How much do Smokejumpers make in Alaska?

Locality Pay for Smokejumpers For example, smokejumpers in Alaska receive a locality increase of 29.67 percent due to the high cost of living in the state. This increases the annual GS-5 step 1 pay to $39,048 a year, while the step 10 yearly salary goes to $50,765.

How do I become a smokejumper in Alaska?

Jumpers must pass a physical fitness test, review wildland fire tactics, demonstrate competence of jump procedures, and successfully perform at least five practice jumps. Rookie Smokejumper training is one of the most demanding courses in wildland fire.

How much do California Smokejumpers make?

How much does a Smoke Jumper make? The average Smoke Jumper in the US makes $48,192. Smoke Jumpers make the most in Los Angeles, CA at $48,192, averaging total compensation 0% greater than the US average.

How much do Smokejumpers make in Washington state?

The average smoke jumper gross salary in Seattle, Washington is $66,278 or an equivalent hourly rate of $32. This is 14% higher (+$8,168) than the average smoke jumper salary in the United States.

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.

How hard is it to become a smokejumper?

All smokejumper candidates are required to pass the standard smokejumper physical training (PT) test on the first day of smokejumper training. Candidates must do 7 pull-ups, 45 sit-ups, 25 push-ups, and a 1.5 mile run in less than 11 minutes (McCall’s elevation is 5000′).

How hard is it to be a smoke jumper?

Is it hard to be a smokejumper?

Wildland firefighters train hard, but smokejumpers train harder. Keep in mind that an entry-level smokejumper job is not an entry-level firefighting job, and the U.S. Forest Service physical fitness requirements are intense.

Are smokejumpers hotshots?

“The biggest difference is just the way we’re delivered to the fire. So Smokejumpers are delivered aerial. And then obviously we show up to the fire in a variety of different ways. A Hotshot crew is a 20 person hand crew and basically, our focus is large fire suppression.

Do smokejumpers work all year?

Most smokejumpers are temporary or seasonal employees that work the fire season from April through October. A few, mainly supervisors, have permanent extended or full-time status and work year-round on equipment, training, prescribed fire, and administration.

How long does it take to become a smokejumper?

Successful completion of 4 years of study leading to a bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus at least one season* of wildland fire suppression work, as defined below.

Whats the difference between a smokejumper and a hotshot?

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 is the most elite firefighter?

Deanne Shulman. Some of the most elite forces of firefighters are the Type-1 and Type-II wildland firefighters, also known as Smokejumpers. These brave men and women parachute into remote fire scenes, carrying up to 100 pounds of gear on their back.

Who are the most elite firefighters?

Hotshot crews are the most highly trained, skilled and experienced type of handcrews. They are qualified to provide leadership for initial-attack and extended-attack on wildland fires. Hotshots are trained and equipped to work in remote areas for extended periods of time with minimal logistical support.

How many smoke jumper bases are there?

nine smokejumper bases
There are nine smokejumper bases located strategically throughout the Western United States; all are in close proximity to large, roadless, wildlands.

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 much do smokejumpers get paid?

Cottrell’s salary is higher because he’s in a supervisory position and employed year-round, but rookie smokejumpers start out in the federally designated pay range of $14.06 to $18.28 per hour. Any portion of a day they’re on a fire, they receive a 25% premium hazard pay, which bumps their hourly wage up to $17.58 to $22.85.

What are the requirements to be a smokejumper?

Most smokejumpers are between 20 and 40 years old, but some are in their 50’s. Mental alertness and stability are also essential given the hazards of the job. In addition, smokejumpers must pass a Work Capacity Test, which demands completing a three-mile hike while carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes.

What are the duties of a smokejumper?

Physical Fitness: Smokejumper specific duties demand exemplary physical conditioning. Smokejumpers are required to maintain peak fitness due to the extreme physical demands of the job; all jumpers must be in excellent condition. It is not uncommon to construct fireline for 14 to 16 hours per day on a regular basis.

How do smokejumpers fight forest fires?

When forest fires rage out of control in areas inaccessible by truck, wilderness firefighters known as smokejumpers fly by air vehicles and parachute into landing areas near the blazes. Their equipment, food and water also drop by parachute, making them self-sufficient for about 48 hours.