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Cal Fire Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Cal Fire information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$102.3K

$177.3K

How much do cal fire jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for cal fire in Illinois is $102,307.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,600.00 and $120,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cal Fire?

A Cal Fire job involves working for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which focuses on wildfire prevention, suppression, and emergency response. Positions range from firefighters and forestry technicians to administrative and support roles. Employees help protect natural resources, homes, and lives across the state. Jobs may require specialized training, physical fitness, and the ability to work in high-stress environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cal Fire position?

To thrive as a Cal Fire firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of fire science, and typically completion of Firefighter I Academy and EMT certification. Familiarity with specialized firefighting equipment, GIS mapping systems, and two-way radios is crucial. Teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are valuable soft skills for this position. These competencies are essential to ensure quick, safe, and effective responses to emergencies in demanding and hazardous environments.

What is a typical work schedule like for a Cal Fire firefighter?

Cal Fire firefighters commonly work extended shifts that often include 24-hour shifts followed by several days off, or a 72-hour week depending on location and assignment. During fire season, schedules can become more demanding with increased overtime and deployment to different regions during major incidents. The work environment is fast-paced and involves collaboration with diverse teams including engine crews, hand crews, and incident command staff. If you are considering this role, you should be prepared for the physical demands and flexibility required to respond to emergencies at any time. Teamwork and adaptability are key as assignments and locations can change quickly based on emerging fire threats.

Does Cal Fire hire with no experience?

Cal Fire hires entry-level firefighters and support staff who may not have prior firefighting experience, but applicants typically need to meet minimum requirements such as a valid driver's license, physical fitness, and sometimes a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is provided for new hires, and some positions may require certifications like EMT or firefighter training before or after employment.

How hard is it to get into Cal Fire?

Getting into Cal Fire as a firefighter typically requires meeting minimum age, education, and physical fitness standards, passing written and physical exams, and completing training at the California State Fire Training Academy. Competition can be high due to limited openings and the job's demanding nature, making experience and certifications like EMT or paramedic advantageous.

How long does Cal Fire take to hire?

The hiring process for Cal Fire typically takes several months, including application review, written exams, physical tests, interviews, and background checks. The duration can vary depending on the position, location, and the number of applicants, but candidates should expect a multi-step process that may extend over several weeks to months.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Cal Fire jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Cal Fire job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,307 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Mechanical Technician 1

IKO Industries, Inc

Chester, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

IKO Industries Ltd. is a market leader in the manufacturing of roofing and building materials. IKO is a Canadian owned and operated business with production facilities worldwide and has many years of unparalleled success in the roofing materials industry. Quality, integrity, and trustworthiness are the values that underlie this success, and we have built this company by hiring people who hold these values. People like you!
 

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Understand and practice while on the site IKO 7 Life Critical Program.
  • Be willing to make IKO values those of your own: Humility, Integrity, Agility, Long-Term thinking, Performance, Knowledge Sharing
  • Consistently, completely, and accurately complete preventive maintenance, repair maintenance and training tasks.
  • Consistently maintain a clean work environment in the maintenance shop and in the production area where working.
  • Familiarity with metric and standard hand tools and able to safely and properly use to dismantle and reassemble equipment using hand and power tools.
  • With a tool allowance annually, keep IKO supplied tool chest/cabinet with small hand tools up to 1" or 24mm. Personal tool list to be provided.
  • Utilize Maximo computerized maintenance management system. Utilize Modula storeroom racking system.
  • Demonstrate a work history of the use of the problem-solving process to separate the effect of a problem from its cause.
  • Demonstrate a work history of sharing information to others by showing or explaining, while demonstrating a work history of maintaining confidentiality in relationships with others, when appropriate.
  • Demonstrate the ability to understand and repair soft foot and the types of coupling misalignments and how to correct.
  • Identify pipe size, air filter, regulator, and lubricator for pneumatics.
  • Identify and demonstrate procedure for installing roller chain and sprockets, pulleys, bushings, and different drive belts. Demonstrate proper tension techniques.
  • Replace a shaft, use puller or necessary tool to remove and replace bearings.
  • Demonstrate ability to understand the necessity or nonessential need of lubrication of rotating equipment.
  • Demonstrate procedure for checking/draining/replacing lubricant level of gearbox.
  • Demonstrate the use of a torque wrench, dial indicator to check run-out, inside, and outside micrometer (vernier scale) measurement.
  • Demonstrate procedure for safe handling of compressed gas cylinders.
  • Demonstrate the procedure and operation of oxy/acetylene torch for heating and cutting.
  • Demonstrate procedure for selecting the proper tip size for acetylene cutting and brazing.
  • Demonstrate use of drill press, bandsaw, bench grinder, torque wrench and other basic hand and power tools.
  • Demonstrate the use of tap drill chart, tap holes 95%, 75% and 50% thread contact in carbon and stainless steel.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge to start/stop/check air compressors and chillers.
  • Demonstrate the proper procedure for heating and installing straight bore bearings, checking bench clearance and final set of tapered bore angular contact bearings.
  • Flat weld with 6011 and 304L rod. Mig weld carbon and stainless steel.
  • Be able to reset plant fire alarm systems and troubleshoot hydrant pressure problems with booster pumps.
  • Identify and show proficiency in basic rigging equipment. Obtain forklift operators certification as well as articulating and scissors style lift.

Basic Qualifications

  • 3-5 years' experience with Lock-Out-Tag out procedures, and be willing to wear PPE Arc Rated clothing up to 8 cal/cm2
  • Be flexible to changing shift times when needed.
  • 3-5 years' experience in the manufacturing industry (preferably continuous manufacturing) is required.
  • Able to walk throughout the plant, climb ladders, twist, and bend routinely.
  • Properly assemble, clean, repair, and reassemble complex mechanical devices.
  • Ability to measure parts and rough sketch/describe.
  • Lift and move up to 75 pounds on a routine basis using proper lifting techniques.
  • Ability to read assembly drawings and P&ID's.
  • Demonstrate a work history of going beyond job boundaries and a work history of assuring safety for personnel and equipment before equipment is removed from or released into service.
  • Communication skills.
  • Knowledge of general plant layout.
  • Fire protection Systems: know the differences in various fire extinguishers and be able to use them properly.

Other Attributes

Employees will be given 18 months to master all responsibilities and qualifications listed in this job description, with the exception of: the seven Life Critical Program and IKO core values. Within the first five days and before being allowed to do work, these 2 ideas will be understood and familiar.

Benefits of Employment: IKO recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. A primary goal of IKO is to promote individual employee's sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with IKO. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at, IKO. We are pleased to offer competitive compensation, health care, a progressive and challenging workplace and a commitment to teamwork and integrity.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Employment: IKO Industries Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.IKO Industries Ltd. encourages and welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.