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Entry Level Firefighter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Sales Development Representative (SDR) is an entry-level role providing an opportunity to learn ... enforcement, firefighting, medical services and government personnel. We are dedicated to ...

The Sales Development Representative (SDR) is an entry-level role providing an opportunity to learn ... enforcement, firefighting, medical services and government personnel. We are dedicated to ...

The Sales Development Representative (SDR) is an entry-level role providing an opportunity to learn ... enforcement, firefighting, medical services and government personnel. We are dedicated to ...

Showing results 41-53

Entry Level Firefighter information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$58.8K

$98.7K

How much do entry level firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level firefighter in California is $58,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level firefighter?

Entry level firefighters are individuals who have recently been hired or are beginning their careers in fire services, typically after completing required training and certifications. They are responsible for responding to emergency calls, extinguishing fires, rescuing people, and providing first aid. Entry level firefighters also participate in fire prevention, equipment maintenance, and continuous training to improve their skills. Their duties are often supervised by more experienced firefighters or officers as they gain experience on the job.

What does an entry level firefighter do?

As an entry-level firefighter, your responsibilities are to suppress fires and respond to emergency calls as part of a fire brigade or company. You also have numerous duties in the firehouse, such as inspecting and maintaining equipment, cleaning, and completing administrative tasks. The term firefighter typically denotes the lowest rank in a company, and this rank is often divided into several categories to indicate your level of experience. As a firefighter, you take orders from your superiors, such as the driver or engineer, lieutenant, and captain of the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Firefighter, you need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, basic emergency response knowledge, and successful completion of fire academy training. Familiarity with emergency communication systems, firefighting equipment, and CPR or EMT certifications are typically required. Teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills. These abilities are essential to effectively respond to emergencies, ensure public safety, and work cohesively within firefighting teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Firefighter vs Firefighter Trainee?

AspectEntry Level FirefighterFirefighter Trainee
Required CertificationsCPR, EMT, Firefighter 1 certificationTypically in training, may have basic certifications
Work EnvironmentActive firefighting, emergency responseTraining environment, supervised drills
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire academies, training programs

Entry Level Firefighters are fully qualified to respond to emergencies and perform firefighting duties, while Firefighter Trainees are in training, gaining necessary certifications and experience before becoming full firefighters.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in California?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Firefighter jobs in California?

For Entry Level Firefighter jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Firefighter jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Firefighter jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Firefighter jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Firefighter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,826 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Program Manager, Wildfire Preparedness Program (Antelope Valley)

CORE Community Organized Relief Effort

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$77K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description
The Wildfire Preparedness Program Manager will co-lead the execution of a major grant in partnership with a local San Gabriel Valley community-based organization. This role includes strategic project management of various initiatives, such as education and targeted outreach for preparedness, home assessment, defensible space and fuel reduction. The Program Manager will provide leadership and supervision to Program Coordinators and other staff, acting as the main point of contact in the region. In addition, the Program Manager will work closely with CORE CA's Community & Environmental Equity's Area Manager to review weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks and milestones to achieve the goals of the program.
This position may also be designated as a resource for national deployment to aid in various disaster scenarios as part of CORE's Emergency Response Team.
We require all employees to comply with our Mandatory Vaccination Policy. As a condition of employment individuals will be asked to provide proof of compliance.
Antelope Valley residents highly encouraged to apply.
Requirements
Responsibilities:
  • Lead CORE's design and implementation of an upstart wildfire preparedness program in San Gabriel Valley
  • Act as the primary liaison with the local partners, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders.
  • Guide the vision, development, and delivery of wildfire preparedness education and outreach programs, specifically aimed at the region's most vulnerable and rural populations.
  • Manage relationships with a wide array of local, county and state stakeholders, fostering effective partnerships and community involvement.
  • Manage the program's administrative and data support needs, ensuring compliance, data integrity, and effective tracking of key metrics and resources.
  • Oversee the creation, presentation, and distribution of engaging and comprehensive wildfire preparedness educational materials and presentations.
  • Guide the inventory management of tools, equipment, supplies, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all local, state, and federal emergency alert systems, fire weather warnings, weather radar/winds and assist the community in understanding and becoming active users of these resources.
  • Supervise and mentors Program Coordinators and other entry-level staff and volunteers, providing guidance, knowledge, and support.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Scope & Travel:
  • Supervise 1-2 Wildfire Preparedness Program Coordinators.
  • Supervise other staff (such as California Emergency Response Corp Fellows and volunteers) as assigned.
  • Significant travel within the Antelope Valley communities. Travel also includes within Southern California for work meetings, trainings, conferences, and field operations.
  • Weekend availability for occasional events and community engagement

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in wildfire management, emergency management, environmental science, forestry, or a related field, OR equivalent professional experience in wildfire mitigation or disaster preparedness. A master's degree is preferred.
  • Relevant certifications such as Wildland Firefighter/Field Crew, Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist or Project Management Professional (PMP) are preferred, and equivalent experience will be considered.
  • Proficiency in creating and delivering presentations to a variety of audiences in different environments.
  • Proficiency in a second language such as Spanish, Mandarin and/or Cantonese (preferred.)

Experience:
  • Minimum 3 years in the field of disaster preparedness, environmental health, or climate science/resilience.
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in program management, wildfire mitigation or disaster preparedness, with a record of effective team leadership.
  • Proven experience in community outreach and education, especially with vulnerable populations.
  • Proficient in high-level project and people management.
  • Demonstrable ability to assess communities' highest wildfire risk areas and develop robust outreach and targeting training in Wildfire Preparedness.
  • Experience in inventory management of tools, equipment, and PPE.
  • Familiarity with the Antelope Valley and its specific wildfire risks and community dynamics.
  • Demonstrated experience with preparing and managing grant funded budgets. Ability to make decisions and pivot based on budget fluctuations.
  • Familiarity with community-based organizations in Antelope Valley.

Skills & Competencies:
  • Deep understanding of wildfire home assessment and defensible space best practices.
  • Proficiency in data management, with an emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with experience presenting to diverse audiences.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of local emergency alert systems and fire weather warnings and fire behavior.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and a high level of output.
  • Proficient in MS Office applications and ESRI GIS Suite.
  • Work proactively with little supervision.
  • Flexible and adaptive to a frequently changing environment
  • Strong project management, leadership, and organizational skills.