Valley. We work closely with local volunteer departments, the Forest Service and BIA to provide fire protection to our valley. Swan Unit is home to the Swan River State Forest, 42,000 acres of state owned public land. Our spacious forested compound is surrounded by dozens of mountain lakes that are easily accessible to our crew.
Duties:Swan Unit is dedicated to providing effective fire response to our unit, the rest of Montana, the US and Canada. We build our crew with an emphasis on safety, team cohesion and leadership growth. Our fire program leadership provides opportunities to those with years of experience, those with no previous experience and everything in between.
Amenities: We provide free housing to our seasonal staff: A bunkhouse with gender separated rooms and bathrooms. A kitchen, washing machine and dryer are available as well.
Hiring Contact: Ernie Nace, (406)754-2301 Enace@mt.gov
Visit at: 34925 Highway 83 Swan Lake, MT Mon-Fri 9-3
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Location: Olney, MT (17 Miles north of Whitefish, MT and 33 Miles south of Eureka, MT on Highway 93)
Housing: Free seasonal housing is available.
About Us: Our Stillwater Unit office is the oldest existing State Ranger Station in Montana’s history. First established in 1922, our field office was created to manage what would soon become Montana’s first state forest; the Stillwater State Forest (Est. 1925). Rich in history and surrounded by scenic mountain ranges, rivers, and forests, the Stillwater Unit provides a unique work environment and experience for all. The Stillwater’s fire protection consists of 142,000 acres of private, state, and federal lands along the west side of the Whitefish Mountain Range. We actively work and train with other State Units, Federal Agencies, and Volunteer Fire Departments. We are available locally and nationally, as conditions allow, and aim to get our crews experiences in other states and fuel types. We are primarily an engine-based operation, however often we create 20-person hand crews and support aviation operations out of our engine staffing with other units as the needs arise. We take pride in our training and physical fitness programs, and we aim to create career opportunities and strive to train you to be the next supervisor. We have also been successful in extending firefighters’ seasons into the fall for those who are interested, assisting our Trust Lands and Good Neighbor Authority projects by using our fire crews for prescribed fire and thinning projects as late as November.
Recreational Opportunities: For outdoor enthusiasts, Flathead County is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes where you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and camping in the nearby Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest, Whitefish Mountain Resort, and countless other natural wonders. The city also boasts several golf courses, perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely round in a picturesque setting. The downtown area is filled with unique shops, boutiques, craft breweries, and dining to satisfy every appetite. Don't forget to try the famous huckleberry treats, a local specialty that you won't want to miss! Aside from Kalispell, the Flathead Valley encompasses the resort towns of Big Fork and Whitefish which boast ample water sports, additional unique downtown experiences as well as countless music and art festivals throughout th year.
Columbia Falls is also only 25 minutes away and is the gateway to Glacier National Park and backcountry access for hunters and anglers wanting to find the less-taken path. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, or cultural experiences, this charming city has it all.
Columbia Falls is also only 25 minutes away and is the gateway to Glacier National Park and backcountry access for hunters and anglers wanting to find the less-taken path. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, or cultural experiences, this charming city has it all.
Hiring Contact: Lucas Kopitzke (406) 881-2664 lucas.kopitzke@mt.gov
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Location: Anaconda is located half an hour from Butte and about two hours from Missoula and Bozeman.
Housing: Free seasonal housing is available at our bunkhouse in Garrison.
Recreational Opportunities: The Anaconda Unit has ample outdoor recreational activities as we border the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness as well as Georgetown Lake. Anaconda is also home to the Old Works golf course which is one of the nicest in the state.
Hiring Contact: Jonathan Clark (406) 560-5634 jclark2@mt.gov
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Location: The Clearwater Unit is located right on the bank of the Blackfoot River just 30 miles east of Missoula (the second largest town in Montana).
Housing: Free Seasonal Housing is available.
Recreational Opportunities: With the bank of the Blackfoot River just 25 feet from the bunkhouse door, fishing, rafting, and hiking after work has never been more accessible. There are several rivers and many lakes in the immediate area, and many hiking trails. The Unit sits adjacent to the Bob Marshal Wilderness and is available for exploration on your days off. There are several small town rodeos in the area and lots of concerts throughout the summer all within 50 miles of the unit.
Hiring Contact: Bill Cyr, (406) 362-4999 bcyr@mt.gov
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Location: The Helena Unit is located in Montana's Capital City of Helena based out of the Central Land Office, in the Northernmost end of the Helena valley.
Housing: Free seasonal housing is available on a first come, first served basis. RV hookups are also available on the compound.
About Us: The Helena Unit is responsible for providing direct wildland fire protection for approximately 700,000 acres of private, state, and federal lands. We also work closely with our county cooperators within the five counties that make up the Helena Unit: Lewis & Clark, Meagher, Broadwater, Jefferson, and Cascade Counties. Comprised of 21 firefighters, staffing 7 engines, the Helena Unit traditionally has a heavy workload when it comes to fire response. We average around 65-75 fires a year, but it’s not uncommon to see 100 plus, on a busy year. Located on the Eastern edge of the continental divide, we also experience a broad range of fire activity and fire behavior due to the diverse change in fuels and topography within the Unit. We can respond to a high elevation fire in densely wooded forest areas, or lower elevation fast moving grass fires on any given day, making it a unique and desirable place to work. Due to the broad range of fire behavior, we put a lot of effort into our training and physical fitness leading into the core fire season months and continue to do so throughout the season.
Recreational Opportunities: We have several outdoor recreation and hiking opportunities nearby, and are within 30 minutes of Canyon Ferry, Holter, and Hauser Reservoirs, making it a fun place to explore in the evenings or on days off. Just over the North Hill lies the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness area, where the tragic 1949 Mann Gulch Fire occurred, and we try to provide our crew the opportunity to go tour the area and learn about the historic fire that happened in our back yard. There’s a lot more to enjoy, so if you have questions or are interested about our crew and the opportunities we offer, feel free to reach out, or stop by and introduce yourself anytime and we can answer any questions you might have
Hiring Managers:Jonathan Heslep, (406) 458-3512 jonathan.heslep@mt.gov
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Location: Dillon is a small, western town in Beaverhead County surrounded by snow-capped mountains with a population of roughly 4,000 people.
Housing: Free seasonal housing is available.
Recreational Opportunities: Dillon is situated in a valley where the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers converge. The area is renowned for its fishing opportunities, particularly at and Beaverhead Creek where you can catch blue-ribbon trout - a favorite for expert fly fishermen. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing at Red Rock Lakes Wildlife Refuge, scenic drives along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, and water sports at Clark Canyon Reservoir. The area is also rich in history, with attractions like the Beaverhead County Museum and well-preserved ghost towns such as Bannack State Park. Additionally, Dillon offers unique experiences like hot springs relaxation, and seasonal events like the Trail of Bales.
Hiring Contact: Ben Holland, (406) 925-7076 bennett.holland@mt.gov
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Location: Located on Highway 200 halfway between Great Falls and Missoula and just north of Helena, Lincoln sits at the headwaters of the Blackfoot River with a population of about 1500 people.
Housing: Free Seasonal Housing is available.
Recreational Opportunities: Lincoln is nestled in a small mountain valley next to the Continental Divide. It serves as a summer playground for the communities of Great Falls, Missoula, Helena, and Kalispell. Each week of the summer there is some special event for recreationalists and locals to enjoy, such as, rodeos, parades, softball tournaments, bike rallies, car shows, chainsaw art competition, mounted cowboy shooting, poker runs, music festivals, and much more. There are 5 trailheads leading into the Bob Marshal Wilderness in the Lincoln area, great for hiking and exploring. Lincoln is also home of a world class outdoor sculpture park Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild Park. The community has many shops and restaurants and most of the amenities of a larger town, but still maintains that small town feel.
Hiring Contact: Bill Cyr, (406) 362-4999 bcyr@mt.gov
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Location: The Kalispell Helitack base is located in Kalispell, Montana.
About Us: The Northwest Land Office of the DNRC is looking for an energetic and motivated individual to help us accomplish our missions, while also embracing our shared values of duty, integrity and respect. Come be a part of our team on this noble adventure! We are currently hiring one Helicopter Crewmember for the 2024 fire season. If you have previous fire experience, like to have fun and work hard, consider joining our crew!
Recreational Opportunities: For outdoor enthusiasts, Kalispell is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes where you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and camping in the nearby Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest, Whitefish Mountain Resort and countless other natural wonders. The city also boasts several golf courses, perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely round in a picturesque setting.The downtown area is filled with unique shops, boutiques, craft breweries and dinning to satisfy every appetite. Don't forget to try the famous huckleberry treats, a local specialty that you won't want to miss! Aside from Kalispell, the Flathead Valley encompasses the resort towns of Big Fork and Whitefish which boast ample water sports, additional unique downtown experiences as well as countless music and art festivals throughout the year.
Columbia Falls is also only 20 minutes away and is the gateway to Glacier National Park and backcountry access for hunters and anglers wanting to find the less taken path.Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, or cultural experiences, this charming city has it all.
Hiring Contact: Kevin Devine, (406) 212-5839 kdevine@mt.gov
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Location: The Last Chance Helitack base is located in Montana's Capital City of Helena. Population: 33,120.
Housing: Free seasonal housing available.
About Us: We staff two Initial Attack helicopters with suppression responsibilities within the Central Land Office and across the state. Our crews are motivated, physically fit firefighters who take pride in our teamwork and reputation. We focus on aggressive and safe initial attack as well as supporting our partners and cooperators with professional firefighters, overhead and logistics support, and aviation assets. With two aircraft and state-wide response, our fire load is typically very high. We also focus on sending crewmembers on engine and crew assignments, boosting other Helitack programs, and performing prescribed fire work in the fall.
Recreational Opportunities: Helena offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Missouri River, along with Canyon Ferry Lake and several smaller lakes, offer fishing, floating, and boating. Hiking, biking, and camping is abundant with the Continental Divide just west of town and the Big Belt Mountains and Elkhorn Mountains east and south of town. Being Montana’s Capital, Helena offers urban amenities as well. The weekly Farmer’s Market, craft breweries and distilleries, assorted restaurants and food trucks, the downtown walking mall, as well as events such and the Last Chance Stampede Rodeo and Fair, Symphony Under the Stars, The Helena Symphony, and Alive at 5 weekly live music offer something for everyone. Helena is also less than a two-hour drive from Bozeman, Missoula, and Great Falls.
Hiring Contact: Wade Hendricks, (406) 458-3522 wadehendricks@mt.gov
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Helicopter performing water bucket drops on fire |
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Location: Lewistown is located in the geographic center of the state of Montana, southeast of Great Falls and northwest of Billings with a population of about 6,000.
About Us: The Northeastern Land Office of the DNRC is currently hiring one Engine Boss for the 2024 fire season. If you have previous fire experience, like to have fun and work hard, consider applying today!
Recreational Opportunities: Lewistown is a small agriculture community in central Montana known for its outdoor, western lifestyle. There are amazing opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking and biking.
Hiring Contact: Don Pyrah, (406) 808-7085 dpyrah@mt.gov