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Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$24

$37

How much do seasonal cal fire firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal cal fire firefighter in Riverside, CA is $24.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $27.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter?

Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighters are temporary employees who work for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) during peak wildfire season. Their main responsibilities include responding to wildfires, conducting fire prevention activities, and assisting with emergency incidents such as rescues or floods. These positions typically last from spring through fall, depending on fire activity and weather conditions. Seasonal firefighters receive training in fire suppression, safety, and equipment use, and often work long hours in challenging environments. Many use this role as a stepping stone to permanent firefighting careers with CAL FIRE.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter?

To thrive as a Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter, you need a solid understanding of fire behavior, physical fitness, and basic emergency response, often supported by completion of the Cal Fire Basic Firefighter Training or Firefighter 1 certification. Familiarity with tools such as fire hoses, chainsaws, personal protective equipment, and communication radios is essential. Teamwork, resilience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective and safe wildfire suppression, rapid emergency response, and strong collaboration in high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighters during peak wildfire season?

Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighters often face physically demanding conditions, especially during peak wildfire season when long shifts, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain are common. The role requires quick decision-making under pressure and close teamwork to ensure safety and effectiveness. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing fire behavior and maintaining stamina during extended assignments can be challenging. However, strong camaraderie within the crew and thorough training help firefighters meet these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter vs Wildland Firefighter?

AspectSeasonal Cal Fire FirefighterWildland Firefighter
CredentialsCPR/First Aid, Basic Firefighter CertificationCPR/First Aid, Basic Firefighter Certification
Work EnvironmentCalifornia forests, fire stations, emergency scenesForests, wildland areas, fire suppression sites
Employer & IndustryCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire)Federal, state, or local agencies involved in wildfire suppression

Both roles involve wildfire suppression, require similar certifications, and work in forested environments. The main difference is that Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighters are specifically employed by Cal Fire during fire seasons, while Wildland Firefighters may work for various agencies and in different regions. Both positions are essential for wildfire management and require physical fitness and firefighting skills.

What do you need to be a seasonal Cal Fire firefighter?

To become a seasonal Cal Fire firefighter, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and physical fitness to perform demanding outdoor work. Certification in wildfire suppression, such as a Basic Wildland Firefighter training course, is often required, along with the ability to work in challenging environmental conditions and a willingness to work long hours during fire season.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Cal Fire Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter job openings:

Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,464 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Firefighter/Paramedic - Part-Time

Canyon Lake, CA • On-site

GovernmentJobs.com
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about GovernmentJobs.comexternal

$22.40 - $27.22/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Firefighter / Paramedic

The City of Canyon Lake is seeking qualified men and women for the position of Firefighter /Paramedic. This recruitment is to fill one position immediately and then to establish a current employment eligibility list of qualified candidates. Under the direction of a Fire Captain, as both a Firefighter and a Paramedic assigned to a 48-hour shift, perform the following duties: responds to fire, medical, environmental, hazardous material, weather, and disaster related emergencies; initiates emergency care to the sick and/or injured patients; renders first aid and lifesaving techniques; engages in fire prevention, suppression, and salvage activities; performs inspection and code enforcement activities; conducts public education session regarding fire/emergency/disaster practices and procedures; maintains fire station and equipment; drives fire department apparatus and vehicles; attends instruction sessions related to the job; completes required reports and administrative duties, participates in a variety of training exercises; and performs other special projects or other related duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education equivalent to graduation from High School – Associates Degree preferred.
  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and an acceptable driving record plus the ability to obtain a Firefighter's Endorsement license prior to the end of probation.
  • Possession of a valid California State Paramedic License and be able to obtain Riverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency accreditation as a condition of employment, including a current American Heart Association Health Care Professional/BLS, PALS, ACLS, and PHTLS/ITLS/TPATC cards or equivalent.
  • Graduation from a Fire Academy which meets California state requirements for Firefighter I certification or one-year as a full-time paid Firefighter with a municipal, state, or federal all-risk fire agency. Experience with a Paramedic provider agency is desired.
  • Valid Firefighters Physical Ability Test (current within one-year of application closing date).

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Possession of Hazardous Materials FRO, ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800, Low Angle Rope Rescue, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, S-130 Firefighter Training, Auto Extrication, and Fire Control 3 certifications.
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in related field.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Compensation Range: $22.40 - $27.22 an hour.
  • Medicare: City pays 1.45% of employee's salary into Medicare.
  • Leave: 40 hours of sick leave per year.
  • Schedule: Incumbents are required to perform two 24-hour shifts per month.
  • Retirement: City paid contribution of 12.5% with employee match of 2.5%. This is a defined benefit program and not Cal PERS. 1st year employee pays 7.5% and City match at 7.5%.

Location: 31516 Railroad Canyon Road Canyon Lake, California, 92587

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