Thank you for saying I could put what I consider "personal experience " on a "professional resume". I've been camping with my family since I was young, and was always happily in charge of The Fire. I hadn't considered putting that on my fire resume, but it's relevant experience and knowledge.
Of course! I'd word it something like, "Proficient in fire ignition techniques acquired through practical experience gained during numerous camping trips in various environmental conditions. Demonstrated ability to safely and effectively build and manage controlled campfires, emphasizing fire safety protocols and Leave No Trace principles." Hopefully that helps!
I'm glad it's been a good resource for you! The whole intent of this channel is to make helpful videos for you guys. If you have questions or video suggestions, let me know!
I have been seriously considering this. I graduated with a degree in computer science and I'm really struggling to find a job right now. If nothing comes up in the next few months I think I will actually sign up to become a firefighter for at least a season or two.
I'm using my GI bill to get a Forestry degree and become a park ranger. I plan to get a wildland firefighting job part time during school and full time during summer break. That way I have my foot in the door with the park system.
What certifications do you need to even be considered? I'm looking at joining cal fire or becoming a wildland firefighter and I have zero college, zero experience in this field and the way they list these things online makes no sense, cal fire says all you need is to be over 18 and have a license then I called a station and I was told I should take an emt course first
What would really get you in the door of our wildland fire fighting operation is having S130-S190 and your B class commercial drivers license. That will put your head of your fellow candidates.
Nice! It's good to know that somebody actually did it. What advice do you have for someone who is looking to go that route ? I have quite a few people reach out saying they want to do hot shots their first season.
@@wildlandfirefit Make your contacts and make your name known! I knew which crew I wanted and went all in. I visited with the crew, hiked their hill in the off season and called in with my times every week (I ended up filling their answering machine with voice messages since everybody was off). You have to be persistent and a little bit pushy. They have so many applicants that you just have to make yourself stand out above the rest. They’d rather take somebody with heart and who really wants it than somebody who thinks they deserve it.
@@tommyregister how did you know which crew you wanted to join? trying to go that route. just applied to almost every location available since deadlines right now. been scraping web for rumours and intermittent or old fb or insta posts from shot crews.... also, how did your first year go?
@@Mortalbicycler the town I am from has 3 shot crews in it. Luckily I knew some people who were on the crew and I hiked/ran their hikes and runs on my own time. I would call every week and tell them my hike times and luckily got the job. As far as my first year, it was rough, not going to lie. The physical aspect was hard but came down to mind over matter. The crew life and cutting line is a beast of its own. But once I adjusted and got my feet under me, it was the best job I’ve ever had.
Volunteer with S130/S190 here.. and I can light engineer our departments apparatus. Based on this, what’s the next most useful wildland qualification to go for? No plans to be on dispatch, just responding in my local area within minutes of the fire being reported
I’m a Michigan resident but I want to become a wildlands firefighter. I’ve been researching for months. Willing to move if the opportunity presented itself. Been driving semis for 10 years and I’m looking for help of how to get my foot in the door. I know my goal is to be on truck after a year or 2 experience. What route would you advise to get started?
Hey Tivon, I'd recommend looking at getting on a handcrew or an engine crew for your first few seasons. There are two routes you can go- federal hire or contracting. You can then apply for either a temporary position (most common) which means you'll be working May-August (typically) then you can drive truck in the winter. Or a permanent position (a little bit harder to get if you don't have some previous experience, but does happen occasionally). Hopefully that helps! If anyone has anything else to add--- feel free!
Hey I have a couple of questions! I’m trying to become this for the rest of my life, and I really want to know what classes I need to take, do I need to go to a local college to do that? And so I need to go through the whole fire academy process? Thank you !
You do not. You don't have to have any prior experience to get hired on. Once you get hired they train you and have you go through a fire academy. That is for the federal side, I'd have to double check about the contracting side.
