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Firefighter Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Firefighter Engineer information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$81.9K

$110K

How much do firefighter engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter engineer in California is $81,892.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firefighter engineer?

Firefighter Engineers, also known as Fire Apparatus Engineers, are specialized firefighters responsible for operating and maintaining fire engines and other emergency vehicles. They ensure that all equipment functions properly, drive vehicles to emergency scenes, and often assist in firefighting and rescue operations. In addition to technical skills, Firefighter Engineers must have a strong understanding of hydraulics, pump operations, and safety protocols. Their role is critical in ensuring rapid and effective emergency response by the fire department.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a firefighter engineer?

To thrive as a Firefighter Engineer, you need strong knowledge of fire suppression, emergency response protocols, and the operation and maintenance of fire apparatus, typically supported by fire science coursework and relevant certifications. Familiarity with hydraulic calculations, pump operations, and systems like CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills for performing safely under pressure and coordinating with crews. These competencies ensure quick, safe, and effective emergency response, which is vital for protecting lives and property.

What challenges does a firefighter engineer face while operating and maintaining fire apparatus during emergency responses?

Firefighter Engineers often face the challenge of quickly assessing and adapting to rapidly changing emergency situations while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of fire engines and related equipment. They must maintain focus under pressure, troubleshoot mechanical issues on the spot, and coordinate closely with the firefighting crew to deliver continuous water supply and support. Balancing equipment maintenance duties with active response tasks requires strong technical knowledge and the ability to make fast, informed decisions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Firefighter Engineers play a critical role in both the safety and success of emergency operations.

What is the difference between Firefighter Engineer vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighter EngineerFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, Firefighter Engineer certificationFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license
Work EnvironmentOperates fire apparatus, maintains equipment, assists in fire suppressionPerforms fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services
ResponsibilitiesDrives fire trucks, maintains equipment, supports firefighting operationsRescues victims, extinguishes fires, provides emergency medical care

Firefighter Engineers are trained to operate fire apparatus and maintain equipment, supporting firefighting efforts. Firefighters focus on fire suppression, rescue, and medical services. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in operational responsibilities and equipment handling.

What does a firefighter engineer do in firefighting?

A firefighter engineer operates and maintains fire apparatus, such as fire engines and pumps, during firefighting operations. They are responsible for ensuring equipment functions properly, assisting with fire suppression, and often hold certifications in firefighting and emergency medical services. Their role requires technical skills, physical fitness, and the ability to work under stressful conditions.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Firefighter Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Firefighter Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Firefighter Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,892 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Lead Wildland Firefighter (Engineering Equipment Operator)

Santa Maria, CA โ€ข On-site

$39.61/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position serves as a lead operator of heavy equipment on initial attack, fire and fuels management activities and operates this equipment in support of other natural resource projects, and is responsible for the operation of a variety of heavy equipment for fire suppression activities.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for regional contacts.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 Federal Wage System Qualifications Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Basic Requirement: You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator Leader.
Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than length of experience. Eligibility will be determined by the relevance, scope and quality of all experience and training, regardless of where or how acquired. Applicants will be rated based on their knowledge of the job elements identified in this announcement.
Applicants who do not meet the screen-out job elements will not be further evaluated.
Screen-out Job Element:
  • Ability to lead the work of an Engineering Equipment Operator Leader using equipment such as dozers, motor graders, backhoes, loaders, and excavators.
Job Element:
  • Experience operating engineering and construction equipment, such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle-dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments to push, pull, fill, pile or load gravel or earth.

Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of DZIA (Dozer Operator Initial Attack) qualification.
-AND-
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 90 Days of Entry on Duty.
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
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 primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
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 MODERATE 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 substitution of education for this position.Employment Type: OTHER