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Cal Fire Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Smithfield, RI · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire Equipment Inc ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Apply Early

Fire Equipment Mechanic

Durham, NC · On-site

$57K - $88K/yr

... operating equipment; performing tests and inspections; performing preventative maintenance; enter data into maintenance management system; and performing field and emergency calls. Incumbents ...

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Medford, MA · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Apply Early

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Agawam, MA · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Apply Early

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Hartford, CT · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Apply Early

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Hooksett, NH · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Apply Early

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Westford, MA · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Apply Early

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Medford, MA · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Apply Early

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Westford, MA · On-site

$38.46 - $62.50/hr

Sprinkler Operations Manager Compensation: $38.46-$62.50 About Fire Equipment Inc. (FEI) Fire ... Perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure systems are operating to prescribed ...

Apply Early

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Cal Fire Equipment Operator information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do cal fire equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cal fire equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cal Fire Equipment Operator job?

A Cal Fire Equipment Operator operates and maintains heavy equipment such as bulldozers, transport trucks, and fire dozers to support wildfire suppression and prevention efforts. They are responsible for constructing fire breaks, clearing vegetation, and assisting in emergency response operations. This role requires specialized training, mechanical skills, and the ability to work in hazardous conditions. Equipment Operators often work long hours in extreme environments to support firefighting crews and protect communities from wildfires.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cal Fire Equipment Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cal Fire Equipment Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience operating heavy machinery such as bulldozers and fire engines, and a valid California Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Operators must be proficient with fire suppression equipment, communication radios, and often require certification in firefighter training and wildland operations. Problem-solving, teamwork, attention to detail, and composure under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These qualities are essential to ensure safety, efficient emergency response, and effective teamwork during high-stress wildfire incidents.

What does a typical workday look like for a Cal Fire Equipment Operator during wildfire season?

During wildfire season, a Cal Fire Equipment Operator’s day can involve long hours operating bulldozers or other heavy equipment to create firebreaks, assisting in fire suppression, and performing routine maintenance on machinery to ensure readiness. You’ll work closely with CAL FIRE crews and supervisors, responding rapidly to changing fire conditions, and may be required to deploy to remote or rugged locations on short notice. Teamwork and coordination with firefighters, incident commanders, and other agencies are a key part of the role. While physically demanding and at times unpredictable, the work is critical in protecting communities and natural resources from wildfire damage.

More about Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Cal Fire Equipment Operator job openings:
What states have the most Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cal Fire Equipment Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cal Fire Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Battalion Chief - Emergency Command Center

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$6.8K - $8.9K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

For questions related to the duties of the position, please contact Unit Chief Jennifer Scales by email at Jennifer.Scales@fire.ca.gov.
This position is located in Fortuna, CA.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
The incumbent typically is required to perform psychologically stressful and/or physically demanding duties consistent with firefighting, disaster response, and emergency medical response, including working in isolated areas, walking or running on uneven rough terrain, and remaining on duty 24 hours or longer without a break while performing these duties.
Work schedule can be either a 4-day fixed or 3-day rotating schedule.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • BATTALION CHIEF
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-522397
Position #(s):
542-111-9723-005
Working Title:
Battalion Chief - Emergency Command Center
Classification:
BATTALION CHIEF $6,882.00 - $8,930.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Humboldt County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Humboldt-Del Norte Unit
Department Information
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.
When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co-workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!
Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

The incumbent is required to wear respiratory protection equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The use of such equipment may place a physiological burden on the incumbent that varies with the type of equipment used, the job and workplace conditions in which the equipment is used, and the medical status of the incumbent. As such, Cal/OSHA requires that the incumbent be annually medically cleared to be fit-tested for respiratory protection equipment. This clearance process consists of a comprehensive medical evaluation including a review of the incumbent's medical history, a complete physical examination, and vision, hearing, spirometry, and exercise treadmill tests.
Maintains the Arduous Fitness Standard in accordance with department policy.
Possession of a valid driver's license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
May be required to work nights, weekends, or holidays.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/3/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Northern Region Hiring
Attn: HUU - Battalion Chief - ECC
135 Ridgway Avenue
Santa Rosa , CA 95401
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Northern Region Hiring
Attn: HUU - Battalion Chief - ECC
135 Ridgway Avenue
Santa Rosa , CA 95401
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Other - Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299). This form may be found at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/D817B8E27D8049C3BC35297686467FB9
  • Other - Copy of the front and back of your valid Driver's License of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
This classification is eligible for the following pay:
$6882 - $8930 Base Salary (paid every month)
$2281 - $3035 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$112,237 - $146,615 Annual Compensation
In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Northern Region Hiring
(707) 576-2275
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
(916) 767-8359
ReasonableAccommodations@fire.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Bargaining Unit 08 Considerations
The Bargaining Unit 08 Memorandum of Understanding regarding Voluntary In-Class Transfer Policy (Inter-Unit) (Section 9.2) will be followed. Transfers may require a two-year commitment.
Additional Information
Please include the position number 542-111-9723-005 on your STD 678 form.
Candidate may be selected by resume review.
Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a Recruitment Questionnaire, located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLYSH8V
How To Get A State Job
Individuals must pass an open examination before applying for most job vacancies with the State of California.
Use the "exam/assessment search" function on the CalCareers website at www.jobs.ca.gov to search for the examination you are interested in applying for. If the exam is currently being offered, you will need to follow the directions in the exam bulletin on how to apply for and take the exam. Not all examinations are offered continuously or at the time a job vacancy occurs.
Successful examination candidates are placed on an eligibility list. Candidates should refer to their examination results for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the exam when necessary. Once list eligibility has been established, you can search and apply for current vacancies in the classification to which you have established eligibility.
Candidates must also meet the minimum qualifications of the classification to be appointed into the classification they are applying for. Minimum qualifications can be found in the class specifications listed on the exam bulletin or on the CalCareers website. Application packages should include documentation and relevant experience that shows you have the required education and/or experience to meet the minimum qualifications.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.