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Iaff Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Iaff information

See California salary details

$70.5K

$77K

$81.3K

How much do iaff jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for iaff in California is $76,978.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,421.00 and $79,807.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is IAFF?

The IAFF stands for the International Association of Fire Fighters, a labor union representing professional firefighters and emergency medical services personnel across the United States and Canada. Its members are responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue operations, and related public safety tasks. The IAFF advocates for safer working conditions, fair wages, and benefits for its members, as well as training and support. The organization also plays a significant role in shaping policies related to fire safety and emergency response at local, state, and national levels.

What is an IAFF job?

An IAFF job refers to a firefighting position represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The IAFF is a labor union that advocates for firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical personnel across the U.S. and Canada. IAFF members work in municipal fire departments, federal fire services, and other emergency response roles. Their duties include fire suppression, emergency medical response, hazardous materials handling, and search-and-rescue operations.

What are some common challenges firefighters may face when working as part of a fire department team?

Firefighters often encounter unpredictable and high-stress situations that require quick decision-making and strong teamwork. Coordinating effectively with other crew members during emergencies is essential, as clear communication can directly impact safety and outcomes. Additionally, balancing long shifts, physical demands, and emotional stressors can be challenging, but departments typically provide ongoing training and peer support to help personnel succeed and advance in their careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a firefighter and IAFF member, you need strong physical fitness, fire suppression knowledge, emergency medical skills, and often state certification or EMT licensure. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, hazardous materials protocols, and incident command systems is typically required. Exceptional teamwork, stress management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safety, efficient emergency response, and the protection of lives and property.

What is the difference between Iaff vs HVAC Technician?

AspectIaffHVAC Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires certification in firefighting or emergency services, sometimes specialized training in fire safetyRequires HVAC certification, EPA refrigerant handling license, and technical training
Work EnvironmentFire stations, emergency sites, training facilitiesResidential, commercial, and industrial buildings for installation and maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesHVAC companies, construction firms, maintenance services

The main difference between Iaff and HVAC Technician lies in their work focus and industry. Iaff professionals are primarily involved in fire safety and emergency response, often requiring specialized firefighting certifications. In contrast, HVAC Technicians focus on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, with certifications related to HVAC systems. While both roles require technical training, their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Iaff jobs in California?

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

Infographic showing various Iaff job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,978 per year, or $37 per hour.

Firefighter-Paramedic (Entry Level)

GovernmentJobs.com

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$109K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Firefighter-Paramedic

The City of San Rafael invites applicants for Firefighter-Paramedic. Annual salary for entry-level candidates is $109,223 - $130,211 (*eligible for up to 7.5% incentive pay after probationary year plus $200 per month Bi-Lingual Pay). All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications noted below will be invited to an Oral Board interview.

About the Department: The San Rafael Fire Department is an all-risk fire agency that includes 69 operational firefighters trained in the areas of firefighting, Advanced Life Support (ALS) response, ambulance transport, technical rescue, hazardous material response, disaster response, fire prevention, and community preparedness. We constantly strive to provide the highest level and most capable emergency service delivery possible to our community; a service that is professional, compassionate, predictable, consistent, and sustainable.

We are looking for individuals whose values align with our departmental commitment to respect, integrity, compassion, equality, and fairness. To schedule a station visit, phone or video call with active-duty personnel, e-mail Fire.Department@cityofsanrafael.org and provide your name and a contact phone number. Come join our extraordinary team!

Ideal Candidate: The Firefighter-Paramedic protects life, property, and the environment by performing firefighting activities, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials response, and fire prevention duties. The position is also responsible for maintaining fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities. The Department seeks individuals whose values align with our departmental commitment to respect, integrity, compassion, equality, and fairness. Our six San Rafael neighborhood fire stations deliver exceptionally courteous, compassionate, and professional public service. Our firefighters are committed to helping their community and their fellow firefighters. Our workforce is diverse and continuously strives to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our department supports a behavioral health program consisting of IAFF trained Peer Support members, as well as members trained in critical incident stress management. The culture established by our personnel is cited as a key contributor to what makes the San Rafael Fire Department a great place to work. With over half of our line personnel having been hired within the past decade, there is a major focus on physical fitness, training, health and wellness, and an overall excitement about learning the art and trades of firefighting and emergency medicine.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Candidates must have a high school diploma AND a minimum of 21 semester units of college coursework.
  • The following documents should be attached to your application as ONE PDF file. If you are still in the process of obtaining a Firefighter I or Paramedic License you will be asked to provide a status update prior to full background:
  • CPAT card dated on or after November 1, 2022. To register for an upcoming exam, visit https://www.fctconline.org/.
  • Completion of CA State Board of Fire Services Firefighter I curriculum or ability to obtain prior to appointment (expected initial appointments by February 16, 2024)
  • Valid California Paramedic License (or equivalent) or ability to obtain prior to appointment (expected initial appointments by February 16, 2024).

Benefits: The City of San Rafael offers an attractive compensation and benefits program, including participation in the Marin County Employees' Retirement (MCERA) pension program, tiered contributions towards CalPERS health insurance, matching Retiree Health Savings (RHS) contributions, fully paid Dental coverage and Uniform Allowance. Please review the attached job bulletin for benefit information. You can also review our benefits summary and the San Rafael Firefighters' Association MOU for more information.

Save the Dates:

  • Candidate Orientation (Virtual) – Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
  • Candidate Orientation (In Person) – Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Located at the Public Safety Center, 1375 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael.
  • First Round Interviews: 1st week in January 2024.
  • Chief's Interviews: January 8-10, 2024.
  • Tentative Start Date: February 16, 2024.