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Air Force Fire Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$55K - $72K/yr

Develops and conducts extensive fire protection and prevention education and training programs ... This position is designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TOP) under the Air ...

PTS Advance has an exciting opportunity for a Fire Protection/Supression Designer - working remote ... a plus. (e.g. fire alarm, HVAC, plumbing, low voltage, architectural, structural, etc ...

Air Force and its sustainment and innovation enterprise. You will identify, shape, and capture ... protected by law. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer. We are unable ...

$38K - $51K/yr

This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the ... fire protection and prevention. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS ...

New

$80 - $110/hr

MCS is hiring for a Security Systems Lead Technician at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California ... other protected class. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental ...

$130 - $180/hr

Familiarity with National Electric Code, ASHRAE, National Fire Protection Association ... Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Vandenberg Space Force Base * Ability to travel to ...

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Air Force Fire Protection information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$61.8K

$98.7K

How much do air force fire protection jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for air force fire protection in California is $61,845.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $71,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Air Force Fire Protection?

Air Force Fire Protection refers to the specialized unit within the United States Air Force responsible for fire prevention, firefighting, and emergency response on Air Force bases and installations. Members of this team are trained to handle fires involving aircraft, buildings, hazardous materials, and rescue operations. Their duties include conducting fire safety inspections, responding to emergencies, and providing education on fire prevention. They play a critical role in ensuring the safety of personnel, property, and mission operations on Air Force facilities.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by Air Force Fire Protection personnel during deployments?

Air Force Fire Protection personnel often encounter unique challenges during deployments, such as adapting to unfamiliar environments, working with limited resources, and responding to a wide range of emergencies beyond structural fires, including aircraft incidents and hazardous material situations. Team members must quickly build rapport with new units and maintain high readiness levels despite demanding schedules and potentially extreme weather conditions. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for successfully overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Force Fire Protection specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Force Fire Protection specialist, you need a solid understanding of fire prevention, suppression techniques, emergency medical response, and must complete specialized Air Force technical training. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, hazardous materials handling, and certifications such as Firefighter I/II or EMT are typically required. Strong teamwork, stress management, and communication skills are crucial for effectively responding to emergencies and ensuring the safety of personnel and property. These skills and qualifications are vital to protect lives, maintain mission readiness, and safeguard Air Force assets in high-pressure situations.

What is the difference between Air Force Fire Protection vs Air Force Firefighter?

AspectAir Force Fire ProtectionAir Force Firefighter
CertificationsFire Protection Certifications, CPR, First AidFirefighter Certifications, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentBase fire protection, inspections, preventionEmergency response, fire suppression
Job FocusFire prevention, inspections, safety planningFire suppression, rescue operations

Air Force Fire Protection personnel focus on fire prevention, inspections, and safety planning within the Air Force base environment. In contrast, Air Force Firefighters primarily respond to emergencies, perform fire suppression, and rescue operations. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same military setting, but their daily responsibilities differ significantly.

How long is Air Force Fire Protection school?

Air Force Fire Protection training typically lasts around 10 weeks and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on firefighting exercises. Trainees learn fire suppression, rescue techniques, and emergency response procedures, often earning certifications such as Firefighter I and II during the program.

How to become a Fire Protection specialist in the Air Force?

To become a Fire Protection specialist in the Air Force, candidates must meet enlistment requirements, complete Basic Military Training, and attend technical training specific to fire protection and emergency services. Relevant skills include knowledge of fire suppression, safety protocols, and emergency response procedures, often supported by certifications such as Firefighter I and II. Advancement typically requires experience, additional training, and security clearances.

What job categories do people searching Air Force Fire Protection jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Air Force Fire Protection jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Air Force Fire Protection job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,845 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

$55K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to perform fire prevention and inspection duties designed to detect and reduce or eliminate fire hazards in a high fire expectancy area. Develops and conducts extensive fire protection and prevention education and training programs.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  1. Conducts an information program to elicit support and involvement in fire prevention, detection, and suppression.
  2. Performs regular and periodic fire protection inspections for all areas of the installation where the potential severity and expectancy for fire is high and involves hazards that are difficult to recognize and, once identified, require advanced or innovative methods to reduce or eliminate them.
  3. Inspects, tests, and corrects deficiencies on a variety of fire protection systems and fire extinguishers, many of which are complex or designed for a specific operation or hazardous condition, (e.g., carbon dioxide cascade systems, water mist/pre-action sprinkler systems, heat rise detection systems, and interlock systems).
  4. Reviews engineering plans and specifications for new construction, alteration, and extension of existing structures.
  5. Develops and maintains a variety of documentation such as fire prevention inspection schedules and records on assigned facilities. Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness program.
  • Employee is required to use all safety equipment, firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing provided by management.
  • The employee may be required to work rotating schedules which may include weekends, holidays, and/or one 24 hour shift per week.
  • May be subject to recall. May be required to participate in on-scene firefighting duties during emergencies, low-manning periods, or during stand-by hours while on 24 hour shift. These duties require heavy lifting and physical exertion.
  • This position is designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TOP) under the Air Force civilian drug-testing program. As a mandatory requirement for employment in this TOP.
  • The incumbent is to (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and (b) if required, submit to urinalysis testing. The selectee must sign statements acknowledging the position is identified as a TOP.
  • This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the Respiratory Protection Program and Hearing Conservation Program.
  • Position requires initial and annual occupational physical IAW the current National Fire Protection Association Standard 1582, Standard on Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments and the associated Air Force Technical Implementation Guide.
  • The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
  • Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
  • May be required to work the Emergency Communications Center (ECC).
  • May be required to participate on Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) teams.
  • May be required to be an authorized user of Government Purchase Card for unit.