So I live in San Antonio Texas and being in the middle of other states . I feel that it’s harder but in reality after looking there is job openings two states away from me. My concerns is being young in my 20s wanting to get my feet dirty and get a feel of it. Since I live here in SA and if in theory I got the job, do they provide shelters or a place to sleep like a barracks and I know it can be for a season. So like would my duration of a season be stationed there or would I be looking at flying back and forth from my home town to work in another state. Any help would be appreciated thank you
@@kylejanof5165 you can apply, you'll just have to figure out some logistics ahead of time. I say that because they are a contracting company, so they may not have a place for you to stay. Whereas if you were applying for a federal crew, they more than likely have a bed at the station that you can rent for the summer. I would definitely try to contact someone from the company to get your questions answered. If for some reason you can't find a contact for them, I would jump in the wildland firefighting group on Facebook and make a post in there and I'm sure someone would have more information
@@kylejanof5165 if you looking for full time job. I'd look at state blm or forest service. If we have a late season like last year this year 22, you can sit with no work untill late July Or August. Maybe a few fuels projects but that could be hit or miss. Plus as the host said. No room and board. Idaho Dept of lands, MT DNRC hires new FF2 with no fire exp. Missoula and CDA IDaho have good units. You will be working 8 hour days x 5 day week till season start going then longer days and assignments as new starts emerge and fires go beyond intial attack.
If the feds would pay more maybe so many people wouldn't drop out.......my cousin made more than me sweeping floors at USPS and I was a captain in Stanislaus National Forest. Loved the job but meezly pay and a crumbling station were embarrassing and nothing to be proud of. Especially in California where we're expected to pay 1800 dollars rent for a shanty.
I’d like to be a wild land firefighter basically in any position but I cannot seem to find any entry level positions. Every position on ever job site I’ve ever come across all say a requirement is prior experience. I must be looking in the wrong places, or maybe I’m dumb idk lol. Can anyone help point me in the right direction?
Do you have any advise for someone who is trying to get back into fire? I worked a couple seasons about 7 years ago and really want to get back into it. Mainly wondering would that experience still be valid as old as it is?
So I live in Indiana and I would love to be wildland fire fighting out west, but what do I do about living? Do I have to get a house out there or do they have places at fire camps I can live
I am trying to apply through usajobs but the positions I find require experience and I don’t have any. I’m passionate about trying out wildland firefighting but every application process is confusing/discouraging
If you don't have any experience, make sure you are applying to GS3 positions. Keep in mind that some jobs haven't been posted yet. They should be posted the end of December to January time frame.
@@wildlandfirefitwait so my dream to become a wildland firefighter hasn’t ended?? 😁 I was looking at applications around 2-3 weeks ago and many would require experience so I didn’t even bother applying.
I think you’re providing great info that is definitely relevant for hiring today. Too many don’t know where to go. Appreciate what you’re doing
Thanks, I really appreciate it!
Thank you for saying I could put what I consider "personal experience " on a "professional resume".
I've been camping with my family since I was young, and was always happily in charge of The Fire. I hadn't considered putting that on my fire resume, but it's relevant experience and knowledge.
Of course! I'd word it something like, "Proficient in fire ignition techniques acquired through practical experience gained during numerous camping trips in various environmental conditions. Demonstrated ability to safely and effectively build and manage controlled campfires, emphasizing fire safety protocols and Leave No Trace principles."
Hopefully that helps!
@@wildlandfirefit lmfao
Just passed my pack test ready to get after it bia in Oklahoma
Woo hoo!!!! Congrats!!
I just found your channel, and these videos could not be more helpful!
I'm glad it's been a good resource for you! The whole intent of this channel is to make helpful videos for you guys. If you have questions or video suggestions, let me know!
I have been seriously considering this. I graduated with a degree in computer science and I'm really struggling to find a job right now. If nothing comes up in the next few months I think I will actually sign up to become a firefighter for at least a season or two.
Update?🙏🏽
I'm using my GI bill to get a Forestry degree and become a park ranger. I plan to get a wildland firefighting job part time during school and full time during summer break. That way I have my foot in the door with the park system.
I plan on doing this when I finish high school. I CAN'T FRICKEN WAIT lol
Awesome!!
live in minnesota, heavily considering getting into this after working at a liquor store for a while
Both jobs go hand in hand. You'll see
What certifications do you need to even be considered? I'm looking at joining cal fire or becoming a wildland firefighter and I have zero college, zero experience in this field and the way they list these things online makes no sense, cal fire says all you need is to be over 18 and have a license then I called a station and I was told I should take an emt course first
On my way to being a wildland firefighter forestry aid technician first year and with the bureau of Land Management.
That's awesome! Congratulations!!
