California Firefighter Career Opportunities

Firefighter lookouts monitoring a fire — Firefighter lookouts monitor fires and provide support to air operations in Mendocino National Forest, California. (Forest Service photo by Cecilio Ricardo)

Now Hiring Wildland Fire Management Positions for 2026

Apply on USAJOBS.gov January 5 through January 26, 2025. If chosen, start your position Summer 2026.

Recruitment Events

Firefighters preparing their vehicles for fire operations — Hotshot firefighters prepare their vehicles for fire operations at fire camp near the Mendocino National Forest, California. (*USDA Forest Service photo by Cecilio Ricardo*)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will host a series of wildland firefighter recruitment events in January 2026. Candidates interested in permanent and temporary wildland firefighter positions throughout California are invited to attend these informational events to learn about opportunities, connect with current Forest Service firefighting staff, and get assistance with the hiring process.

Forest Service fire personnel will be available to meet with potential applicants.

January 16 & 17, 2026

10 AM to 4 PM, Truckee Meadows Community College: William N. Pennington Health Science Center
10 AM to 4 PM, Pasadena City College: Circadian Creveling Lounge

January 23 & 24, 2026

10 AM to 4 PM, Chico State University: Bell Memorial Union Building
10 AM to 4 PM, Reedley College: Cafeteria Building

Available Positions

Pay Information

Compensation is based on the new 2025 Wildland Firefighter (GW) locality pay tables. Pay ranges from grade GW levels 3 through 9 and varies based on the position and duty location. Review the positions on USAJOBS.gov for more information.

Firefighter using a drip torch on vegetation to contain a fire — Laura Spellman, Hot Shot firefighter, uses a drip torch to burn lower vegetation to contain an oncoming fire in Mendocino National Forest, California. (*USDA Forest Service photo by Cecilio Ricardo*)

Benefits May Include

Career Advancement Opportunities
Overtime and Hazard Pay
Paid Holidays & Leave
Medical Vision, and Dental Plans
Flexible Spending Accounts
Life Insurance
Retirement and Thrift Savings Plans
Flexible, Seasonal, or Year-Round Schedules
Wellness Programs
Paid Training and Educational Opportunities (locally and nationally)
Employee Housing (if available)

Apply on USAJOBS.gov January 5 through January 26, 2026

Redding Hotshot Crew fire vehicle — Redding Hotshot crew vehicle "buggy" on Mendocino National Forest, California. (*Bureau of Land Management photo by Colby Jackson*)

More Information

Application Tips

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The USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer