#calfire

CDF Type 3, Model 5 - Engine 2661 -

CAL Fire Careers - Wildland

Why Cal Fire?

Cal Fire is an organization that prides itself on its determination and commitment to the Safeguard of California's people and property. Its “all-risk” classification leaves stations working in both residential and wildland settings. In terms of the workforce, Cal Fire currently employees approximately 8,000 people. Many of such positions can be claimed as seasonal, or “part-time”. Though seasonal, Cal Fire offers highly competitive pay. Compared to that of the forest service, Cal Fires starting Firefighter I positions exceed that to the federal service’s third year service salary. In terms of career, Cal Fire’s size and diversity allows for advancement opportunities that exceed just pay.

Advancement and Opportunity

Though a career as a firefighter can be tough, the opportunities for advancement are extremely high. With experience and training, individuals can work their way from engineer, all the way to chief. As your experience level rises, so does your salary. It is not uncommon for a California Firefighter to be comfortably sitting within a six figure salary. As your service years stack, individuals can retire on a pension that supports nearly the same value.

Requirements to Work

When looking to apply for a standard Firefighter I position, it is important to obtains the following qualifications;

CAL FIRE Basic Firefighter Certificate

California State Fire Marshal (SFM) Confined Space Awareness

Certificate California SFM Hazardous Materials First Responder

Operational Certificate Firefighter Survival (Structural)

American Heart Association - CPR

FEMA IS-100: Introduction to Incident Command System

FEMA IS-700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS)

FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

On top of the listed qualifications, one must be of 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, and be in great physical shape. Training Tips Firefighter credentials can be obtained through certified fire academies and selected California Junior colleges. An example of an accredited program includes Palomar College fire in the greater San Diego area. When looking at qualifications including the California State Fire Marshal, fire academies and junior colleges will be able to fulfill such requirements. Before your application, it is imperative that you have documentation for all previous training and relevant coursework. Many medical certificates have expiration dates. Ensuring that all of your training is active is essential to finding a position. Cal Fire Firefighter I

On the Job

As noted, Firefighter I calcifications are generally listed as seasonal positions. Knowing this, the term of seasonal deployment is directly correlated to the strength and duration of the fire season. Starting as early as April, Cal Fire Seasonal Employees can expect to be employed for up to 9 months following the start of their position. For extended information on the job itself, check out Cal Fire’s promotion video which provides fantastic representation of the career path.

Handcrews

Handcrews are primarily assigned to wildfires and are tasked with the construction of firelines with hand held tools. Their work is aimed to control, contain, and eliminate wildfires before they become threats. When not assigned to wildfires or emergency incidents, the primary mission of the firefighter is fuel reduction and vegetation management.

Overall Satisfaction

In general reviews and employee surveys, individuals working in the Cal Fire organization have reported high levels of satisfaction. When revealing articles from US NEWS, many firefighters reported high instances of stress. In terms of stress management, firefighters have a variety of benefits that many jobs do not offer;

Approximately 10 works days every month

24 hour shiftsMeals on the clock

Exercise on the clock

Sleeping hours

Deadlines

As seasonal employment depends directly on the fire season itself, job openings will be posted accordingly. New hires usually occur in the months of April, May, and June. Depending on the size of the workforce, the actual deadline of applications may change. Cal Fire will post the majority of their deadlines directly on their career page. Knowing this, it is important that you have a general understanding of what to do to apply.

How to Apply

San Francisco skies currently. Smoke completely covers California from satellite view. It has blocked out the sun. This is at 12pm during the day. Global warming is no fucking joke people. California is on fire, including Yosemite. In all my years of living here it has NEVER been this bad. It’s like living in an apocalyptic movie. The epicenter of hell.