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Wildfire Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Dudek

Evacuation Planner

Mission Viejo, CA

$58K - $80K/yr

Dudek's team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners, development companies and land management agencies to ...

Eliassen Group

Cybersecurity Architect

Orange, CA · Remote

$85 - $90/hr

Design, implement, and maintain Palo Alto Networks NGFW, Panorama, and related services including WildFire, Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, and Anti-Virus. * Develop and enforce security policies ...

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All JobsWildfire JobsWildfire Jobs in Riverside, CA

Wildfire information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$21

$43

$67

How much do wildfire jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildfire in Riverside, CA is $43.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.35 and $47.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Wildland Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of basic wildland firefighting training such as the S-130/S-190 courses. Familiarity with equipment like chainsaws, fire shelters, and communication radios, as well as certifications like Red Card qualification, are typically required. Teamwork, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safely and effectively managing wildfires while protecting lives, property, and natural resources.

What is the difference between Wildfire vs Firefighter?

AspectWildfireFirefighter
Required CertificationsWildfire certifications, basic firefighting trainingFirefighter certifications, EMT/paramedic licenses
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, forested areas, remote locationsUrban and rural fire stations, emergency scenes
Industry UsageEnvironmental agencies, forestry servicesMunicipal fire departments, emergency services

Wildfire specialists focus on preventing and managing wildfires in natural settings, often requiring specialized outdoor training. Firefighters respond to various emergencies, including urban fires and rescue operations, working primarily in fire stations or on emergency scenes. While both roles involve firefighting skills, wildfires emphasize environmental management, whereas firefighters handle a broader range of fire-related emergencies.

How do I get a job fighting wildfires?

To become a wildfire firefighter, you typically need to meet age and physical fitness requirements, complete relevant training such as wildfire suppression courses, and obtain certifications like CPR and first aid. Many positions are with government agencies, and applicants often need to pass background checks and physical exams; experience with outdoor work or firefighting is beneficial.

Do wildfire fighters make good money?

Wildfire fighters' salaries vary depending on experience, location, and the organization they work for. Entry-level positions typically pay hourly wages, while experienced firefighters or those in supervisory roles can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and hazard pay. Certification in firefighting and physical fitness are important for employment and advancement in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in wildfire management roles?

Wildfire management professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing fire conditions, unpredictable weather, and difficult terrain, which require quick decision-making and adaptability. Teamwork is essential, as these roles involve close collaboration with firefighters, emergency responders, and land management agencies. Maintaining physical and mental resilience is critical, as shifts can be long and physically demanding, especially during peak fire season. Continuous training and adherence to safety protocols help mitigate risks and ensure effective response.

What is a wildland firefighter?

Wildland firefighters are professionals trained to prevent, control, and suppress fires in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. Their work involves battling active wildfires, conducting controlled burns, and clearing vegetation to reduce fire risk. They often work in challenging and dangerous environments, sometimes for extended periods of time. Wildland firefighters use specialized equipment and techniques to protect lives, property, and natural resources from fire damage.
What are popular job titles related to Wildfire jobs in Riverside, CA? For Wildfire jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wildfire jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Wildfire jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Wildfire jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Wildfire job openings:
Wildfire jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildfire job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,379 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Fire Protection Planner - Southern California

Dudek

Mission Viejo, CA

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Overview

Location(s):  Mission Viejo, CA / Encinitas, CA / San Diego, CAPractice/Department:  Urban ForestryWork Environment:  HybridCompensation: $85,000 - $140,000

Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies. 

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we've been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards. 

Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. 

Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.  

Position Overview

Who You Are 

As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently. 

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.  

How You'll Make an Impact 

We are seeking mid-level professional to join our fire protection planning team. Dudek's team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners and land management agencies to evaluate wildfire hazard and develop plans to mitigate wildfire risk. This position will be located in one of Dudek's San Diego, Orange, or Los Angeles County offices. Travel to project sites and client or fire agency offices in the Southern California region will be necessary. Familiarity with state and local building, development, and defensible space codes and standards is also highly desirable.

Duties and Responsibilities  

  • Analyzing project maps, plans, and data sets and summarizing wildfire conditions for inclusion in reports and management plans.
  • Conducting field assessments to evaluate wildfire hazard conditions.
  • Analyzing field data, GIS data, and conducting project-related research.
  • Preparing or supporting preparation of fire protection plans, technical reports and development of fire hazard reduction recommendations.
  • Attending meetings to discuss the results of project-related assessments and analyses.
  • Representing clients and Dudek to local agencies

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in fire science, fire administration, forestry, natural resources, fire ecology, environmental science, or other related field.
  • 5 Years experience in any of the following: consulting, fire service, construction, development, project management
  • Ability to conduct research and evaluate data sets and planning documents and summarize pertinent information into reports.
  • Ability to understand and interpret site development plan drawings.
  • Ability to work independently

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Proficiency with fire behavior and wildfire hazard mapping and analysis software packages (e.g., BehavePlus, FlamMap, IFTDSS, etc.) is highly desirable.
  • Additional desired qualifications include excellent writing skills and GIS/CAD mapping skills.
  • Previous experience working for a fire department as a firefighter, inspector, investigator, deputy fire marshal, fire marshal
  • ICC or CASFM Fire Inspector, Plans Examiner, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal Certification
  • NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (CWMS)

Compensation: $85,000 - $140,000/annually 

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual's related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment. 

Working Conditions  

  • This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. 
  • This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:  

  • Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting. 
  • Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.  
  • Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Connect with us! 

LinkedIn 

Instagram 

YouTube 

Dudek Talent Community 

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination. 

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek's operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek's commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action. 

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.  

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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