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Fire Engine Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc.

Engine Boss

Visalia, CA · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

WE'RE HIRING FOR THE 2026 FIRE SEASON! Our firefighters are the heartbeat of our company, and we ... Current driver's license with acceptable driving record * ENGBs hired after 9/19/2024 must have a ...

Chumash Enterprises

Fire Captain

Shandon, CA · On-site

$46 - $54.12/hr

Drives the fire engine and transports firefighting personnel to an emergency site; locates hydrants ... Valid Firefighter Class B California Driver's License. * Completed Firefighter 1 Certification Task ...

Chumash Enterprises

Fire Captain

Shandon, CA · On-site

Drives the fire engine and transports firefighting personnel to an emergency site; locates hydrants ... Valid Firefighter Class B California Driver's License. * Completed Firefighter 1 Certification Task ...

Fortis Fire & Safety

Fire Pump Inspector

Orange, CA · On-site

Ability to meet company driving eligibility requirements, including holding a valid driver ... Familiarity with electric motor-driven and/or diesel engine-driven fire pumps, jockey pumps, and ...

Kern County

Fire Equipment Mechanic

Bakersfield, CA

... and diesel engine mechanics as applied to maintenance and repair; and the procedures, tools ... Possession of a valid California Class A Driver's License required to successfully pass the six (6) ...

Intelligent Fire Systems & Solutions

Reg 4 Tester

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Complete and submit test results via the LAFD-approved Compliance Engine within required timelines ... fire sprinkler systems required (typically 2+ years preferred). * Valid drivers license with ...

Kern County, CA

Fire Equipment Mechanic

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$5.0K - $6.0K/mo

... and diesel engine mechanics as applied to maintenance and repair; and the procedures, tools ... Possession of a valid California Class A Driver's License required to successfully pass the six (6) ...

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Fire Engine Driver information

See California salary details

$9

$25

$48

How much do fire engine driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire engine driver in California is $25.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.95 and $30.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Fire Engine Driver during emergency responses?

Fire Engine Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating through heavy traffic, adverse weather conditions, and unfamiliar locations while maintaining safety for the crew and public. Quick decision-making and calm under pressure are essential, as drivers must operate large emergency vehicles efficiently and coordinate closely with dispatchers and firefighting teams. Additionally, Fire Engine Drivers are responsible for the safe setup and operation of on-board equipment at the scene, making adaptability and strong communication skills crucial for success in this role.

What are Fire Engine Drivers?

Fire Engine Drivers, also known as fire apparatus operators or engineers, are firefighters trained to operate and drive fire engines and other emergency response vehicles. Their primary responsibility is to safely transport firefighters and equipment to emergency scenes and to operate the vehicle's pumps and other systems during firefighting operations. They must have specialized training in driving large emergency vehicles, understanding traffic laws, and maintaining the fire engine's mechanical systems. Fire Engine Drivers play a critical role in ensuring quick response times and supporting firefighting efforts on the scene.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Engine Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Engine Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), thorough knowledge of vehicle operation, and a strong understanding of emergency response protocols. Familiarity with fire engine apparatus, GPS navigation, and radio communication systems is typically required, along with certifications such as Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC). Excellent situational awareness, calmness under pressure, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure timely and safe transportation of crew and equipment, directly impacting emergency response effectiveness and community safety.

What is the difference between Fire Engine Driver vs Firefighter?

AspectFire Engine DriverFirefighter
Required CertificationsDriver's license with fire apparatus endorsement, basic firefighting certificationFirefighter certification, EMT or paramedic license often preferred
Work EnvironmentPrimarily operates fire engines, drives to emergency sitesPerforms rescue, suppression, and medical aid at scenes
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency response teams

While both roles are vital in fire emergency response, the Fire Engine Driver primarily focuses on operating fire apparatus and ensuring quick, safe transportation to emergencies. Firefighters perform a broader range of duties, including rescue and fire suppression. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within fire services.

What cities in California are hiring for Fire Engine Driver jobs? Cities in California with the most Fire Engine Driver job openings:
Fire Engine Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Engine Driver job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,954 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Engine Boss

Engine Boss

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc.

Visalia, CA • On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 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 (Visalia, CA)

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