BLM seeks seasonal, emergency firefighters

Arizona
Gila DO
Safford FO
Media Contact

SAFFORD, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gila District is currently recruiting applicants for seasonal, emergency wildland firefighters for the 2025 fire season. Wildland firefighters provide a valuable service, protecting communities and public lands.

To serve on a wildland fire crew, persons must be at least 18 years of age, have a strong work ethic, be able to pass a fitness test and medical exam, maintain good physical fitness, travel out of state for extended periods, and contribute to a team-structured 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 are only paid during fire and/or work assignments; pay ranges from $22.16 to $24.36 per hour depending on experience.

Recruits will receive classroom and field training, and all essential equipment assigned that will enable them to perform wildfire suppression safely and effectively.

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 21. 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 Safford Field Office located at 711 S. 14th Ave.

If you have questions about the positions, please contact Hunter Martin, 928-228-6344 or hmartin@blm.gov.

To learn more about BLM’s fire program in Arizona, visit: blm.gov/r/fire/az.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.