I will be at the Hammett gard station in Hammett Idaho.
@@Deputy_Reidhaar I love that! I may be a little biased since I'm from Idaho, but I think it's the greatest!
@@wildlandfirefit yeah I am living in buhl so it's about a 56 minute drive.
@@wildlandfirefit also I just DM you on Instagram because I really need a couple questions answered.
What would really get you in the door of our wildland fire fighting operation is having S130-S190 and your B class commercial drivers license. That will put your head of your fellow candidates.
I was able to get on with a shot crew my first season. It’s hard but possible (especially these days).
Nice! It's good to know that somebody actually did it. What advice do you have for someone who is looking to go that route ? I have quite a few people reach out saying they want to do hot shots their first season.
@@wildlandfirefit Make your contacts and make your name known! I knew which crew I wanted and went all in. I visited with the crew, hiked their hill in the off season and called in with my times every week (I ended up filling their answering machine with voice messages since everybody was off). You have to be persistent and a little bit pushy. They have so many applicants that you just have to make yourself stand out above the rest. They’d rather take somebody with heart and who really wants it than somebody who thinks they deserve it.
@@tommyregister how did you know which crew you wanted to join? trying to go that route. just applied to almost every location available since deadlines right now. been scraping web for rumours and intermittent or old fb or insta posts from shot crews....
also, how did your first year go?
@@Mortalbicycler the town I am from has 3 shot crews in it. Luckily I knew some people who were on the crew and I hiked/ran their hikes and runs on my own time. I would call every week and tell them my hike times and luckily got the job. As far as my first year, it was rough, not going to lie. The physical aspect was hard but came down to mind over matter. The crew life and cutting line is a beast of its own. But once I adjusted and got my feet under me, it was the best job I’ve ever had.
@@tommyregister thanks for the info!
Volunteer with S130/S190 here.. and I can light engineer our departments apparatus. Based on this, what’s the next most useful wildland qualification to go for? No plans to be on dispatch, just responding in my local area within minutes of the fire being reported
Could you do an interview with a Helitack Crewmember or put out a video in this specifically?
The link for the guide doesn't appear to be working. Is there an alternative link?
“They know we’re entry level 😅I hope they “ I was worried thank you
Hello your Free guide link doesnt seem to work?
I’m a Michigan resident but I want to become a wildlands firefighter. I’ve been researching for months. Willing to move if the opportunity presented itself. Been driving semis for 10 years and I’m looking for help of how to get my foot in the door. I know my goal is to be on truck after a year or 2 experience. What route would you advise to get started?
Hey Tivon, I'd recommend looking at getting on a handcrew or an engine crew for your first few seasons. There are two routes you can go- federal hire or contracting. You can then apply for either a temporary position (most common) which means you'll be working May-August (typically) then you can drive truck in the winter. Or a permanent position (a little bit harder to get if you don't have some previous experience, but does happen occasionally).
Hopefully that helps!
If anyone has anything else to add--- feel free!
Thank you for the information! How do we get the links to work?
No problem, I shut down my website a few months ago but I am looking to bring it back soon.
Thank you
Hey I have a couple of questions! I’m trying to become this for the rest of my life, and I really want to know what classes I need to take, do I need to go to a local college to do that? And so I need to go through the whole fire academy process? Thank you !
You do not. You don't have to have any prior experience to get hired on. Once you get hired they train you and have you go through a fire academy. That is for the federal side, I'd have to double check about the contracting side.
@@wildlandfirefit I have another question, how do I schedule my Ardous pack test? I’m having trouble finding a place to schedule it
@@raid6725You might be able to schedule it at your local fire station. Ask them, and they will guide you into your career path.
So I live in San Antonio Texas and being in the middle of other states . I feel that it’s harder but in reality after looking there is job openings two states away from me. My concerns is being young in my 20s wanting to get my feet dirty and get a feel of it. Since I live here in SA and if in theory I got the job, do they provide shelters or a place to sleep like a barracks and I know it can be for a season. So like would my duration of a season be stationed there or would I be looking at flying back and forth from my home town to work in another state. Any help would be appreciated thank you
Hi Ronni. I have a question. Have you ever heard of this wildland firefighting crew called Dust Busters LLC based out of Oregon?
