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Full Time Cal Fire Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$27 - $40/hr

Valid Cal Fire Fitter Certification * Safety training specific to the role * Fitter license required for Foreman position Job Type: * Full-time, on-site, Monday - Friday * 40 hours a week Benefits ...

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Full Time Cal Fire information

See salary details

$31K

$105.6K

$183K

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

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time cal fire in the United States is $105,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectFull Time Cal FireSeasonal Cal Fire Firefighter
Employment TypePermanent, year-roundTemporary, seasonal
CertificationsRequired certifications, such as EMT, Firefighter ISame certifications often required
Work EnvironmentConsistent, full-time firefighting dutiesIntensive firefighting during fire season
BenefitsHealth insurance, retirement, paid leaveLimited or no benefits

Full Time Cal Fire positions offer permanent employment with comprehensive benefits and year-round duties, while Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighters work temporarily during fire seasons, focusing on firefighting during peak periods. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but Full Time roles provide more stability and benefits.

How much does CAL FIRE pay per hour?

Full-time CAL FIRE firefighters typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, rank, and location. Overtime, certifications, and specialized skills can increase overall pay, and the job often requires physical fitness and firefighting certifications.

Do firefighters make $100,000 a year?

Full-time firefighters, including those working for CAL FIRE, can earn $100,000 or more annually with overtime, experience, and additional certifications. Salaries vary by location, rank, and years of service, with many firefighters reaching six-figure incomes after several years of work.

What are Full Time Cal Fire positions?

Full Time Cal Fire positions refer to permanent, career roles within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Employees in these positions are responsible for fire prevention, wildfire suppression, emergency response, and resource management throughout California. Full time staff may include firefighters, forestry aides, fire apparatus engineers, and other support roles. These positions typically offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for career advancement. Full time employment with CAL FIRE requires meeting specific qualifications and passing a competitive hiring process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full-Time Cal Fire firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full-Time Cal Fire firefighter, you need a strong foundation in fire science, emergency medical response, and physical fitness, typically supported by a high school diploma and completion of a fire academy or related certifications. Proficiency with fire suppression equipment, emergency communication systems, and incident management software is essential. Teamwork, resilience under pressure, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are vital to ensure the safety of the public and fellow firefighters while efficiently managing emergencies in high-risk environments.

How much does a full-time firefighter make?

A full-time firefighter in California typically earns an annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, rank, and location. Firefighters often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, and must complete training and certifications to qualify for the role.

Can I join CAL FIRE with no experience?

Full Time CAL FIRE positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and may include physical fitness tests and training. Prior firefighting experience is not always necessary for entry-level roles, as training is provided, but relevant skills and certifications can improve your chances of hiring.

What are some common challenges faced by full-time Cal Fire personnel during wildfire season?

Full-time Cal Fire personnel often face long hours and physically demanding work, especially during peak wildfire season. The unpredictable nature of wildfires means responding to emergencies at any time, often requiring rapid deployment and teamwork under stressful conditions. Adapting to changing fire behavior, ensuring personal safety, and coordinating with other agencies can be challenging, but strong training and support from colleagues help manage these demands. Building resilience and maintaining work-life balance are important for success in this role.
More about Full Time Cal Fire jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Cal Fire jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Cal Fire job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire jobs? The most popular types of Cal Fire jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Cal Fire jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Cal Fire jobs are:
Infographic showing various Full Time Cal Fire job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,577 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

$9.8K - $12K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

For questions related to the duties of the position, please contact Unit Chief Brandon Gunn by phone at (707) 391-6700 or by email at Brandon.Gunn@fire.ca.gov.
This position is located in Willits, CA.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
The incumbent typically is required to perform psychologically stressful and/or physically demanding duties consistent with firefighting, disaster response, and emergency medical response, including working in isolated areas, walking or running on uneven rough terrain, and remaining on duty 24 hours or longer without a break while performing these duties.
May be subject to working nights, weekends or holidays in support of emergency incidents.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • FORESTER III
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-520851
Position #(s):
542-113-1041-001
Working Title:
Resource Manager
Classification:
FORESTER III $9,897.00 - $12,843.00
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:
Mendocino County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Mendocino 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. CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!
Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a(n) California Registered Professional Forester License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.
The incumbent is required to wear respiratory protection equipment (including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The use of such equipment may place a physiological burden on the incumbent that varies with the type of equipment used, the job and workplace conditions in which the equipment is used, and the medical status of the incumbent. As such, Cal/OSHA requires that the incumbent be annually medically cleared to be fit-tested for respiratory protection equipment. This clearance process consists of a comprehensive medical evaluation including a review of the incumbent's medical history, a complete physical examination, and vision, hearing, spirometry, and exercise treadmill test.
Must complete CAL FIRE Fighter Academy (FFA) and Company Officer Academy (COA) training during probationary period as a condition of employment or show proof of completion.
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: 6/18/2026
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 Northern Region Hiring
Attn: CAL FIRE - MEU Forester III
135 Ridgway Avenue
Santa Rosa , CA 95401
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 Northern Region Hiring
CAL FIRE MEU Forester III
135 Ridgway Avenue
Santa Rosa , CA 95401
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). This form may be found at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/D817B8E27D8049C3BC35297686467FB9
  • Other - Copy of the front and back of your valid Driver's License of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Other - Copy of your valid California Registered Professional Forester License.
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.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Possession of a valid Driver License of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Must have thorough knowledge of forest management principles and practices, forest protection and fire prevention, forest management plan, forest products harvesting and sales, forest mensuration principles and practices, the fundamentals of land surveying, and forest ecology.
Must have the ability to write technical reports and the ability to communicate with specialists, special interest groups, and the public. Also required is a thorough knowledge of the Forest Practice Act, Board rules, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and other State and Federal Environmental, Forest, and Fire Laws. Must have a thorough knowledge of law enforcement principles and techniques.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
This classification is eligible for the following pay:
$9897 - $12843 Base Salary (paid every month)
$1851 Recruitment and Retention Differential (paid every month)
$140,976 - $176,328 Annual Compensation
In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Northern Region Hiring
(707) 576-2275
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.
Additional Information
Please include the position number 542-113-1041-001 on your STD 678 form.
Candidate may be selected by resume review.
Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a Recruitment Questionnaire, located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLYSH8V
How To Get a State Job
Individuals must pass an open examination before applying for most job vacancies with the State of California.
Use the "exam/assessment search" function on the CalCareers website at www.jobs.ca.gov to search for the examination you are interested in applying for. If the exam is currently being offered, you will need to follow the directions in the exam bulletin on how to apply for and take the exam. Not all examinations are offered continuously or at the time a job vacancy occurs.
Successful examination candidates are placed on an eligibility list. Candidates should refer to their examination results for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the exam when necessary. Once list eligibility has been established, you can search and apply for current vacancies in the classification to which you have established eligibility.
Candidates must also meet the minimum qualifications of the classification to be appointed into the classification they are applying for. Minimum qualifications can be found in the class specifications listed on the exam bulletin or on the CalCareers website. Application packages should include documentation and relevant experience that shows you have the required education and/or experience to meet the minimum qualifications.
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.