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Engine Boss Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc.

Engine Boss

Riverside, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Engine Boss (S-231) preferred * Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) * Completion and Certification of NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) Position Task Book (PMS 311-14) * Completion and ...

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc.

Engine Boss

Visalia, CA · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Engine Boss (S-231) preferred * Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) * Completion and Certification of NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) Position Task Book (PMS 311-14) * Completion and ...

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Engine Boss information

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How much do engine boss jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for engine boss in California is $21.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Engine Boss position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engine Boss, you need strong leadership, wildfire suppression tactics, and incident command knowledge, often supported by NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) certification and relevant wildland firefighting experience. Familiarity with fire engines, communications equipment, and resource tracking systems is crucial. Excellent decision-making, clear communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital soft skills for leading a fire crew safely and effectively. These competencies ensure the safe, organized, and efficient management of crew and resources during wildfire incidents.

What does an engine boss do?

An engine boss is responsible for overseeing the operation and safety of the engine room on a vessel or in industrial settings. They supervise engine personnel, ensure proper maintenance of machinery, and follow safety protocols, often requiring relevant certifications and technical knowledge of engines and mechanical systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Engine Boss in the field?

Engine Bosses frequently encounter rapidly changing fire conditions, requiring quick decision-making and adaptability to ensure crew safety and effective suppression tactics. Coordinating with multiple agencies, managing resources in rugged or remote environments, and maintaining clear communication under stress are common parts of the job. Engine Bosses are also responsible for the maintenance and readiness of fire engines and equipment throughout an incident. These challenges make the role both demanding and rewarding, as your leadership directly impacts crew safety and operational success.

Do wildfire fighters make good money?

Wildfire fighters, including roles like engine bosses, typically earn wages that vary by experience, location, and agency. Entry-level positions may start around minimum wage, while experienced engine bosses can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay during fire seasons. Overall, wages are generally considered moderate compared to other emergency response roles, with additional benefits such as training and certifications.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Engine bosses in the maritime or industrial sectors can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as OSHA or STCW. High-paying roles often involve leadership, technical expertise, and working in demanding environments like offshore or large-scale construction projects.

How long does it take to become an engine boss?

Becoming an engine boss typically requires several years of experience as a firefighter or fire apparatus operator, along with completing specialized training and certifications such as the Firefighter I and II, and often a driver/operator certification. The process can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years, depending on the individual's prior experience, training opportunities, and department requirements.

What does an Engine Boss do?

An Engine Boss is a supervisory wildland firefighting position responsible for leading a fire engine crew during wildfire suppression and mitigation efforts. They manage resources, ensure crew safety, and coordinate with other firefighting teams to contain and control fires. Engine Bosses also oversee equipment maintenance, conduct training, and implement firefighting strategies based on fire behavior and environmental conditions. Their role is critical in ensuring efficient and safe wildfire response.

What are popular job titles related to Engine Boss jobs in California? For Engine Boss jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engine Boss jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Engine Boss jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Engine Boss jobs? Cities in California with the most Engine Boss job openings:
Engine Boss jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engine Boss job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,324 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Engine Boss

Engine Boss

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc.

Riverside, CA • On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc.
Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. ("WDS") is a Qualified Insurance Resource (QIR) operating the largest private sector wildfire service in the nation, encompassing a 22-state service area and specializing in wildfire education, loss prevention, and wildfire response services. Qualified Insurance Resources are defined as NWCG qualified or equivalent, wildland engines, tenders, hand crews, fire/liaison officers, and personnel working for or contracted by an insurance company with a mission to mitigate impacts on insured structures threatened by wildfire. WDS holds contracts with insurance companies to provide wildfire loss prevention services. WDS fields experienced, highly trained, safety-focused wildfire officers and fire personnel that hold a wide range of Federal Wildfire Incident Command position classifications necessary to meet or exceed all federal wildfire operation standards and codes including all requirements of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group ("NWCG") or equivalent. WDS is capable of providing more than 180 wildland engines and hundreds of fire personnel and support personnel. WDS has served large and small insurance clients since 2008.
WE'RE HIRING FOR THE 2026 FIRE SEASON!
Our firefighters are the heartbeat of our company, and we make it a priority to take care of you and your family. As an employer of choice our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive, and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth, and development for every employee. Join our team and together we will make a difference that changes the world of wildfire.
By Joining Wildfire Defense Systems:
  • You will be a part of the largest expansion of wildfire services currently occurring
  • You will play an active part in shaping your career journey through our unique Grade and Step system
  • You will help provide wildfire services across 22 states and Canada
  • You are guaranteed a 13/13 or 10/16 schedule

Engine Boss
The Engine Boss leads a single fire engine and attached personnel and is responsible for their safety on wildland incidents. The ENGB supervises assigned engine and personnel and reports to a WDS supervisor, Strike Team Leader/Task Force Leader, Liaison, senior Engine Boss, or another assigned supervisor.
Required Qualifications
  • Introduction to ICS (ICS-100)
  • Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (L-180)
  • Firefighter Training (S-130 - Field Day Required)
  • Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190)
  • NIMS: An Introduction (IS-700)
  • Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) (RT-130)
  • Firefighter Type 1 (S-131)
  • Crew Boss (Single Resource) (S-230)
  • Engine Boss (S-231) preferred
  • Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)
  • Completion and Certification of NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) Position Task Book (PMS 311-14)
  • Completion and Certification of NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Task Book (PMS 311-13)
  • Ability to pass a WCT (Work Capacity Test/Pack Test) at Arduous Level (Complete a 3 mile walk wearing a 45- pound pack in less than 45 minutes)
  • Employees must be 21 years of age or older.
  • DOT Medical Examiner's Certification (will be authorized by employer for qualified individuals)
  • Current driver's license with acceptable driving record
  • ENGBs hired after 9/19/2024 must have a valid passport and be willing and able to work in both the U.S. and Canada

What WDS Provides to Field Employees
  • Both career full time seasonal positions and advancement opportunities for career full time annual positions
  • Full NWCG compliant engines and tenders
  • Ability to maintain and advance NWCG qualifications
  • Task books can transfer to future career positions
  • Daily diversity of tasks
  • Work center-based locations when not deployed on fire assignments or on-call assignments
  • Career advancement from FFT2-FFT1-ENGB-TFLD
  • Competitive wages exceeding federal standards
  • Overtime opportunities

What Benefits Are Provided to Eligible Firefighters
  • Medical, dental, & vision insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Access to Teladoc
  • Paid time off plus 48-hours of sick leave per year
  • 9-Paid company holidays
  • 401(k)
  • WDS contributes 3% to a Safe Harbor retirement plan with no employee match required
  • Company paid life insurance ($300K for Field Operations Employees)
  • Company paid AD&D ($300K for Field Operations Employees)
  • Company paid short-term and long-term disability
  • Voluntary life & accident insurance
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs
  • Employee discounts through Life Mart and Expert Voice

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Federal Law under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) requires drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles engaged in interstate commerce must be at least 21 years of age. For this reason, applicants for this position must be at least 21 years of age to be considered.
The pay range for this role is:
39.53 - 51.41 USD per hour (Riverside, CA)

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