1

Hand Crew Firefighter Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-22

Hand Crew Firefighter information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$29.7K

$62.2K

$104.3K

How much do hand crew firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for hand crew firefighter in Riverside, CA is $62,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hand crew firefighter?

Hand Crew Firefighters are specially trained wildland firefighters who work in teams to suppress wildfires. They use hand tools, such as shovels, axes, and chainsaws, to create firebreaks, remove fuel, and control the spread of fires, often in rugged and remote terrain. Hand crews are essential for containing wildfires, as they perform physically demanding tasks under challenging conditions, sometimes for long hours. Their work is critical in protecting lives, property, and natural resources from fire damage.

What are some common challenges faced by hand crew firefighters during wildfire assignments?

Hand Crew Firefighters often work in physically demanding and rapidly changing environments, which can present challenges such as long shifts, exposure to extreme weather, and rugged terrain. Team members must remain alert and adaptable as fire behavior can change quickly, requiring constant communication and coordination. Additionally, they may need to hike long distances carrying heavy gear, and manage fatigue while maintaining safety protocols. These challenges make teamwork, resilience, and strong situational awareness essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hand crew firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hand Crew Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of wildfire suppression techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like chainsaws, shovels, and fire shelters, as well as certifications such as the Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), are typically required. Teamwork, resilience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this high-stress environment. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safety, effective coordination, and successful wildfire containment in hazardous conditions.

What is the difference between Hand Crew Firefighter vs Wildland Firefighter?

AspectHand Crew FirefighterWildland Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter 1, S-130, S-190, First Aid/CPRFirefighter 1, S-130, S-190, First Aid/CPR
Work EnvironmentTeam-based, on-the-ground fire suppression, often in remote areasSimilar, involved in fire suppression in wildland areas
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or local fire agencies; wildfire suppressionFederal, state, or local agencies; wildfire response

Both Hand Crew Firefighters and Wildland Firefighters share similar certifications, work environments, and industry usage. The main difference is that Hand Crew Firefighters typically work as part of specialized hand crews focused on fire line construction, suppression, and containment, whereas Wildland Firefighters may have broader roles including initial attack and support tasks. Both roles are essential in wildfire management and require similar training and qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Hand Crew Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Hand Crew Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hand Crew Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Hand Crew Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Hand Crew Firefighter jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Hand Crew Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Hand Crew Firefighter job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,185 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Suppression)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Lytle Creek, CA • On-site

$44K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

This position is located at USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region, Region 5
The purpose of these positions is wildland fire suppression/management/control, as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot, helitack or hand crew. Other wildland fire related duties might involve fire prevention, patrol, detection, or prescribed burning.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Brian Grabowski - brian.grabowski@usda.govQualifications: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. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Experience Requirements:
For the GW-03 level: Applicants must have minimum six months experience of any type of work that demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the Forestry Technician position, or general experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the Forestry Technician occupation;
OR
Successful completion of a one (1)-year of related education or appropriate firefighting training may be substituted for experience on a month-for-month basis. Firefighting training obtained as part of a high school curriculum-may be substituted for the six (6) months of general experience.
OR
an appropriate combination of education and experience.
Examples of qualifying general experience include: Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of a Wildland Firefighter, or general experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the Wildland Firefighter occupation. Examples of general experience include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding and tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; Worked in a greenhouse or nursery moving, watering, and tending plants and performing other general labor tasks; Fed and watered animals, such as in a laboratory, pet store, or zoo; Any work experience, paid or unpaid. Unpaid experience, for example, may be regular volunteer work, such as at a park, community sports league facilities, etc.
For the GW-04 level: Applicants must have minimum of six months of general experience (any type of work that demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the Forestry Technician position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the Forestry Technician occupation) AND six months of specialized experience that is directly related to the work of the Forestry Technician position;
OR
Successful completion of a two (2)-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and experience.
Examples of qualifying general experience include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities and/or worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants and/or animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store and/or volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc.
Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Performed natural resource support work, e.g., forestry, range, park technician, wildland firefighter, or similar jobs; performed routine support assignments in a forestry specialty area, e.g., wilderness, timber, fire prevention/control, etc.
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.
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.
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 ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT 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.
Selective Placement Factor for Promotion to GW-5: This position has been identified as High Complexity 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.
Additional Requirement for Promotion Eligibility to the Full Performance GW-05 grade level: Successfully complete the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) -AND- Successfully complete the NWCG Course S-290 Wildland Fire Behavior.Education:See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.Employment Type: OTHER