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National Firefighter Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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National Firefighter information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$29.7K

$62.2K

$104.3K

How much do national firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for national 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 are some common challenges a National Firefighter faces when responding to large-scale emergencies across different regions?

National Firefighters often encounter challenges such as adapting to unfamiliar terrains, coordinating with multiple local agencies, and handling diverse emergency scenarios that vary by region. Working in large-scale incidents may require quick decision-making, extended deployments, and the ability to integrate into new teams while maintaining effective communication. Flexibility, resilience, and strong collaboration skills are essential for managing the logistical and operational complexities involved in national deployments.

What is the difference between National Firefighter vs Local Firefighter?

AspectNational FirefighterLocal Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter I & II, EMT, specialized trainingFirefighter I & II, EMT, local certifications
Work EnvironmentFederal agencies, national emergencies, multi-state responsesCity or county fire departments, local emergencies
Employer & IndustryFederal government, national agenciesMunicipal governments, local fire departments

National Firefighters typically work for federal agencies and respond to large-scale emergencies across multiple states, requiring specific certifications and training. Local Firefighters serve within city or county departments, focusing on community-specific incidents. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in scope and jurisdiction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a National Firefighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and usually completion of fire academy training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with fire suppression equipment, rescue tools, and incident management systems is essential. Teamwork, quick decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this high-pressure role. These competencies ensure the safety of both the public and firefighting teams while enabling rapid, coordinated responses to emergencies.

What are National Firefighters?

National Firefighters are highly trained professionals who respond to fires, emergencies, and disasters on a national scale, often working for government agencies or specialized wildfire response teams. Their duties include extinguishing wildfires, conducting search and rescue operations, providing emergency medical assistance, and helping with disaster recovery efforts across different regions. National Firefighters may be deployed anywhere in the country where their expertise is needed, and they often work in challenging and hazardous environments. They undergo rigorous physical and technical training to prepare for the demands of the job.
What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for National Firefighter jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most National Firefighter job openings:
Firefighter Paramedic- Entry Level

Firefighter Paramedic- Entry Level

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA

$87K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


City Of Riverside (California) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position Firefighter Paramedic ENTRY LEVEL Candidates must possess a current California or National Registry Paramedic certificate. Successful completion of a State Fire Marshal approved Fire Academy/or equivalent IFSAC PROBOARD Certification. No on the job experience Required.

The City of Riverside offers a competitive compensation package, retirement through CALPERS, and a generous benefit package. Firefighters may be eligible for a variety of additional compensation including specialty, bilingual, and education incentive pay. The City of Riverside Fire Department is a progressive, all-risk department responsible for the protection of a diverse population of over 320,000 people, covering nearly 82 square miles.

Under the direction of Fire Chief Steve McKinster, The City of Riverside Fire Department protects life, property, and the environment from 14 stations, responding to more than 45,000 calls for service. The department offers a variety of specialty programs, including Urban Search & Rescue, Hazardous Materials, and Arson Investigations. Under the supervision of a Company Officer, Firefighters are responsible for performing a broad range of duties in the protection of life and property.

Work involves suppressing, extinguishing, and preventing fires; rendering emergency medical care; and participating in training programs and fire prevention activities. Firefighters operate, inspect, and maintain firefighting apparatus, equipment, and facilities, and may be assigned to conduct fire inspections or related prevention activities. Employees in this classification are also required to participate in drills and evolutions with individual companies as well as multi-company operations.

This position requires the consistent exercise of sound judgment, strict adherence to established policies and procedures, and the ability to maintain a state of operational readiness. Work Performed Typical duties include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Respond to fire alarms, rescue alarms, medical emergency, and other emergency calls to protect life and property endangered by fire; operate various communications equipment. Respond to requests for medical emergencies; provide immediate medical care to persons injured in automobile accidents, fires, industrial accidents, and victims of sudden serious illness such as heart attacks, drownings, and similar emergencies; observe and report vital signs; and administer medical treatment.

Serve as a hose operator in firefighting situations; lay and connect hoses; hold nozzle and direct water streams in the control and extinguishing of fires in structures, brush, and grass; clean and test fire hoses; raise, lower, and climb aerial ladders; perform rescue work and remove persons from danger. Ventilate structures using such techniques as opening windows and chopping holes through the roof; use forcible entry tools, bars, hooks, life lines, chemical extinguishers, and other auxiliary equipment; assist in overhaul and salvage operations; sweep water and remove debris. Perform preventive maintenance and daily inspections on fire apparatus; inspect fire apparatus after each operation to ensure proper and efficient operating condition; clean, wash, and service fire apparatus; test, wash, hang, and dry hoses; change hoses on fire apparatus; report worn, damaged, or lost parts and tools.

Clean and maintain station quarters, grounds, and equipment; perform routine housekeeping chores such as sweeping, mopping, cooking, and washing; assist visitors at the station and conduct tours. Conduct fire prevention inspection and education programs; serve as a fire inspector, inspecting commercial and other properties for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention codes and ordinances, and participating in or conducting investigations to determine fire causes. Participate in continuous training in fire prevention, inspection, and suppression through fire drills, training exercises, simulations, and on-the-job exercises to maintain occupational skills.

Study technical material on Fire Department rules and regulations, fire hazards, and modern firefighting techniques, City layout, water systems, and related subjects. Prepare reports on preventive maintenance and with respect to work operations. Work 24-hour shifts and overtime; may be recalled to duty in cases of emergency.

Serve as a substitute fire engineer under special instructions and limited conditions on a relief or training basis; operate and maintain motorized firefighting equipment; operate and adjust pump controls and other mechanical equipment to maintain correct water pressure consistent with the type of fire; drive and operate the tiller position on a ladder truck; operate ladder mechanism on an aerial truck; place truck to best advantage to facilitate firefighting. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Successful completion of the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) written test with a passing score of 70% or above and Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT). Must be completed and present on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility list (SEL) on 7/30/36.

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade and successful completion of a State Fire Marshal approved Fire Academy. Experience: None required. Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Paramedic: Must possess a current California or National Registry Paramedic certificate. Applicants must possess the following by time of appointment: CPR Card or REMSA-approved equivalent: current and valid American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or California-approved BCLS/CPR card ("professional" level). ACLS/ALS or REMSA-approved equivalent: current and valid American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) OR American Red Cross (ARC) Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider card.

PALS/ALS PEPP: current and valid American Heart Association (AHA) OR American Red Cross (ARC) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) provider card OR proof of successful completion of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Advanced Life Support (ALS) Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP) course. PHTLS/ITLS/TPATC: proof of successful completion of the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT) Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) course OR the American College of Emergency Physicians' (ACEP) International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) course OR Air and Surface Transport Nurse Association (ASTNA) Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course (TPATC). Selection Process The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening.

Additionally, this process will include oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification. It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment will be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, medical/physical examination, drug and alcohol test. NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. All applicants will be notified via e-mail of their application status after the closing date of this announcement.


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