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Professional Firefighter Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Professional Firefighter information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$29.7K

$62.2K

$104.3K

How much do professional firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional 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 professional firefighter?

Professional firefighters are trained emergency responders employed by municipal, regional, or private fire departments to protect lives, property, and the environment from fires and other hazards. Their duties include extinguishing fires, performing rescues, administering first aid, and responding to various emergencies such as car accidents or hazardous material spills. In addition to emergency response, they also conduct fire prevention inspections, educate the public about fire safety, and maintain firefighting equipment. Professional firefighters typically work in shifts and must meet physical and educational requirements, often including certification through fire academies.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by professional firefighters during their shifts?

Professional firefighters regularly encounter physically demanding situations, exposure to hazardous materials, and unpredictable emergency calls, which can make their shifts both physically and mentally taxing. Balancing rapid response with safety protocols is essential, as is coping with the emotional impact of emergency incidents. Additionally, firefighters often work long shifts in close-knit teams, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills to manage stress and ensure effective collaboration.

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

A Professional Firefighter must possess strong physical fitness, emergency medical training (often EMT certification), and a high school diploma or equivalent. They regularly use firefighting equipment, rescue tools, breathing apparatus, and specialized communication systems, often requiring ongoing certification and technical training. Critical soft skills include teamwork, stress management, quick decision-making, and effective communication during high-pressure situations. These competencies are vital to ensure rapid, coordinated responses to emergencies and to safeguard both public and team safety.

What is the difference between Professional Firefighter vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectProfessional FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license often requiredBasic training, certification varies by department
Work EnvironmentFull-time, paid position in urban or suburban areasPart-time, unpaid or stipend-based, often in rural areas
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal fire departments, government agenciesCommunity-based fire departments, volunteer organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career stability and trainingCompared for community service and volunteer opportunities

Professional Firefighters are full-time, paid personnel with formal training and certifications, working in urban or suburban settings. Volunteer Firefighters, on the other hand, serve part-time without pay, primarily in rural areas, and have varying levels of training. Both roles are vital to fire safety but differ in commitment, compensation, and work environment.

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 Professional Firefighter jobs?

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

Professional Firefighter jobs near you

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)

Glendora, CA • On-site

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)external

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
Serves as the Assistant District Fire Management Officer (ADFMO) on a Ranger District of a National Forest. Primary responsibilities involve assisting in the planning and execution of the fire prevention, suppression, and education programs on a large, highly complex land area.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional Contacts.Qualifications: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.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08:One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in directing safe initial and extended attack suppression actions, including determining incident needs, dispatch and deployment of personnel and equipment; Identified, collected, preserved and/or examined evidence in the determination of the probable cause of fire; Assisted in the development, implementation and presentation of the role of fire in ecosystems management educational programs.
For the GW-09: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in developing and executing plans to solve complex problems involving fire preparedness, fuels management, fire prevention, and/or training; Assisted the management of fire prevention and detection programs, scheduling staffing, maintenance and/or training; Assisted the development of fire control plans and/or documentation relating to fire pre-suppression, prevention, detection, suppression tactics and/or strategies.
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.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary 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. Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
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 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.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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