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

Marshal watching a fire burn

Deputy State Fire Marshal

Recruitment Begins Soon
Multiple Counties 
Salary $80,328.00 – $113,700.00 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

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.

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: 04/03/2025

Communications Operator
Cut-Off Date: 09/30/2025

Communications Supervisor - Communications Supervisor Fact Sheet
Cut-Off Date: 05/01/2025

Cook Specialist I
Cut-Off Date: 04/11/2025

Cook Specialist II
Cut-Off Date:04/11/2025

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

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

Forestry Assistant II
Final Filing Date: 04/09/2025

Forestry and Fire Protection Administrator 
Final Filing Date: 04/14/2025

Graphic Designer I
Cut-Off Date: 04/30/2025

Cut-Off Date: Until Filled

Gunsmith
Final Filing Date: Until Filled

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

Heavy Fire Equipment Operator
Final Filing Date: 04/22/2025

Lead Gunsmith
Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Senior Aviation Officer
Final Filing Date: 04/30/2025

Supervising Cook I
Cut-Off Date: Until Filled

Supervising Cook II
Cut-Off Date: Until Filled

Supervising Pipeline Safety Engineer
Final Filing Date: 04/15/2025

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

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Helpful Resources

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