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Cal Fire Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Cal Fire information

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$31K

$105.6K

$183K

How much do cal fire jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for cal fire in the United States is $105,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 a valid driver's license, physical fitness, and sometimes basic certifications like CPR. Training is provided on the job, and some positions may require passing written exams or background checks.

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.

How hard is it to get into Cal Fire?

Getting into Cal Fire as a firefighter typically requires meeting minimum qualifications such as age, education, and physical fitness, passing written and physical exams, and completing training programs like the Firefighter Academy. Competition can be high due to limited openings and the need for relevant experience or certifications like EMT or forestry training.
More about Cal Fire jobs
What cities are hiring for Cal Fire jobs? Cities with the most Cal Fire job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire jobs? The most popular types of Cal Fire jobs are:
What states have the most Cal Fire jobs? States with the most job openings for Cal Fire jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cal Fire job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,577 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

$10K - $13K/mo

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

For questions related to the duties of the position, please contact Deputy Chief Operations Nick Giampaoli by phone at (408) 472-1601 or by email at nick.giampaoli@fire.ca.gov .
This position is located in Morgan Hill, 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.
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-526835
Position #(s):
542-116-1039-005
Working Title:
Division Chief
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:
Santa Clara County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Facility:
Santa Clara 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, and vision, hearing, spirometry, and exercise treadmill test.
Possession of a valid Driver's License of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor 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: 8/19/2026
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: 542-116-1039-005
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: 542-116-1039-005
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 542-116-1039-005 on your STD 678 form.
Candidate may be selected by resume review.
Appointment may extend up to 24 months or become permanent.
A pplicants 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.