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Wildfire Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Engine Boss

Riverside, CA ยท On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. ("WDS") is a Qualified Insurance Resource (QIR) operating the largest private sector wildfire service in the nation, encompassing a 22-state service area and ...

Fire Protection Planner

Mission Viejo, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Fire Protection Planner

Mission Viejo, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

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 ...

Fire Protection Planner

Mission Viejo, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

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 ...

Associate Project Manager

Redlands, CA ยท Remote

$101K - $109K/yr

Supports management in planning, development, and/or execution of electric transmission/distribution projects, which may include wildfire, infrastructure replacement, load growth, poles, line ...

Senior Engineer

Pomona, CA ยท On-site

$104K - $144K/yr

Lead construction administration efforts including coordination with field personnel to resolve design-related construction issues, support emergency restorations (wildfire, storm and other incidents ...

Design, Implement and maintain Palo Alto Network firewalls (NGFW), Panorama Central Management and related security services (Wildfire, Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, Anti-Virus, etc.) Develop and ...

Design, Implement and maintain Palo Alto Network firewalls (NGFW), Panorama Central Management and related security services (Wildfire, Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, Anti-Virus, etc.) Develop and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Wildfire information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$21

$43

$67

How much do wildfire jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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.

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 are wildland firefighters?

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:
Engine Boss

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

About Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc.
Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. ("WDS") is a Qualified Insurance Resource (QIR) operating the largest private sector wildfire service in the nation, encompassing a 22-state service area and specializing in wildfire education, loss prevention, and wildfire response services. Qualified Insurance Resources are defined as NWCG qualified or equivalent, wildland engines, tenders, hand crews, fire/liaison officers, and personnel working for or contracted by an insurance company with a mission to mitigate impacts on insured structures threatened by wildfire. WDS holds contracts with insurance companies to provide wildfire loss prevention services. WDS fields experienced, highly trained, safety-focused wildfire officers and fire personnel that hold a wide range of Federal Wildfire Incident Command position classifications necessary to meet or exceed all federal wildfire operation standards and codes including all requirements of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group ("NWCG") or equivalent. WDS is capable of providing more than 180 wildland engines and hundreds of fire personnel and support personnel. WDS has served large and small insurance clients since 2008.
WE'RE HIRING FOR THE 2026 FIRE SEASON!
Our firefighters are the heartbeat of our company, and we make it a priority to take care of you and your family. As an employer of choice our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive, and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth, and development for every employee. Join our team and together we will make a difference that changes the world of wildfire.
By Joining Wildfire Defense Systems:
  • You will be a part of the largest expansion of wildfire services currently occurring
  • You will play an active part in shaping your career journey through our unique Grade and Step system
  • You will help provide wildfire services across 22 states and Canada
  • You are guaranteed a 13/13 or 10/16 schedule

Engine Boss
The Engine Boss leads a single fire engine and attached personnel and is responsible for their safety on wildland incidents. The ENGB supervises assigned engine and personnel and reports to a WDS supervisor, Strike Team Leader/Task Force Leader, Liaison, senior Engine Boss, or another assigned supervisor.
Required Qualifications
  • Introduction to ICS (ICS-100)
  • Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (L-180)
  • Firefighter Training (S-130 - Field Day Required)
  • Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190)
  • NIMS: An Introduction (IS-700)
  • Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) (RT-130)
  • Firefighter Type 1 (S-131)
  • Crew Boss (Single Resource) (S-230)
  • Engine Boss (S-231) preferred
  • Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)
  • Completion and Certification of NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) Position Task Book (PMS 311-14)
  • Completion and Certification of NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Task Book (PMS 311-13)
  • Ability to pass a WCT (Work Capacity Test/Pack Test) at Arduous Level (Complete a 3 mile walk wearing a 45- pound pack in less than 45 minutes)
  • Employees must be 21 years of age or older.
  • DOT Medical Examiner's Certification (will be authorized by employer for qualified individuals)
  • Current driver's license with acceptable driving record
  • ENGBs hired after 9/19/2024 must have a valid passport and be willing and able to work in both the U.S. and Canada

What WDS Provides to Field Employees
  • Both career full time seasonal positions and advancement opportunities for career full time annual positions
  • Full NWCG compliant engines and tenders
  • Ability to maintain and advance NWCG qualifications
  • Task books can transfer to future career positions
  • Daily diversity of tasks
  • Work center-based locations when not deployed on fire assignments or on-call assignments
  • Career advancement from FFT2-FFT1-ENGB-TFLD
  • Competitive wages exceeding federal standards
  • Overtime opportunities

What Benefits Are Provided to Eligible Firefighters
  • Medical, dental, & vision insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Access to Teladoc
  • Paid time off plus 48-hours of sick leave per year
  • 9-Paid company holidays
  • 401(k)
  • WDS contributes 3% to a Safe Harbor retirement plan with no employee match required
  • Company paid life insurance ($300K for Field Operations Employees)
  • Company paid AD&D ($300K for Field Operations Employees)
  • Company paid short-term and long-term disability
  • Voluntary life & accident insurance
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs
  • Employee discounts through Life Mart and Expert Voice

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Federal Law under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) requires drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles engaged in interstate commerce must be at least 21 years of age. For this reason, applicants for this position must be at least 21 years of age to be considered.
The pay range for this role is:
39.53 - 51.41 USD per hour (Riverside, CA)