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Fire Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fire Captain

Irvine, CA

$106K - $143K/yr

Company Officer 2A - Human Resources Management Company Officer 2B - General Administrative Functions Company Officer 2C - Fire Inspections and Investigations Company Officer 2D - All Risk Command ...

Fire Captain

Irvine, CA · On-site

$106K - $143K/yr

Fire Management 1 * Fire Prevention 1A or Fire Prevention 1 * Fire Prevention 1B or Fire Prevention 1 To ensure applicants are qualified to open an Engine Boss (ENGB) task book, proof of ENGB ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Management information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$54.3K

How much do fire management jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire management in California is $53,197.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $53,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fire management?

Fire management is the practice of planning, preventing, and responding to fires in natural and built environments. This field involves activities such as controlled burns, wildfire suppression, fire prevention education, and ecological restoration. Fire management professionals work to protect human life, property, and natural resources while maintaining the ecological benefits that fire can provide to certain ecosystems. Their work often involves collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in fire management, and why are they important?

To thrive in Fire Management, you need expertise in fire behavior, emergency response planning, and risk assessment, typically supported by a degree in fire science or a related field and relevant firefighting certifications. Familiarity with incident command systems (ICS), GIS mapping tools, and fire modeling software is often required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are vital for coordinating teams and responding effectively under pressure. These skills and qualifications ensure effective wildfire prevention, resource management, and safety for both personnel and communities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in fire management, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Fire management professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, coordinating with multiple agencies, and ensuring the safety of both personnel and the public. Applicants can prepare by developing strong communication and decision-making skills, staying physically fit, and gaining familiarity with incident command systems. Additionally, ongoing training and adaptability are key to effectively responding to unpredictable wildfire scenarios and collaborating within interdisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Fire Management vs Fire Inspector?

AspectFire ManagementFire Inspector
Required CertificationsFire Science Degree, Fire Management CertificationFire Inspector Certification, State Fire Marshal Certification
Work EnvironmentFire departments, emergency management agencies, large facilitiesInspection sites, fire code enforcement, building safety assessments
Employer & Industry UsagePublic safety agencies, government, large organizationsMunicipalities, fire departments, regulatory agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Fire Management involves overseeing fire safety programs, coordinating emergency responses, and developing fire prevention strategies. Fire Inspectors focus on examining buildings for fire hazards, enforcing fire codes, and ensuring compliance. While both roles require fire safety knowledge and certifications, Fire Management emphasizes planning and coordination, whereas Fire Inspectors concentrate on inspections and enforcement.

How to become a fire management officer?

To become a fire management officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, along with experience in fire suppression and management. Certification in wildfire management and training in fire safety are often required, and strong leadership and communication skills are essential for coordinating firefighting efforts and planning fire prevention strategies.

What job categories do people searching Fire Management jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Management jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Fire Management job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,197 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Operations Specialist)

Bridgeport, CA • On-site, Remote

Forest Service
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$67K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Summary
These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position serves as a technical specialist in the area of fire suppression and fire leadership in support of the unit's initial attack fire suppression effort.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional Contacts.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Performs a wide variety of limited operational projects to address a broad range of technical fire management problems.
  • Analyzes on-the-ground fuel conditions, weather, and availability of resources to ensure conformance to fire management plans.
  • Recommends personnel, equipment, logistics, and communications needs for all aspects of the fire management program.
  • Gathers data on the specific type of preparation needed before work begins, and makes recommendations of any changes needed. Sets fire crew work schedules and duty stations.
  • Sets fire crew work schedules and duty stations. Develops specific plans for burning projects after analyzing fuels. Develops cost estimates for projects.
  • Solves, in collaboration with others, nonstandard technical problems requiring the use of specialized, complicated techniques that pertain to the National Fire Management Analysis System (NFMAS).

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
  • Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-07 in the Federal service. Examples of Specialized experience may include: Performed limited operational projects to address technical fire management problems, such as assisting with the analysis of on-the-ground fuel conditions, weather, and availability of resources to ensure conformance to fire management plans; gathers data for the development of fuel treatment and urban plans; assist in the implementation of the fuels management program; and executes forestry and fire management support work such as monitoring and inspecting timber and reporting on contractor compliance.
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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
There is no education requirement or substitution for this position.
Additional information
For additional information about the duties and location(s) of these positions, please contact regional representative: To see the different locations within the Regional Offices | US Forest Service (usda.gov)
Region 1: Northern Region - Tiffany Counts at tiffany.counts@usda.gov
Region 2: Rocky Mountain Region - Timothy Griffin at timothy.e.griffin@usda.gov
Region 4: Intermountain Region - Bradley Bugger at bradley.bugger@usda.gov
Region 6: Pacific Northwest Region - Shalyn Whitson shalyn.whitson@usda.gov
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov
Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.
Forest Service daycare facilities may be available.
Government Housing may be available.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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