If you love the great outdoors and wish you could find a career in service to it, consider wildland firefighting. Wildland firefighters are different from structural firefighters in that they stop blazes in the forests and plains rather than houses and office buildings. Available as volunteer and full-time gigs, wildland firefighters work hardest during the dry and hot seasons. There’s more to it than that, of course, but that’s the gist. If this speaks to your passion, read on to learn how to get a job as a wildland firefighter.

Get a Feeling for the Job

Before you fill out an online application, make sure this is something you want to do. Look up job descriptions online through the US Forest Service site and others. Know what you’re getting into. It can be a dirty, grueling job, but it’s not always about fighting fires. Wildland firefighters are called on to take steps to prevent fires from igniting in the first place and to enforce fire regulations in the wildlands. Study up before you apply. Finally, make sure you love being outdoors. That’s a must!

Fulfill the Requirements

Every job has a physical element, but wildland firefighting places a higher premium on good health, physical fitness, and stamina. Basic requirements for the job include being 18 years of age or older, but under the age of 37. A high school diploma or GED is a necessity, as is a valid driver’s license. The applicant must also pass a medical examination if they’re being considered. Many candidates must pass a work capacity test, which requires walking three miles with a 45-pound vest in under 45 minutes. There may be other forms and tests, so check with the institution.

Are You Experienced?

Experience is a plus in any job. It’s wise to start early and get training in forestry, wildlife, survival techniques, and the like through scouting and similar organizations. A degree in fire science and forestry can only help your chances, as does certification in various wildland firefighting courses. Familiarize yourself with the skillset and practices of wildland firefighting too. Getting to know firefighting gear as a volunteer firefighter in your town can also look good on a resume. It couldn’t hurt to show physical aptitude through sports competitions like marathons, triathlons, weight training, and the like.

Fingers Crossed

If you’ve done all the above, it’s time to start submitting applications. Different government agencies hire firefighters and fill other roles where firefighting may be involved. Check with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and assorted local and state organizations. Quite often, hiring begins in spring but keep your eyes open and stay on top of job openings.

Those are the basics on how to get a job as a wildland firefighter. Good luck—and remember that fortune most favors the prepared!

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