USDA Forest Service Hiring Temporary Firefighters for Prescott National Forest in 2025

USDA Forest Service Seeks Temporary Firefighters for 2025 Wildfire Season in Prescott National Forest

As wildfires continue to pose environmental and economic challenges across the United States, the USDA Forest Service began recruiting temporary firefighters for the Prescott National Forest in Arizona ahead of the 2025 fire season. In late October 2024, the Southwestern Region said it was hiring hundreds of temporary fire positions across Arizona and New Mexico.

The Growing Need for Firefighters

Data from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) shows how large the challenge is. In 2021 alone, more than 7.1 million acres burned across the U.S., destroying homes and wildlife habitat. In the 2025 season that these crews were hired for, NIFC counted 77,850 wildfires that burned about 5.1 million acres.

The Prescott National Forest, known for its varied landscapes and recreational offerings, is vulnerable to these wildfires. It covers about 1.25 million acres of north-central Arizona, which presents both unique beauty and significant risk during dry seasons.

Immediate Job Opportunities

The 2025 hiring push at Prescott National Forest covered several kinds of fire jobs: wildland firefighters on engine, hotshot or hand crews and helitack crews, fire lookouts, air tanker base technicians, and fire cache support (packers). Duty locations included Camp Verde and Crown King. Candidates are trained in emergency response, including fire suppression strategies and the use of firefighting equipment.

The temporary firefighters often work in teams and are responsible for several tasks, such as:

• Performing initial fire suppression efforts
• Clearing brush and debris
• Setting control lines
• Assisting with evacuation efforts when necessary

Pay depends on the grade and duty station of each position, so check the salary range listed on the individual USAJOBS posting before you apply. Many people who start in a temporary fire role go on to longer-term jobs with the Forest Service or other conservation organizations.

Expanding Career Trajectory in Forestry

The position can serve as a gateway into a variety of career paths. The Forest Service offers roles in many disciplines, from research and education to conservation and protection.

Firefighting jobs overall are growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects firefighter employment to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 26,800 openings each year. The median annual wage for firefighters was $59,280 in May 2025. BLS also notes that work for wildland firefighters may be seasonal.

Moreover, as technological innovations improve, such as the use of drones and GIS mapping for fire prevention strategies, those entering the field now will have opportunities to learn the latest technology impacting wildfire response efforts.

How to Apply

Prospective candidates interested in applying for a temporary firefighter position with the USDA Forest Service for the Prescott National Forest can visit the official Forest Service Job Site for detailed information on job requirements and application procedures. Candidates are encouraged to prepare for physical fitness evaluations as part of the selection process.

As the need for effective wildfire management strategies becomes ever more crucial, the USDA Forest Service is not only looking for temporary firefighters; it is also cultivating the dedicated workforce necessary to confront the growing challenge of wildfires across America.

This recruitment initiative is a timely opportunity for individuals passionate about protecting natural resources while pursuing a meaningful career within the Forest Service. With job training, community involvement, and a direct influence on preservation, those hired will have the chance to shape the future of forestry and conservation in the United States.

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