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Full Time Cal Fire Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Full Time Cal Fire Firefighter information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do full time cal fire firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time cal fire firefighter in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time Cal Fire firefighter?

Full Time Cal Fire Firefighters are professional firefighters employed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). They are responsible for responding to wildfires, structure fires, and other emergencies across California. In addition to firefighting, their duties include fire prevention, public education, and emergency medical response. They work year-round and may also assist with natural disasters and rescues. CAL FIRE firefighters undergo extensive training and are a critical part of California’s emergency response system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time Cal Fire firefighter?

To thrive as a Full Time Cal Fire Firefighter, you need physical fitness, emergency medical training, fire science knowledge, and completion of a fire academy or equivalent certifications. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, wildland fire suppression tools, and communication systems like radios is crucial. Teamwork, resilience under pressure, and strong decision-making are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring the safety of both the public and the firefighting team during high-risk emergency situations.

What are some typical challenges faced by full time Cal Fire firefighters, and how is teamwork emphasized to overcome them?

Full-time Cal Fire firefighters often encounter challenging conditions, such as long hours during wildfire season, physically demanding tasks, and rapidly changing fire environments. Teamwork is essential, as firefighters must communicate effectively and rely on each other for safety, efficient fire suppression, and rescue operations. Regular training and strong camaraderie help crews respond cohesively, supporting both operational effectiveness and individual well-being. Collaborative problem-solving and clear leadership structures are a vital part of daily operations, ensuring everyone works together toward common goals.

What is the difference between Full Time Cal Fire Firefighter vs Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter?

AspectFull Time Cal Fire FirefighterSeasonal Cal Fire Firefighter
Employment TypeYear-round, permanentSeasonal, temporary
CertificationsBasic firefighter certification, EMTSame certifications, often required for seasonal roles
Work EnvironmentConsistent, full-time firefighting dutiesIntensive wildfire suppression during fire season
BenefitsHealth insurance, retirement, paid leaveLimited or no benefits, seasonal pay

Full Time Cal Fire Firefighters work year-round with comprehensive benefits, while Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighters are hired temporarily during fire seasons, often with fewer benefits. Both roles require similar certifications and work in wildfire suppression, but the employment stability and benefits differ significantly.

More about Full Time Cal Fire Firefighter jobs

What cities are hiring for Full Time Cal Fire Firefighter jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Cal Fire Firefighter job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire Firefighter jobs?

The most popular types of Cal Fire Firefighter jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time Cal Fire Firefighter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Cal Fire Firefighter jobs include:

Infographic showing various Full Time Cal Fire Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

$10K - $13K/mo

Full-time

PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Please see the attached duty statement for details on this position.
Contact Unit Chief Robert Fish at (951) 940-6917 for questions related to the duties of the position.
Must be a current CAL FIRE Assistant Chief
Candidate may be selected by resume review.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Maintains the arduous Fitness Standard in accordance with Department Policy. The incumbent is required to wear respiratory protection equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). As such, Cal/OSHA requires the incumbent be annually medically cleared to be fit tested for respiratory protection equipment. May be subject to working nights, weekends, or holidays.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • ASSISTANT CHIEF
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528153
Position #(s):
542-312-1039-601
Working Title:
Deputy Chief Special Operations
Classification:
ASSISTANT CHIEF $10,569.00 - $13,674.00
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:
Riverside County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Riverside Unit
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 12,000 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. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!
Special Requirements
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: 8/21/2026
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
CAL FIRE Southern Region Hiring
Attn: 542-312-1039-601
1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno , CA 93710
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Southern Region Hiring
542-312-1039-601
1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno , CA 93710
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.
  • Other -
    Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299): https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/D817B8E27D8049C3BC35297686467FB9
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. 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.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Alyssa Doyle
(559) 243-4103
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.
Required Documentation:
You must submit a completed State Application (STD. 678) [please include WORKING TITLE and POS# ], Resume, and Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299).
https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/D817B8E27D8049C3BC35297686467FB9
Submit the required documents to the following address:
CAL FIRE Southern Region Hiring
POS#: 542-312-1039-601
1234 E. Shaw Ave
Fresno, CA 93710
Applications/Resumes postmarked after the final filing date may not be considered.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants are highly encouraged to complete an OPTIONAL Recruitment Questionnaire , located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLYSH8V
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.