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)

Join CAL FIRE

Interested in joining CAL FIRE? The recruitment process includes extensive training programs and offers a range of career opportunities. Learn about the diverse roles and rewarding careers available within CAL FIRE.
A defensible space inspector points out an issue to a home owner

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

A CAL FIRE forester holds up a seedling

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

A fire prevention specialist hands a sticker to a child

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

Communications operator preparing to dispatch resources to an incident.

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.

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

Firefighter paramedic helmet showing the CAL FIRE logo.
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.

 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.

Cut-Off Dates: Dates utilized when an examination bulletin is advertised as continuous-file (posted year-round). All applications submitted on or before the cut-off date are collected and evaluated against the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification. Applications submitted after the most recent cut-off date will be held and evaluated once the next cut-off date arrives.  

Final Filing Date: Date utilized when an examination bulletin is advertised as limited-file and is posted/accepting applications for a limited period of time (typically 4-weeks). Candidates must apply on or before the final filing date in order to be considered for the examination. Late applications are not accepted or retained so candidates that miss the deadline must wait to apply during a future filing period.  


Automotive Technician I
Cut-Off Date: 12/05/2024

Automotive Technician II
Final Filing Date: 01/30/2025

Communications Operator
Cut-Off Date: 03/30/2025

Communications Supervisor - Communications Supervisor Fact Sheet
Cut-Off Date: 02/01/2025

Cook Specialist I
Cut-Off Date: 01/13/2025

Cook Specialist II
Cut-Off Date: 01/13/2025

Direct Construction Supervisor I
Final Filling Date: 06/06/2025 

Direct Construction Supervisor II
Final Filing Date: 06/06/2025

Division Chief, California State Fire Marshal's Office
Final Filing Date: 12/21/2024

Fire Apparatus Engineer
Final Filing Date: 12/27/2024 

Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic)
Cut-Off Date: 03/06/2025

Fire Captain
Final Filing Date: 12/27/2024

Fire Fighter II (Paramedic)
Cut-Off Date: 02/28/2025

Forestry Assistant II
Final Filing Date: 12/13/2024

Forestry Technician
Final Filing Date: 12/13/2024

Graphic Designer I
Cut-Off Date: 01/31/2025

Cut-Off Date: Until Filled

Gunsmith
Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Cut-Off Date: 10/14/2025

Lead Gunsmith
Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Supervising Cook I
Cut-Off Date: 12/31/2024

Supervising Cook II
Cut-Off Date: 12/31/2024

Supervising Special Investigator I (NPO)
Cut-Off Date: Until Filled

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

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Contact Us: Email or Phone (916) 894-9585

California Natural Resources Agency Jobs

Helpful Resources

CAL FIRE in partnership with California Conservation Corps

Our partners at the California Conservation Corps (CCC) provide hands on experience and paid training of wildland firefighting. 

Learn More About CCC

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

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.