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Fire Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fire Protection Planner

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Dudek's team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners and land management agencies to evaluate wildfire hazard and ...

Fire Protection Planner

Encinitas, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Dudek's team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners and land management agencies to evaluate wildfire hazard and ...

Fire Protection Planner

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Dudek's team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners and land management agencies to evaluate wildfire hazard and ...

Fire Protection Planner

Mission Viejo, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Dudek's team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners and land management agencies to evaluate wildfire hazard and ...

Fire Protection Planner

Auburn, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Dudek's team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners and land management agencies to evaluate wildfire hazards and ...

Summary The Fire Protection Design Engineer is responsible for supporting the design and analysis of fire protection and life safety systems across a diverse range of projects. This mid-level role is ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Protection information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$61.8K

$98.7K

How much do fire protection jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection in California is $61,845.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $71,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills are needed for fire protection jobs?

Fire protection jobs require strong knowledge of fire safety protocols, building codes, and fire suppression systems. Skills in inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fire alarm and sprinkler systems are essential, along with attention to detail and safety awareness. Certifications such as NICET or state-specific licenses are often required or preferred.

What are some common challenges faced by fire protection professionals in maintaining compliance with evolving safety codes?

Fire protection professionals often encounter challenges in staying current with frequently updated fire safety codes and regulations. This requires continuous learning and close collaboration with local authorities, engineers, and building managers to ensure systems remain compliant. Managing retrofits in older buildings and coordinating inspections can also present logistical difficulties. However, these challenges offer opportunities to develop expertise and become a valuable resource within the organization.

What is the difference between Fire Protection vs Fire Alarm Technician?

AspectFire ProtectionFire Alarm Technician
CertificationsNFPA certifications, state licensesNICET certification, state licenses
Work EnvironmentDesign, install, inspect fire suppression systemsInstall, maintain, troubleshoot fire alarm systems
Industry UsageFire safety systems, suppression systemsAlarm systems, detection devices
Common Search/ComparisonFire ProtectionFire Alarm Technician

Fire Protection professionals focus on designing, installing, and maintaining fire suppression systems like sprinklers and extinguishers. Fire Alarm Technicians specialize in installing and servicing fire alarm and detection systems. While both roles ensure fire safety, Fire Protection covers a broader range of systems, whereas Fire Alarm Technicians concentrate on alarm systems specifically.

How to become a certified fire protection specialist?

To become a certified fire protection specialist, individuals typically need relevant work experience in fire safety, complete specialized training or education, and pass certification exams such as those offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or other recognized bodies. Maintaining certification often requires ongoing education and adherence to industry standards. Skills in fire codes, safety protocols, and inspection procedures are essential for this role.

What are fire protection jobs?

Fire protection jobs involve roles dedicated to preventing, controlling, and extinguishing fires to protect people, property, and the environment. These positions can include firefighters, fire inspectors, fire prevention specialists, and engineers who design fire safety systems. Responsibilities may range from emergency response to public education, safety inspections, and the maintenance of fire protection equipment. Professionals in this field work for fire departments, government agencies, private companies, or consulting firms. Fire protection jobs require specialized training and, in many cases, certifications or licenses.

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

To excel in Fire Protection, you need a solid understanding of fire safety codes, risk assessment, and system design, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as NICET. Familiarity with fire alarm systems, suppression technologies, CAD software, and inspection tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the accurate design, installation, and maintenance of fire protection systems, which are critical for safeguarding lives and property.

What are the career paths in fire protection?

Fire protection professionals can pursue various career paths, including fire inspector, fire investigator, fire safety engineer, fire protection technician, and fire department officer. Advancement often requires relevant certifications, experience, and specialized training in areas such as fire codes, safety systems, and emergency response. Many roles involve working with fire suppression systems, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Is fire safety a good career?

A career in fire protection involves preventing and responding to fires, often requiring certifications such as fire inspector or firefighter training. It offers job stability, the opportunity to serve the community, and the potential for advancement, but it also involves working in high-risk environments and irregular hours.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Protection jobs in California? The most popular types of Fire Protection jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Fire Protection jobs? Cities in California with the most Fire Protection job openings:
Fire Protection Planner

Fire Protection Planner

Dudek

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Overview

Location(s):ย  Mission Viejo, CA / Encinitas, CA / San Diego, CAPractice/Department:ย  Urban ForestryWork Environment:ย  HybridCompensation: $85,000 - $140,000

Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.ย 

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has beenย recognized by leading industry organizations, andย we'veย been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.ย 

Ourย employee-ownersย are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.ย 

Learn more about ourย award-winning culture, theย benefits and perksย of being aย Dudekian, and theย projectsย you will have the opportunity to shape.ย ย 

Position Overview

Who You Areย 

As anย employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, andย collaborationย while thinking resourcefully and independently.ย 

Like allย Dudekians, you are curious andย solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit ofย innovation.ย ย 

Howย You'llย Make an Impactย 

We are seeking mid-level professional to join ourย fire protection planning team. Dudek's team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners and land management agencies to evaluate wildfire hazard and develop plans to mitigate wildfire risk. This position will be located in one of Dudek's San Diego, Orange, or Los Angeles County offices. Travel to project sites and client or fire agency offices in the Southern California region will be necessary. Familiarity with state and local building, development, and defensible space codes and standards is also highly desirable.

Duties and Responsibilitiesย ย 

  • Analyzing project maps, plans, and data sets and summarizing wildfire conditions for inclusion in reports and management plans.
  • Conducting field assessments to evaluate wildfire hazard conditions.
  • Analyzing field data, GIS data, and conducting project-related research.
  • Preparing or supporting preparation of fire protection plans, technical reports and development of fire hazard reduction recommendations.
  • Attending meetings to discuss the results of project-related assessments and analyses.
  • Representing clients and Dudek to local agencies

Minimum Qualificationsย 

  • Bachelor's degree in fire science, fire administration, forestry, natural resources, fire ecology, environmental science, or other related field.
  • 5 Years experience in any of the following: consulting, fire service, construction, development, project management
  • Ability to conduct research and evaluate data sets and planning documents and summarize pertinent information into reports.
  • Ability to understand and interpret site development plan drawings.
  • Ability to work independently

Preferred Qualificationsย 

  • Proficiency with fire behavior and wildfire hazard mapping and analysis software packages (e.g., BehavePlus, FlamMap, IFTDSS, etc.) is highly desirable.
  • Additional desired qualifications include excellent writing skills and GIS/CAD mapping skills.
  • Previous experience working for a fire department as a firefighter, inspector, investigator, deputy fire marshal, fire marshal
  • ICC or CASFM Fire Inspector, Plans Examiner, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal Certification
  • NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (CWMS)

Compensation: $85,000 - $140,000/annuallyย 

*Finalย agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual's related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.ย 

Working Conditionsย ย 

  • This jobย operatesย in a remote or office-basedย environmentย and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.ย 
  • Thisย job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment.ย 

Physical Requirementsย 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:ย ย 

  • Working on a computer, sitting, or standing forย long periodsย of time in an office or remote office setting.ย 
  • Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.ย ย 
  • Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.ย 

Connect with us!ย 

LinkedInย 

Instagramย 

YouTubeย 

Dudek Talent Communityย 

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair andย equitableย processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.ย 

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable lawsย providingย equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to allย personsย involved in Dudek's operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek's commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.ย 

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.ย ย 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME