Explosives Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

• This is a 12-month limited-term position that may be extended to 24 months with the possibility of becoming permanent.
Please Note: Due to postal service delays, electronic submission of application is recommended.
Please see the Duty Statement link, found in the Additional Documents section, for more information.
Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a Recruitment Questionnaire, located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLYSH8V
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
To be eligible for consideration, you must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
1) Taken and passed the examination for this classification and be on a current certified list;
2) Eligible to transfer;
3) Eligible to reinstate.
Applicants that successfully pass the examination will be placed on an eligibility list. Obtaining list eligibility does not guarantee employment. Those interested in obtaining employment must apply and compete through the State recruitment process.
Sign up for CAL FIRE exam notifications here.
General information on CAL FIRE career opportunities can be found here.
For questions about the exam process, job application process, or about career opportunities with CAL FIRE, email our Recruitment Unit at CALFIRErecruitment@fire.ca.gov or call (916) 894-9585.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions

• Positions will be headquartered in one of the following counties: Humboldt, Shasta, Butte, Sonoma, Sacramento, Alameda, Fresno, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Luis Obispo. Additionally, the incumbent's responsibilities will require routine travel and work statewide. Positions and locations will be offered based on operational need.

• As a state law enforcement job classification without emergency fire suppression duties, alternate grooming standards may be authorized by the Program Supervisor to maintain anonymity for core law enforcement operations and assignments of the position. The incumbent shall meet the grooming standards required to wear respiratory protection equipment, including SCBA, as applicable during planned need. This does not eliminate the annual clearance requirements of the incumbent.

• Complete and maintain Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Regular Basic Course Academy (RBC) certification, current weapons qualification status, and other POST required training. The incumbent must be able to lift, carry, or move heavy objects in excess of 75 pounds in confined spaces and over distances of up to one (1) mile; wear and operate a Bomb Suit. *Complete and maintain Certified Explosives Specialist Core training/certification pursuant to Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF) requirements. *Complete and maintain Bomb Technician certification through the Hazardous Devices School (HDS) pursuant to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) requirements. Ability and willingness to work throughout the State and at unusual hours, weekends, and holidays; may be placed on standby or on-call 24 hours; possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License and good driving record. In an out-of-state travel is required up to 35% of the time and may include overnight stays. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of available bomb types and devices, including Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and incendiary devices; maintain Certified Explosives Specialist training, as applicable; meet industry standards and stay appraised of guidelines (e.g., safety, fire investigation, fire suppression tactics, etc.). Maintain Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) certification through a recognized accepted accreditation process, such as the OSFM, California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI), National Association of Arson Investigators (NAFI), or International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ARSON AND BOMB INVESTIGATOR

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-522760
Position #(s):
544-542-9015-001
Working Title:
Supervising Arson and Bomb Investigator
Classification:
SENIOR ARSON AND BOMB INVESTIGATOR $8,504.00 - $11,814.00
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:
United States
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
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 14,000 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. CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!
Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

This position requires Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) Clearance prior to the incumbent being hired.
• The incumbent may be 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, California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CalOSHA) 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 including a review of the incumbent's medical history, a complete physical examination, and vision, hearing, spirometry, and exercise treadmill tests. Duties involve field work requiring physical performance calling for above-average ability, endurance, and superior condition, including occasional demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities in emergencies, under adverse environmental conditions, and over extended periods of time; requires running, walking, difficult climbing, jumping, twisting, bending and lifting over 25 pounds; and the pace of work is typically set by the emergency situation.
All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.
1. Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
2. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined a candidate does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.
The minimum qualifications can be found in the SENIOR ARSON AND BOMB INVESTIGATOR classification specifications.
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: 7/6/2026
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
N/A
Attn: Classification and Hiring
P.O. Box 944246
Sacramento , CA 94244-2460
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
N/A
Classification and Hiring
710 Riverpoint Court, Suite 250
West Sacramento , CA 95605
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.

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:
Bryan Gouge
(916) 580-9455
bryan.gouge@fire.ca.gov
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
Filing a job application "within the time" shall mean: applications must be postmarked by the United States Postal Service (USPS) or depositing with a parcel delivery or courier service no later than the final filing date specified by the job vacancy announcement, provided that the parcel contains proof of a timely deposit with the parcel delivery or courier service or
- Date stamped at the appropriate office of the appointing power no later than the final filing date specified by the job vacancy announcement
or
- Electronically transmitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the final filing date specified on the job vacancy announcement.
For the purposes of determining whether an application has been filed within the time as set forth above, any dates printed on mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology shall not be considered postmarks and, as such, are not acceptable proof of the date the application was filed.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS