1

Wildland Firefighter Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Wildland Firefighter information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$18

$23

How much do wildland firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildland firefighter in Riverside, CA is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildland firefighter?

As a wildland firefighter, you work with crews to put out wildfires and forest fires all around the country—mostly in the west. You can find wildland firefighter jobs with the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A career as a wildland firefighter can be dangerous, since your job duties involve going into the wild and fighting raging fires, but most crews successfully fight fires without incident.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wildland firefighter?

To thrive as a Wildland Firefighter, you need physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of basic firefighting training such as S-130/S-190 courses. Familiarity with tools like chainsaws, pumps, GPS devices, and radio communication systems is commonly required, along with certifications like Red Card qualification. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and resilience under pressure set candidates apart in this demanding role. These skills ensure effective response to wildfires, personal safety, and the protection of communities and natural resources.

What are some common challenges faced by wildland firefighters during fire season?

Wildland firefighters often contend with physically demanding work, unpredictable weather conditions, and long hours during peak fire season. The job frequently requires working in remote locations with limited access to amenities and support, as well as adapting to rapidly changing fire behavior. Additionally, effective teamwork and communication are critical, as crews must coordinate closely for safety and efficiency while navigating rugged terrain and hazardous situations.

What is the difference between Wildland Firefighter vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectWildland FirefighterForest Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter 1 & 2, CPR, First AidFirefighter 1 & 2, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentForests, wildlands, national parksForests, national parks, rural areas
Employer & IndustryFederal, state agencies, firefighting crewsGovernment agencies, forestry services

Wildland Firefighters and Forest Firefighters often share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on combating fires in natural, wooded areas. The main difference lies in terminology and regional usage, with 'Wildland Firefighter' being more common in federal agencies and 'Forest Firefighter' often used locally. Both roles are vital for protecting natural resources and communities from wildfire threats.

How long does it take to be a wildland firefighter?

Becoming a wildland firefighter typically involves completing a basic training program that lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, followed by on-the-job experience and additional certifications such as S-130 and S-190. The total time to become fully qualified can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on prior experience and training schedules.

Is being a wildland firefighter worth it?

Wildland firefighters perform physically demanding work in outdoor environments, often during fire seasons, and require training and certification such as S-130 and S-190. The job offers a sense of purpose and teamwork but involves risks, irregular hours, and seasonal employment, which should be considered when evaluating its worth.

Is wildland firefighting hard to get into?

Wildland firefighting is a competitive field that often requires physical fitness, relevant training, and certifications such as S-130 and S-190. Entry can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the work, seasonal schedules, and the need for prior experience or connections in the industry.

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

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

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Wildland Firefighter jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Wildland Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Wildland Firefighter job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,068 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

$44K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions are located in Region 5, USDA Forest Service units.
The purpose of these positions are wildland fire suppression/management/control as a specialized firefighter on an engine, helitack module, or hand crew with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of specialized tools or equipment.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Brian Grabowski at brian.grabowski@usda.govQualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
General/Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-03: You must have six (6) months of general experience. Examples of General Experience include: any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of a Wildland Firefighter, or general experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the Wildland Firefighter occupation. Examples of general experience include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding and tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; Worked in a greenhouse or nursery moving, watering, and tending plants and performing other general labor tasks; Fed and watered animals, such as in a laboratory, pet store, or zoo; Any work experience, paid or unpaid. Unpaid experience, for example, may be regular volunteer work, such as at a park, community sports league facilities, etc.
OR
Successful completion of a one (1)-year of related education or appropriate firefighting training may be substituted for experience on a month-for-month basis. Firefighting training obtained as part of a high school curriculum-may be substituted for the six (6) months of general experience.
OR
An appropriate combinations of education and experience.
For the GW-04: You must have six (6) months of general experience (any type of work that demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation) AND six (6) months of specialized experience that is directly related to the work of the position.
Examples of qualifying general experience include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities and/or worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants and/or animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store and/or volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc.
Examples of specialized experience include: Performed natural resource support work, e.g., forestry, range, park technician, wildland firefighter, or similar jobs; performed routine support assignments in a forestry specialty area, e.g., wilderness, timber, fire prevention/control, etc.
OR
Successful completion of a two (2)-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and experience.
For the GW-05: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GW-04) in the Federal service.
OR
Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields of study.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and experience.
Examples of specialized experience include: Patrolled areas of controlled fires to mop-up by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material; Served on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress the full range of difficult and complex fires; Operated specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.
Selective Placement Factors
For the GW-05 grade level, successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter 1 (FFT1)
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirementsEmployment Type: OTHER

What United States Department Of Agriculture employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom