1

Dod Fire Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$76K/yr

FIRE OFFICER IV, FIRE INSPECTOR II and FIRE INSTRUCTOR II. You must be certified as a HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENT - COMMANDER by the Department of Defense (DoD), International Fire Service ...

FIREFIGHTER

Bridgeport, CA · On-site

$76K/yr

FIRE OFFICER IV, FIRE INSPECTOR II and FIRE INSTRUCTOR II. You must be certified as a HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENT - COMMANDER by the Department of Defense (DoD), International Fire Service ...

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA · On-site

$76K/yr

FIRE OFFICER IV, FIRE INSPECTOR II and FIRE INSTRUCTOR II. You must be certified as a HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENT - COMMANDER by the Department of Defense (DoD), International Fire Service ...

$76K/yr

FIRE OFFICER IV, FIRE INSPECTOR II and FIRE INSTRUCTOR II. You must be certified as a HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENT - COMMANDER by the Department of Defense (DoD), International Fire Service ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Dod Fire information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$104.2K

$180.6K

How much do dod fire jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for dod fire in California is $104,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $122,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DoD firefighter?

DoD Firefighters are civilian or military personnel who work for the U.S. Department of Defense, providing fire protection, emergency response, and rescue services on military bases and installations. They are responsible for responding to fires, hazardous material incidents, and medical emergencies, as well as conducting fire prevention inspections and training. Their work helps ensure the safety of military personnel, property, and resources both in peacetime and during emergencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DoD firefighter?

To thrive as a Department of Defense (DoD) Firefighter, you need comprehensive knowledge of fire prevention, emergency response, rescue operations, and must meet DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification requirements. Familiarity with specialized firefighting equipment, hazardous materials handling, and systems like the Incident Command System is essential, along with certifications such as Firefighter I & II, HazMat Awareness, and CPR. Strong teamwork, physical fitness, quick decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in high-pressure situations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safety of personnel and property during emergencies on military installations.

What are some common challenges faced by DoD firefighters, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

DoD Firefighters often face unique challenges such as adapting to a strict chain of command, responding to emergencies in secure or hazardous military environments, and maintaining readiness for a wide range of incidents, including aircraft and hazardous materials responses. New hires can best prepare by familiarizing themselves with military protocols, participating actively in ongoing training, and developing strong communication skills to work effectively with both civilian and military personnel. Building physical endurance and resilience is also crucial, as the role can involve long shifts and physically demanding tasks.

What is the difference between Dod Fire vs Dod Security?

AspectDod FireDod Security
CertificationsFirefighter certifications, CPR, First AidSecurity clearances, Security certifications
Work EnvironmentFirefighting, emergency response, hazardous conditionsAccess control, surveillance, protective security
Employer & IndustryMilitary bases, government facilities, emergency servicesMilitary installations, government agencies, security firms

Dod Fire personnel focus on firefighting, emergency response, and hazardous situations, requiring firefighting certifications. Dod Security staff handle access control, surveillance, and protective security, often needing security clearances. Both roles serve military and government facilities but differ in their primary responsibilities and required credentials.

What cities in California are hiring for Dod Fire jobs?

Cities in California with the most Dod Fire job openings:

Infographic showing various Dod Fire job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,194 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Firefighter (Basic Life Support)

USAJOBS - Search

Concord, CA

$63K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: Serves as Firefighter (Basic Life Support).
This position is included under the provisions of Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) and may have both a maximum entry age and a mandatory retirement date.Click here for more information on SRC for Firefighters (Primary/Rigorous)Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents; and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06).
Additional Qualification Requirements: In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirement above, applicants must also possess:

  • Firefighter 1 & 2 Certification;
  • Driver Operator Pumper Certification;
  • Hazmat Technician Certification;
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) (National or State) Certification.

Firefighter certificates must be certified through DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification System, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (PRO-Board) in accordance with DoD 6055.06. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification must be issued by State or National Registry (NREMT).

Education:Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Employment Type: OTHER