How to Get a Job as a Seasonal Firefighter in California

While there is a constant risk of wildfires in California all year round, the traditional season where preparedness is heightened (and actual new people are brought on) has been from about August to December. With two years of drought, however, California has been seeing a greater need for fire personnel to combat a more intense range of fires than usual.

CAL FIRE, or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, is the central state agency that coordinates fire fighting efforts. CAL FIRE is the group to apply to if you are seeking a seasonal firefighting position.

New firefighters apply for a seasonal, temporary position called Fire Fighter I, and hiring of new firefighters generally occurs from April to June each year. Minimum qualifications for a firefighter are that you be years old at the time of appointment to the position, and be able to pass a physical fitness test.

The first step in the application process is to determine which unit you wish to apply for. A full list of units can be seen at this link, under the headings of "Northern Region Headquarters" and "Southern Region Headquarters." There are about twenty different units in locations scattered all over the state. Additionally, take a look at county hiring websites, as jobs for seasonal firefighters are sometimes listed there as well.

You'll then need to visit the unit in question to fill out a Fire Fighter I application. You can view this application from this link and print a copy ahead of time. To apply at multiple units, you'll need to put in a separate application at each unit you wish to apply to. Applications are accepted from the first business day of November to the last business day of the following January. Applicants must possess a valid Class C California Driver's License, and may be required to have a CPR and First Aid certification.

Prospective applicants should note that the job expects possible 24 hour duty, and that you may be asked to live and work in remote wilderness areas including weekends and holidays. Salary for California seasonal firefighters is about $2400 to $3000 per month depending on experience. Seasonal firefighters do not receive benefits owing to the temporary nature of the employment. Also, as a salaried employee, you are contracted to work 50 hours a week for that salary, not the usual forty. Overall length of employment can vary depending on the fire activity at the time.

If selected, new firefighters can expect a training period during the summer. Training covers basic firefighting principles, techniques and emergency medical care.

CAL FIRE can be reached at the following address, but they ask that you do not send applications to this address. Applications are accepted in person at all unit locations.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
P.O. Box 944246
Sacramento, California 94244-2460