become a firefighter
The Path Begins Here
ready to defend our forests & fight fires?
Start your career on the front lines of wildfire response with our step-by-step guide to becoming a certified Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2). Learn what it takes to join a crew, protect natural resources, and make a real impact in the field.
Protect communities
Ensuring the safety of homes and families from wildfire threats.
Preserve Nature
Safeguarding forests, wildlife, and natural ecosystems for future generations.
Sense of purpose
Contributing to a vital cause that promotes safety, conservation, and community well-being.
make a tangible difference
Make a meaningful contribution to public safety and environmental conservation.
Available Positions
● Firefighter II
● Firefighter I
● Engine Boss
● Water Tender Operator
Available Positions
Employment Opportunities
« Click each position for detailed description and requirements
RedRidge Fire Company | Wildland Firefighters Based in La Grande, Oregon
Wildfires don’t wait — and neither do we. RedRidge Fire Company is on the front lines, protecting forests, communities, and critical infrastructure across U.S. From the Northwest’s rugged terrain to fire zones nationwide, our crews are ready.
Join the RedRidge Crew We’re not just building a team — we’re building a legacy. We’re looking for those who aren’t afraid to push boundaries, who thrive under pressure, and who never back down from a challenge. If you’ve got the heart, the hustle, and the grit, we’ve got a place for you on the front line. The future isn’t waiting, and neither should you.
● Firefighter II
Competitive Pay Rate!
Requirements:
- Must be 18 years old by hire start date
- Extensive travel
- Ready to learn new skills
- Team player with a positive attitude
- Pass physical fitness test
- Necessary Certifications posted below
Job Duties:
- Contain, control and suppress wildland fire
- Rapid on-call deployment preparedness for wildfire and emergency incidents
- Utilize hand tools and equipment, such as pulaski, shovel, hazel hoe, axe, and chainsaw
- Perform basic fireline activities including line construction, moving dirt, hose layout, cut, scatter, and removal of fuels using hand tools
- Coordinate as an organized crew during wildfires and prescribed burns holding the line, patrolling, monitoring fire behavior, and performing mop-up operations
- Operate outdoors in remote and rugged conditions with extended travel and overnight camping
- Abide by all safety standards to mitigate risk while on assignment
Necessary Certifications:
- S-130 – Basic Firefighter II (FFT-2)
- S-190 – Basic Firefighter II (FFT-2)
- I-100 – Introduction to ICS
- L-180 – Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
- IS-700a – NIMS Introduction
- RT-130 – Annual Fireline Safety Refresher
● Firefighter I
Competitive Pay Rate!
Requirements:
- Must be 18 years old by hire start date
- Extensive travel
- Ready to learn new skills
- Team player with a positive attitude
- Pass physical fitness test
- Necessary Certifications posted below
Job Duties:
- Contain, control and suppress wildland fire
- Rapid on-call deployment preparedness for wildfire and emergency incidents
- Utilize hand tools and equipment, such as pulaski, shovel, hazel hoe, axe, and chainsaw
- Perform basic fireline activities including line construction, moving dirt, hose layout, cut, scatter, and removal of fuels using hand tools
- Coordinate as an organized crew during wildfires and prescribed burns holding the line, patrolling, monitoring fire behavior, and performing mop-up operations
- Operate outdoors in remote and rugged conditions with extended travel and overnight camping
- Abide by all safety standards to mitigate risk while on assignment
Necessary Certifications:
- S-131 – Advanced Firefighter (FFT-1)
- S-133 – Look Up, Look Down, Look Around
- S-130 – Basic Firefighter II (FFT-2)
- S-190 – Basic Firefighter II (FFT-2)
- I-100 – Introduction to ICS
- L-180 – Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
- IS-700a – NIMS Introduction
- RT-130 – Annual Fireline Safety Refresher
- Completed Position Task Book
● Engine Boss
Competitive Pay Rate!
Requirements:
- Minimum 5 years of experience
- Extensive travel
- Team player with a positive attitude
- Pass physical fitness test
- Necessary Certifications posted below
Job Duties:
- Leads a single fire engine and attached personnel
- Responsible for personnel safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents
- Supervises assigned engine & personnel and reports to a Strike Team or Task Force Leader (or other assigned supervisor)
Necessary Certifications:
- S-230 – Engine Boss (ENGB)
- S-290 – Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
- ICS-200 – ICS for Initial Attack Incidents
- S-131 – Advanced Firefighter (FFT-1)
- S-133 – Look Up, Look Down, Look Around
- S-130 – Basic Firefighter II (FFT-2)
- S-190 – Basic Firefighter II (FFT-2)
- I-100 – Introduction to ICS
- L-180 – Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
- IS-700a – NIMS Introduction
- RT-130 – Annual Fireline Safety Refresher
- Completed Position Task Book
● Water Tender Operator
Competitive Pay Rate!
Requirements:
- Team player with a positive attitude
- No physical fitness test required
- Necessary Certifications posted below
Job Duties:
- Maintain and operate the water tender during your assigned shifts
- Support firefighters by providing water as needed
- Take direction from Equipment Manager within base camp when on assigned incident
- Operate outdoors in remote and rugged conditions with extended travel
- Abide by all safety standards to mitigate risk while on assignment
Necessary Certifications:
- RT-130 – Annual Fireline Safety Refresher
- Valid Driver’s License
- Class A/B CDL with Tank Endorsement
As per federal guidelines, current law prohibits interstate trucking (driving across state lines) to anyone under the age of 21.
Start your career on the front lines of wildfire response with our step-by-step guide to becoming a certified Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2). Learn what it takes to join a crew, protect natural resources, and make a real impact in the field.
This framework offers a structured approach to achieving your goal of becomming a wildland firefighter
Beginning a career in wildland firefighting involves understanding the qualifications and training necessary, as well as demonstrating commitment and readiness for the challenges of the role. Success in this field depends on a combination of proper preparation, continuous learning, and a dedication to public service.
Be at least 18 years old
Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
Pass a background check (required for federal jobs)
You’ll need to complete the following NWCG-certified courses:
S-130: Firefighter Training
S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-700: NIMS: An Introduction
These courses are often offered online (especially ICS-100 and IS-700 through FEMA) or through local fire agencies, community colleges, private contractors, or federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management.
To qualify for FFT2, you must pass the Arduous Pack Test:
Hike 3 miles in 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
This test evaluates your endurance and is required annually.
Once you’re trained and fit, you can apply through:
USAJOBS.gov (for federal agencies like USFS, BLM, NPS)
State forestry departments
Local fire departments
Private wildfire contractors
After completing training and passing your fitness test, you’ll be issued a Red Card (Incident Qualification Card), allowing you to be assigned to wildfire incidents.