SAFFORD – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gila District is currently recruiting applicants for seasonal call-when-needed wildland firefighters for the 2026 fire season. Wildland firefighters provide a valuable service, protecting communities and public lands.
To serve on a wildland fire crew, individuals must be at least 18 years of age, have a strong work ethic, pass a fitness test and medical exam, maintain good physical fitness, be able to travel out of state for extended periods, and contribute to a team-oriented environment.
While most fire duties will be in southeastern Arizona, some assignments may be out of state and last 14 consecutive days, plus travel time. Recruits will be classified as Administratively Determined (AD) Emergency Firefighters, hired on a call-when-needed basis, and will be paid only during fire and/or work assignments; pay is $22.16 per hour.
Recruits will receive classroom and field training, along with all essential equipment, enabling them to perform wildfire suppression safely and effectively.
Applications will be accepted through March 2. Applicants will be notified in April regarding their selection for one of the available firefighter positions, and can apply in the following ways:
- Request, and send application forms back, by email, to the email address hmartin@blm.gov, (or)
- Pick up and drop off application forms at the BLM’s Safford Field Office located at 711 S. 14th Ave.
To learn more about BLM’s fire and aviation program in Arizona, visit: blm.gov/r/fire/az.
