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Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Opening Date: 12/06/2024 Description DEFINITION Reserve Firefighter I Under the supervision of Mariposa County Fire Command and Control Cal Fire Staff, a Reserve Firefighter I performs routine ...

Description DEFINITION Reserve Firefighter I Under the supervision of Mariposa County Fire Command and Control Cal Fire Staff, a Reserve Firefighter I performs routine general maintenance and ...

Fire Opening Date: 12/06/2024 Description DEFINITION Reserve Firefighter I Under the supervision of Mariposa County Fire Command and Control Cal Fire Staff, a Reserve Firefighter I performs routine ...

Fire Opening Date: 12/06/2024 Description DEFINITION Reserve Firefighter I Under the supervision of Mariposa County Fire Command and Control Cal Fire Staff, a Reserve Firefighter I performs routine ...

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Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter information

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$13

$23

$36

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal cal fire firefighter in the United States is $23.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.44 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.
More about Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter jobs

What cities are hiring for Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter jobs?

Cities with the most Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire Firefighter jobs?

The most popular types of Cal Fire Firefighter jobs are:

What states have the most Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter jobs include:

Infographic showing various Seasonal Cal Fire Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,371 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Cost Recovery Technician

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Santa Rosa, CA โ€ข On-site

$3.5K - $5.0K/mo

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Cost Recovery is responsible for collecting incident costs, including litigation costs, whenever other state agencies, private individuals, businesses, local, or federal governments are partially or fully financially responsible for an incident. Cost Recovery consists of civil, agreement reimbursement, and law enforcement programs. This position performs a wide variety of technical work for the Northern Region section of the statewide Civil Cost Recovery (CCR) program.
For questions related to the duties of this position, please contact Supervisor I Taydene Sandbloom by phone at (530) 551-1598 or by email at taydene.sandbloom@fire.ca.gov .
This position is located in Redding, CA.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays to complete duties.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • MANAGEMENT SERVICES TECHNICIAN
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-529840
Position #(s):
541-101-5278-007
Working Title:
Cost Recovery Technician
Classification:
MANAGEMENT SERVICES TECHNICIAN $3,558.00 - $4,457.00 A
$4,017.00 - $5,032.00 B
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Shasta County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Northern Region
Department Information
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.
When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co-workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!
Department Website: www.fire.ca.gov
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/4/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Northern Region Hiring
Attn: CNR - MST CCR
135 Ridgway Avenue
Santa Rosa , CA 95401
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Northern Region Hiring
Attn: CNR - MST CCR
135 Ridgway Avenue
Santa Rosa , CA 95401
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Other - Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299). This form may be found at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/D817B8E27D8049C3BC35297686467FB9
  • Other - If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification, please provide a copy of your transcripts for verification.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: www.fire.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Northern Region Hiring
(707) 576-2275
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
(916) 767-8359
ReasonableAccommodations@fire.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Information
Please include position number 541-101-5278-007 on your STD 678 form.
Candidates may be selected by resume review.
Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a Recruitment Questionnaire, located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLYSH8V
How To Get A State Job
Individuals must pass an open examination before applying for most job vacancies with the State of California.
Use the "exam/assessment search" function on the CalCareers website at www.jobs.ca.gov to search for the examination you are interested in applying for. If the exam is currently being offered, you will need to follow the directions in the exam bulletin on how to apply for and take the exam. Not all examinations are offered continuously or at the time a job vacancy occurs.
Successful examination candidates are placed on an eligibility list. Candidates should refer to their examination results for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the exam when necessary. Once list eligibility has been established, you can search and apply for current vacancies in the classification to which you have established eligibility.
Candidates must also meet the minimum qualifications of the classification to be appointed into the classification they are applying for. Minimum qualifications can be found in the class specifications listed on the exam bulletin or on the CalCareers website. Application packages should include documentation and relevant experience that shows you have the required education and/or experience to meet the minimum qualifications.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.