Qualifications
Conditions of Employment Continued:
  • May be required to be a flight functional member of the Wing Inspection Team - Exercises.
  • This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Programs.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance:
  • Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance as a condition of employment.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-0081, Fire Protection and Prevention Series.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes 1) Developing and conducting extensive fire protection and prevention education and training programs; 2) Providing materials, and situational and classroom training at installation fire prevention activities such as Fire Prevention Week, Open Houses, etc., and addresses a variety of client groups in fire program methods and goals.; 3) Locating, isolating and identifying actual or potential fire hazards and fire safety deficiencies and initiating appropriate corrective action; and 4) Participating with fire prevention or safety engineers in studying fire prevention problems and investigating actual incidents. NOTE: Your answer must be supported by information in your resume.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-08 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  • Knowledge of recognized standards covering fire protection and prevention techniques and procedures; agency and installation manuals, rules, and regulations; and federal, state, and local fire protection/prevention ordinances and building codes.
  • Knowledge of the theory of fire propagation and progression and the application of accepted techniques and principles to reduce/eliminate hazards in a specialized environment with a high fire expectancy and potential for severity.
  • Knowledge of the layout, design, construction, and contents of buildings; locations of fire protection systems; and other similar characteristics of the installation; and of the latest changes in aircraft cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layout including the operation of hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, and/or oxygen supply systems when work is associated with active aircraft.
  • Knowledge of health and environmental safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders.
  • Ability to develop and conduct training, education, and information programs for a variety of client groups; to maintain good working relations and to use tact and firmness when dealing with operating officials; and to communicate orally and in writing.
  • Ability to recognize new or unusual types of combustibles or other hazardous material, determine their fire expectancy and severity, and adapt fire protection/prevention techniques to correct conditions or hazardous situations.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
ADDITIONAL FIREFIGHTER INFORMATION:
MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to establish a maximum entry age for the original appointment of individuals to the position of primary and rigorous firefighter. For initial appointments, applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by date of appointment. This age restriction does not apply to those who have previously served in a Federal civilian fire fighting position covered by title 5 U.S.C. section 3307 provisions OR to qualified veteran preference eligibles who may be eligible for waivers in accordance with section 3 of DoDI 1400.25-V336. NOTE: Applicants who are past the maximum entry age, are re-entering into a primary/rigorous position and have previous special retirement coverage service - may be eligible to be rehired or reinstated to a primary/rigorous covered position without requiring a maximum entry age waiver if he/she will be able to complete 20 years of covered service by age 57.
Effective 1 Jun 00, all DoD firefighters and contract fire and emergency service personnel must be certified at the next higher level before being eligible for promotion to that level. Applicants must list their current firefighter related licenses and certificates on their resumes. Please attach copies of certifications when you submit the resume to verify qualification requirements for the position. Certification requirements for this position are:
Fire Inspector II (includes Fire Inspector I), Fire Instructor I, and Hazmat Awareness. This position is utilized to fill-in and support firefighting operations and also require the following minimum certifications- Hazmat Operations, Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II).
IMPORTANT: Please upload copies of your FF certs and EMR/EMT card. If you have received a Student ID# for the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program website (https://go.usa.gov/xdsTR) please provide a copy of your most recent certification transcript. Note: If you do not know your Student ID, you may contact the AFCEC Reachback center at afcec.rbc@us.af.mil. If you do not have a Student ID and/or cannot access the Certificate Program site, you must upload a copy of your individual certifications or transcript at the time of your application or you will be removed from consideration.
Special Retirement Provisions Authority: FERS Position covered as secondary under the FERS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802]. OR Position covered as secondary under the CSRS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8331(21), 5 U.S.C. 8336(c), and 5 CFR 831.902].
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announc