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Cal Fire Forestry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Cal Fire Forestry information

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$39.5K

$55.5K

$73.5K

How much do cal fire forestry jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for cal fire forestry in the United States is $55,520.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cal Fire Forestry vs Cal Fire Firefighter?

AspectCal Fire ForestryCal Fire Firefighter
Required CertificationsFirefighter 1, Forestry Technician, CPR/First AidFirefighter 1, EMT, CPR/First Aid
Work EnvironmentForests, wildland areas, fire prevention sitesFire scenes, urban and wildland fires, emergency response
Employer & Industry UsageCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, forestry and fire preventionCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, emergency response

Cal Fire Forestry roles focus on forest management, fire prevention, and suppression in wildland areas, requiring specific forestry certifications. Cal Fire Firefighters handle active fire suppression, rescue, and emergency response across various environments. Both roles are essential in California's fire services but differ in daily duties and focus areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CAL FIRE Forestry professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CAL FIRE Forestry professional, you need a solid background in forestry management, fire behavior, and environmental science, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in natural resource management. Familiarity with GIS mapping, firefighting equipment, and certifications such as Firefighter I or II are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills are vital for coordinating emergency response and collaborating with diverse teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial to effectively manage wildfire prevention, suppression, and land stewardship while ensuring public safety.

What are some of the main challenges faced by Cal Fire Forestry professionals during wildfire season?

Cal Fire Forestry professionals often face unpredictable and rapidly changing conditions during wildfire season, requiring quick decision-making and adaptability. Extended hours, physically demanding work, and exposure to hazardous environments are common challenges. Additionally, coordinating with multiple agencies and effectively communicating with team members are critical for safety and success. These challenges make resilience, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills essential for the role.

What are Cal Fire Forestry jobs?

Cal Fire Forestry jobs involve managing and protecting California's forests, wildlands, and natural resources. Employees in these roles work to prevent and suppress wildfires, carry out controlled burns, manage forest health, and enforce fire safety regulations. They may also participate in public education, environmental conservation projects, and emergency response during disasters. These positions are crucial for maintaining the safety and sustainability of California's diverse ecosystems.
More about Cal Fire Forestry jobs
What cities are hiring for Cal Fire Forestry jobs? Cities with the most Cal Fire Forestry job openings:
What states have the most Cal Fire Forestry jobs? States with the most job openings for Cal Fire Forestry jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cal Fire Forestry jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cal Fire Forestry jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cal Fire Forestry job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,520 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Division Chief of Operations

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Santa Rosa, CA โ€ข On-site

$10K - $13K/mo

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

For questions related to the duties of the position, please contact Deputy Chief Russell West at (707) 339-1917.
This position is located in St. Helena, 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 medicalresponse, 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.
May be subject to working nights, weekends, or holidays to complete duties.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • ASSISTANT CHIEF
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-523541
Position #(s):
542-114-1039-007
Working Title:
Division Chief of Operations
Classification:
ASSISTANT CHIEF $10,569.00 - $13,674.00
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:
Napa County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Sonoma-Lake-Napa 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. CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. 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-containedbreathing apparatus (SCBA). The use of such equipment may place a physiological burdenon the incumbent that varies with the type of equipment used, the job and workplaceconditions in which the equipment is used, and the medical status of the incumbent. Assuch, Cal/OSHA requires that the incumbent be annually medically cleared to be fit-testedfor respiratory protection equipment. This clearance process consists of a comprehensivemedical evaluation, and vision, hearing, spirometry, and exercise treadmill test.
Possession of a valid Driver's License of the appropriate class issued by the Department ofMotor Vehicles is required.
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: 7/23/2026
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: 542-114-1039-007
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: 542-114-1039-007
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 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.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
aaron verbeckmoes
(707) 576-2900
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.
Additional Information
Please include the position number 542-114-1039-007 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.