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Seasonal Prescribed Fire Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Prescribed Fire information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$26

$37

How much do seasonal prescribed fire jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal prescribed fire in Riverside, CA is $26.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seasonal prescribed fire?

Seasonal prescribed fire jobs involve working on teams that conduct controlled burns during specific times of the year, usually when conditions are safest and most effective for reducing wildfire risk. Workers help plan, prepare, and execute prescribed burns to manage vegetation, restore ecosystems, and reduce fuel loads. These positions are often temporary and may require physical labor, teamwork, and following strict safety protocols. Seasonal prescribed fire crews are commonly employed by government agencies, conservation organizations, or private land management companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seasonal prescribed fire technician?

To thrive as a Seasonal Prescribed Fire Technician, you need knowledge of fire ecology, wildland fire behavior, and basic firefighting techniques, often backed by relevant coursework or National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certifications. Familiarity with tools such as drip torches, chainsaws, GPS units, and fire weather monitoring systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and ecologically beneficial prescribed burns in dynamic outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges faced by seasonal prescribed fire crew members during a typical burn season?

Seasonal Prescribed Fire crew members often face challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, coordinating with multiple agencies, and maintaining safety during high-stress operations. The physical demands of the role can be intense, with long hours outdoors and frequent hiking or equipment handling. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as burn plans must be executed precisely to protect both people and natural resources. Crew members should be prepared for variable schedules and the need to respond flexibly to evolving priorities.

What is the difference between Seasonal Prescribed Fire vs Firefighter?

AspectSeasonal Prescribed FireFirefighter
CredentialsTypically requires fire management certifications, basic wildland firefighting trainingRequires firefighter certifications, EMT/paramedic licenses in some cases
Work EnvironmentControlled burns in forests, grasslands, or shrublands, seasonal workEmergency response in wildfires, urban fires, and rescue operations
Employer & IndustryForestry agencies, land management organizationsFire departments, emergency services

Seasonal Prescribed Fire specialists focus on planned, controlled burns to reduce wildfire risk, working mainly in natural landscapes during specific seasons. Firefighters respond to active fires and emergencies year-round, often in urban or wildland settings. While both roles require firefighting certifications, prescribed fire roles emphasize land management and environmental safety, whereas firefighters focus on emergency response and rescue operations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Property Claims Specialist Field II

Mercury Insurance Services, LLC

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Mercury Insurance rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 315 rated insurance


Job description

Overview

Position Summary:

If you’re passionate about helping people restore their lives when the unexpected happens to their homes and providing the best customer experience, then our Mercury Insurance Property Claims team could be the place for you!

Upon completion of the training program, ideal candidates will transition into a property claims field adjusting position traveling to loss sites that have been damaged by fire, water, weather, or other unexpected events. You may also handle some claims via virtual technology and/or collaborate with vendors.

The Property Claims Field Adjuster 2 will learn apply knowledge of current Company policies, applicable regulatory standards, and procedures to investigate, evaluate and settle moderate Homeowner's property claims in a timely and efficient manner as to prevent unnecessary expense to the Company and policyholders, and provide exceptional service to our customers.

Geo-Salary Information

An in-person interview may be required during the hiring process

State specific pay scales for this role are as follows:

$76,829 to $142,213 (CA, NJ, NY, WA, HI, AK, MD, CT, RI, MA)

In CA: Typical hiring range is $98,568 to $120,473

The expected base salary for this position will vary depending on a number of factors, including relevant experience, skills and location.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

  • Investigate and resolve Homeowners claims of moderate complexity in a timely and efficient manner. Document with photographs, measurements, recorded interviews as needed, write a repair estimate to capture damages, and complete thorough file notes.
  • Ability to perform field inspections at least 50% of work time. (company car provided) This will involve travelling to our customers’ home to conduct on-site inspections, thoroughly investigate coverage and prepare detailed estimate to efficiently resolve their claims.
  • Ability to handle virtual claims. Must have ability to use imagery, and advanced video technology to collaborate with onsite vendors and insureds to identify damage and write damage estimates from a virtual setting when needed.
  • Compare facts gathered during the investigation against the policy to determine coverage of claim; extend or deny coverage as appropriate.
  • Establishes reserve amounts within prescribed settlement authority limit and negotiates settlement of claims; recommends claims which exceed personal authority limit to supervisor for approval.
  • Responsible for effectively and timely communicating with insureds and /or their representatives to resolve issues and ensure customer satisfaction. This includes timely response to phone calls, emails, texts, written communication, and adherence to Department of Insurance requirements.
  • Prioritizes own responsibilities and effectively manages claims workload to regularly monitor progress and expenses to properly resolve inventory to conclusion.
  • At times may direct, monitor, and review files handled by independent adjusters to conclusion.
  • Other functions may be assigned
Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Valid driver’s license is required.
  • Ability to obtain state specific property claims licensing, as required.
  • Must successfully participate and complete formal property claims training program that may take place in person, virtually, or a combination of both.

Experience:

  • Have prior experience using estimating software like Xactimate.
  • Experience in a related field: property claims experience, customer service environment, construction, restoration, mitigation
  • Are known for clear and professional communication, both written and verbal
  • Are bilingual and/or have prior military experience is a plus
  • 3-5+ years equivalent industry experience is preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

As a Property Claims Field Adjuster 2, you will:

  • Possess the ability to work independently with limited or no supervision over daily activities required to successfully investigate, evaluate, write damage estimates, negotiate, and resolve property claims
  • Have a passion for outstanding customer service
  • Make quality decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment, including the ability to negotiate.
  • Be comfortable with and adaptable to new technology and business tools
  • Be able to seamlessly transition between various methods of inspection, including physical, video, or photo, to write a damage estimate:
    • May include climbing ladders to inspect roofing or attic space and inspection of crawl spaces.
    • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Possess strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills to handle varying workloads due to seasonal volume changes and catastrophes.
  • Be able and willing to work flexible work shifts and may be asked to work overtime, as needs arise.
  • Drive to and from multiple locations and occasionally outside of normal business hours.
About the Company

Why choose a career at Mercury?

At Mercury, we have been guided by our purpose to help people reduce risk and overcome unexpected events for more than 60 years. We are one team with a common goal to help others. Everyone needs insurance and we can’t imagine a world without it.

Our team will encourage you to grow, make time to have fun, and work together to make great things happen. We embrace the strengths and values of each team member. We believe in having diverse perspectives where everyone is included, to serve customers from all walks of life.

We care about our people, and we mean it. We reward our talented professionals with a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a variety of benefits to help our team members reach their health, retirement, and professional goals.

Learn more about us here: https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/about/careers

Perks and Benefits

We offer many great benefits, including:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States for most positions
  • Paid time off (vacation time, sick time, 9 paid Company holidays, volunteer hours)
  • Incentive bonus programs (potential for holiday bonus, referral bonus, and performance-based bonus)
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance
  • 401 (k) retirement savings plan with company match
  • Engaging work environment
  • Promotional opportunities
  • Education assistance
  • Professional and personal development opportunities
  • Company recognition program
  • Health and wellbeing resources, including free mental wellbeing therapy/coaching sessions, child and eldercare resources, and more

Mercury Insurance is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Pay Range

USD $76,829.00 - USD $142,213.00 /Yr.

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