Hey kyle, I have heard of them. I don't know too much about them, but what information are you looking for?
I live in New Jersey. How would someone who is from another state be able to work with this wildland firefighting crew?
@@kylejanof5165 you can apply, you'll just have to figure out some logistics ahead of time. I say that because they are a contracting company, so they may not have a place for you to stay. Whereas if you were applying for a federal crew, they more than likely have a bed at the station that you can rent for the summer.
I would definitely try to contact someone from the company to get your questions answered.
If for some reason you can't find a contact for them, I would jump in the wildland firefighting group on Facebook and make a post in there and I'm sure someone would have more information
@@kylejanof5165 if you looking for full time job. I'd look at state blm or forest service. If we have a late season like last year this year 22, you can sit with no work untill late July Or August. Maybe a few fuels projects but that could be hit or miss. Plus as the host said. No room and board. Idaho Dept of lands, MT DNRC hires new FF2 with no fire exp. Missoula and CDA IDaho have good units. You will be working 8 hour days x 5 day week till season start going then longer days and assignments as new starts emerge and fires go beyond intial attack.
@@justinkennedy1745 how do I apply for the wildland fire department in Idaho?
If the feds would pay more maybe so many people wouldn't drop out.......my cousin made more than me sweeping floors at USPS and I was a captain in Stanislaus National Forest. Loved the job but meezly pay and a crumbling station were embarrassing and nothing to be proud of. Especially in California where we're expected to pay 1800 dollars rent for a shanty.
Wait so actually applying is all i have to do if i want to do it this summer? I thought i had to complete all the courses first
would having your emt certification help?
You have inspired me. I truly thank you
I’d like to be a wild land firefighter basically in any position but I cannot seem to find any entry level positions. Every position on ever job site I’ve ever come across all say a requirement is prior experience. I must be looking in the wrong places, or maybe I’m dumb idk lol. Can anyone help point me in the right direction?
Negative, that page doesn’t exist…
Can I be a felon from another state and still join? Although I am volunteering firefighting at the moment
Do you have any advise for someone who is trying to get back into fire? I worked a couple seasons about 7 years ago and really want to get back into it. Mainly wondering would that experience still be valid as old as it is?
Hey, I would still put the experience on my resume but I believe certs expire after 5 years so you'll definitely have to recert on everything
I,m fire fighter ❤
Hello I am currently 17 almost 18 is there any chance that I can be a wildland firefighter in California in California by 18
Can you be a felon from another state and apply?
So I live in Indiana and I would love to be wildland fire fighting out west, but what do I do about living? Do I have to get a house out there or do they have places at fire camps I can live
Hey there! I made a video on this awhile back. Check it out and let me know if you have any more questions.
th-cam.com/video/T9C4j2vne5o/w-d-xo.html
@@wildlandfirefit thank you!!
@@bilbobaggins6931 no problem!
Hi, do you think its possible for a firefighter from Europe/Germany to become a Wildland FF in US or Canada?
You have to be a US citizen to work for the federal government in the US as a wild land firefighrer
link is broken :(
Ya, I took the website down a few months ago but I am considering bringing it back if I get enough interest
Discuss criminal background hisotry for those who have them
I am trying to apply through usajobs but the positions I find require experience and I don’t have any. I’m passionate about trying out wildland firefighting but every application process is confusing/discouraging
If you don't have any experience, make sure you are applying to GS3 positions. Keep in mind that some jobs haven't been posted yet. They should be posted the end of December to January time frame.
@@wildlandfirefit thank u!
@@wildlandfirefitwait so my dream to become a wildland firefighter hasn’t ended?? 😁 I was looking at applications around 2-3 weeks ago and many would require experience so I didn’t even bother applying.
Hi, I’m 29 do you think I’m too old to try to get into this?
No just have good stamina my instructor was like 50
What's the oldest person you seen apply for the job
That is a GREAT tip!!!
Is age a factor? I'm 34 years old. I'm just curious.
34 is a mans prime of being a man. I'm 29, and im in the best shape. I've ever been in
Is there an age limit ?
No how old are you
I just got hired by a BLM veterans crew!
Congratulations!!! 🎉🎉
Have you ever heard of dust brothers are they a good company ?
I have, however I don't know a lot about them. The people that I have met said good things about them.
Can you be a felon from another state and apply?