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Arff Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Administrative Intern - Fire

Ontario, CA · On-site

$21.18 - $26.45/hr

There are eleven (11) fire stations that house ten (10) engine companies, four (4) truck companies, Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) resources, and two (2) battalion chiefs. The Administrative ...

Showing results 21-34

Arff information

See California salary details

$20.2K

$53.9K

$99.7K

How much do arff jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Arff jobs in California?

The most popular types of Arff jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Arff job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,870 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

$46K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill positions at various Department of the Navy Commands, including but not limited to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications:GS-06:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department brigade performing any of the following tasks; 2) Performing rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) Operating fire communications equipment; and 5) Controlling hazardous materials incidents. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
GS-05:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Performing structural and crash firefighting duties; 2) Operating firefighting communication equipment; 3) Using firefighting equipment such as: operating hoses, using ladders and hydrants; 4) Detecting the presence of potentially hazardous material. 5) Maintaining firefighting equipment and fire station facilities, performing functional test and inspection of firefighting equipment.
NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
Certifications for GS-06:
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: 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 the requirement. If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Certifications for GS-05:
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: Firefighter I\II and HAZMAT Operations. The certifications must have been awarded by DOD, IFSAC, or ProBoard to meet the requirement. If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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