Become a Seasonal Firefighter

On The Job

Participate in wildland, rural and structural fire suppression. As a member of a fire crew, the employees of CAL FIRE respond to emergency situations, perform heavy physical work and assist in the maintenance of the grounds, equipment and general station housekeeping. Firefighter I is a seasonal, temporary classification. Hiring may begin as early as January and it will continue throughout the year as the need arises. The length of employment is up to nine months, depending on the duration and intensity of the fire season. Becoming a Firefighter I is the best way to enhance your career opportunities with CAL FIRE. Salary (Monthly) Base salary $3,672.00 - $4,643.00 Plus $1,824 - $2,306 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks). The typical work week consists of three consecutive 24-hour days on (72-hour shift) with overtime compensation for additional time worked. In addition to responding to emergencies, station life includes cleaning fire engines, training, doing laundry, mopping floors, meal preparation, maintenance (engine maintenance, light construction), physical fitness and a review of fire suppression and emergency response procedures. At night, all employees typically sleep in barracks, in dorm-like conditions. While on duty, meals are prepared at the station and everyone takes turns cooking. Each employee pays for all chargeable on-duty meals at the rate equivalent to the average meal cost in the Unit where he/she is employed. You are not charged for meals while committed to an emergency incident. As necessary, your crew will respond to structure fires, wildland fires, medical aids, auto accidents, and other hazardous incidents. Your field duties will require you to work under adverse environmental conditions over extended periods of time. You will be helping to fulfill one of CAL FIRE’s most important responsibilities: protecting the people, property, and resources of the State of California.

Requirements and Training

You must be 18 years of age at the time of your appointment to Firefighter I. You will be required to follow oral/written directions, do heavy physical work, exercise good judgment in hazardous emergency activities, be willing to live in remote areas and work on weekends/holidays. Being physically fit is vital to your success as a firefighter. Applications will be processed in rounds with cut-off dates throughout the year. Successful applicants are placed into the appropriate category as follows:

For more information on category placement and required trainings please review the Required Training PDF.

For a list of acceptable documents, please review the Acceptable Documents PDF.