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Arff Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

$50K/yr

Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump, Driver Operator ARFF, and National Registered EMT. All certifications must be issued by the ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Bridgeport, CA

$50K/yr

Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump, Driver Operator ARFF, and National Registered EMT. All certifications must be issued by the ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA

$50K/yr

Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump, Driver Operator ARFF, and National Registered EMT. All certifications must be issued by the ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$50K/yr

Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump, Driver Operator ARFF, and National Registered EMT. All certifications must be issued by the ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA

$46K/yr

Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Bridgeport, CA

$46K/yr

Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$46K/yr

Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet ...

US Department of the Navy

$46K/yr

Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet ...

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Arff information

See California salary details

$20.2K

$53.9K

$99.7K

How much do arff jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for arff in California is $53,870.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $71,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the ARFF position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) specialist, you need comprehensive knowledge of firefighting techniques, emergency medical services, and airport safety protocols, generally supported by Firefighter I/II certification and sometimes EMT licensure. Proficiency with specialized rescue equipment, airport communication systems, and hazardous material handling is essential. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this high-pressure environment. These skills and qualifications are vital because ARFF specialists must ensure rapid, coordinated responses to emergencies to protect lives and property in an aviation setting.

What does an ARFF do?

A typical day for an ARFF specialist involves inspecting and maintaining firefighting equipment and vehicles, participating in regular training drills, and monitoring airport operations for potential safety hazards. While standby and readiness are key components, ARFF personnel may also conduct fire prevention inspections around airport facilities and provide emergency medical response as needed. Team collaboration is constant, often with airport operations, air traffic control, and local law enforcement. The dynamic environment demands alertness and the ability to adapt quickly to a variety of emergency scenarios. This blend of preventative work and rapid response makes the role both challenging and rewarding for those dedicated to aviation safety.

What is an ARFF?

An ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) job involves responding to airport emergencies, including aircraft fires, medical incidents, and hazardous material situations. ARFF personnel are specially trained firefighters who work at airports to ensure passenger and crew safety. Their duties include operating firefighting vehicles, performing rescue operations, and conducting fire prevention inspections. They must be prepared to handle high-risk situations quickly and efficiently. This role requires specialized training, physical fitness, and knowledge of aviation-related firefighting techniques.

What are the most commonly searched types of Arff jobs in California? The most popular types of Arff jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Arff jobs in California? For Arff jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Arff jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Arff jobs in California are:
Arff jobs near you
Infographic showing various Arff job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,870 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Airfield Operations Specialist I

General Atomics

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$38K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
Under supervision of the airfield supervisor or shift lead, this position serves as a crew member responsible for maintaining airfield/movement area in compliance with company requirements. Conducts inspections to identify hazards to safe aircraft operations and maintenance. Responds to all airfield incidents/accidents as a member of the ARFF/Emergency Response Team. Ensures constant level of preparedness through company, department, and self-education training for airfield operations and emergency response. This position's work schedule is a 40-hour/ 5-day work week.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Performs inspections of airport operational areas and equipment including runway and taxiways, airfield lighting, parking aprons, hangars, and fuel storage areas.
  • Performs duties to monitor and enforce flight, fire and life safety regulations/procedures including flight line vehicle operations and foreign object debris control.
  • Provides crash response services to remotely piloted aircraft operating at the airfield and prepares site for follow-on investigation in accordance with the facility Mishap Plan.
  • Performs fire prevention activities and services throughout the airfield facility, including fire detection rounds and response to hazardous material spills as necessary.
  • Responds to other emergencies as necessary and is prepared to provide basic first-aid service, including CPR/AED, to company personnel in distress. Coordinates with public emergency services as necessary.
  • Maintain all departmental equipment in a serviceable/ready status, including fire vehicles, response vehicles, extinguishing equipment and other related tools.
  • Ensures compliance with required training and maintains any required certifications.
  • Willingness to participate in on the job training for driving and operation of airfield firefighting vehicles (ARFF Fire Trucks).
  • Required to perform shift work in a rotation of days, evenings and nights, to include weekends and holidays.
  • Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
  • Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
  • Additional Duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must have ability to understand concepts relating to aircraft emergency response, associated equipment, airport operations and fire prevention activities.
  • Completion of Firefighter 1 academy or FF-1 certification (IFSAC , Pro Board, California State Fire Marshal's Office / California State Fire Training, California State Board of Fire Services, DoD, or verifiable equivalences) is required.
  • Must possess the ability to lift up to 50 pounds;
  • The ability to work under pressure and handle stressful situations.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other company departments and outside agencies.
  • The ability to accurately document and maintain records and files.
  • The ability to operate heavy equipment.
  • A valid driver's license and clean driving record required.
  • The ability to work both independently and in a team environment is essential as is the ability to work different shifts, workdays, and additional hours as required.

What General Atomics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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