Learn What It Takes and Apply Today

Join the ranks of the 12,000+ CAL FIRE employees defending California

LIFE AT CAL FIRE : More Than Frontline Firefighting

Explore our wide-ranging and rewarding career opportunities.

“Being an IT professional at CAL FIRE is a truly unique experience. We have the opportunity to travel the state and assist at the major incidents. It's incredibly rewarding.”

— Information Technology Specialist, Riverside Unit (RRU)
“I was able to transition my military skills to help people in moments of crisis.”
— Aviation Officer, Aviation Management Unit (AMU)
“Conservation research with CAL FIRE impacts the overall health of the forests that mean so much to so many of us.”
— Forestry Technician, Shasta-Trinity Unit (SHU)
A defensible space inspector points out an issue to a home owner

Defensible Space Inspector

Hiring Seasonally
Multiple Counties
Salary: $38,832.00 - $48,012.00 Yearly

A CAL FIRE forester holds up a seedling

Forester

Now Hiring
Multiple Counties
Salary: $70,140.00 - $91,020.00 Yearly

A fire prevention specialist hands a sticker to a child

Fire Prevention Specialist

Hiring Seasonally
Multiple Counties
Salary: $41,976.00 - $54,960.00 Yearly

Communications operator preparing to dispatch resources to an incident.

Communications Operator

Recruitment Begins Soon
Multiple Counties
Salary: $48,000.00 - $74,796.00 Yearly

Seasonal Fire Fighter carrying hose and other PPE to the fire front.

Seasonal Firefighter

Now Hiring
Multiple Counties 
Salary $50,833.00 - $64,275.00 Yearly + EDWC

Firefighter paramedic helmet showing the CAL FIRE logo.

Paramedic

Now Hiring
Multiple Counties 
Salary $81,079.00 – $108,337.00 Yearly

First step to a successful career: Take the State Exam

View our current exams at the links below and subscribe to any of these social media feeds for career-related updates.

CURRENT EXAMINATIONS CEA EXAMINATIONS Contact us @ (916) 894-9580 or Email

Applications are now being accepted for the following Open/Servicewide examinations. Applicants interested in testing for a servicewide classification may apply to take the examination with the state department listed, regardless of where the applicant currently works or wishes to obtain employment. Successful candidates from a servicewide eligible list will be available for hire by all participating state agencies.

 

Communications Supervisor
Exam Cut-Off Date: 11/1/2023
*Communications Supervisor Fact Sheet

Direct Construction Supervisor I
Exam Cut-Off Date: TBD

Direct Construction Supervisor II
Exam Cut-Off Date: TBD

Supervising Special Investigator I (Non-Peace Officer)
Cutoff Date 7/31/2023

WIDE-RANGING CAREER OPTIONS Find the Right Role for You

Unlock the potential for a career in CAL FIRE and discover exciting opportunities to apply your skillset across numerous fields. Search below for open positions in fire protection, resource management, admin and IT, aviation and more.

Open Positions Open CEA Positions

Email: CALFIRErecruitment@fire.ca.gov

or

Phone: (916) 894-9585

 

WHAT TO EXPECT Compensation & Benefits

Careers with the State of California offer many benefits. For more information on salary and benefits, please visit the California Department of Human Resources website.

  • Employee pension managed by CalPERS
  • Health, dental, and vision plans
  • Paid holidays, accrued leave, and other benefits
  • Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) 
  • Upward Mobility Program
  • Certified Bilingual Positions/Pay Differential Program
  • Diversity Equity Inclusion Program (DEI)

 

In partnership with

California Department of Human Resources

Learn more about Employee Benefits

ALL ARE WELCOME Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

CAL FIRE provides equal opportunity to all regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EEO