Become a Fire Fighter II

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

Under supervision, as a member of a fire apparatus crew, to perform the full range of fire-fighting duties in suppression of vehicle, building, improvement and vegetation fires; to assist in building, grounds, and equipment mainte- nance and repair; and to do other related work.

Job Characteristics

Eligibles selected for positions in this classification are placed in an apprenticeship program. Permanent appointments are conditional upon successful completion of the training program.

Typical Tasks

Responds to alarms as a member of a fire crew on such fire apparatus as pumper or water tank trucks; connects, lays, and operates hose lines; enters burning areas and structures with charged hose lines; operates and climbs ladders; makes forcible entry into buildings; ventilates buildings; uses hand tools and fire equipment to contain and suppress fire; assists in rescue and salvage operations as a crew member of a rescue truck; assists in making fire preven- tion inspections; assists in building, grounds, and equipment maintenance and repair; inspects, cleans and repairs fire hose and equipment, sharpens fire tools, paints equipment and buildings and performs minor construction work; performs general housekeeping duties; under close supervision, may operate motor vehicles on station premises and elsewhere in nonemergency situations for training purposes; may assist in the training of seasonal and volunteer fire fighters.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$4,650 - $6,030 Base Salary (paid every month) 

$1,580 - $2,050 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)

$76,340 – $99,010 Annual Compensation

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Age: 18 years at the time of appointment. (Candidates who are within two months of satisfying the age requirement will be admitted to the examination.); (and)

Experience:

Either I
Three months of fire-fighting experience.

Or II
One year of experience as a certified volunteer firefighter.

Or III
Completion of training courses prerequisite for Fire Fighter I Certification.

Or IV
One year of experience as a Fire Prevention Specialist I; (and)

Successful completion of the mandatory training courses prescribed for a Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Fighter I.

Knowledge and Abilities

Ability to:
Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; learn to operate fire apparatus and special fire-suppression equipment efficiently and safely; learn forest and fire laws; do heavy physical work; follow directions; write legibly; exercise good judgment in hazardous fire-suppression activities; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; live in a fire station compatibly with others; and maintain cooperative relationships with other organizations and agencies.

Special Personal Characteristics
Willingness to work on weekends and holidays and remain on duty 24 hours a day, as required; visual acuity, color vision, and hearing adequate to successfully perform the job; physical strength, dexterity, and agility necessary to perform the duties of the position.

Additional Desirable Qualifications
Education equivalent to completion of the 12th grade.

Possession of a valid California driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

No examinations at this time.

Requirements and Training

You must be 18 years of age at the time of your appointment to Firefighter I. You will be required to follow oral/written directions, do heavy physical work, exercise good judgment in hazardous emergency activities, be willing to live in remote areas and work on weekends/holidays. Being physically fit is vital to your success as a firefighter. Applications will be processed in rounds with cut-off dates throughout the year.

Successful applicants are placed into the appropriate category as follows:

  • Category 0: The applicant has returnee rights to a CAL FIRE Unit.
  • Category 1: The applicant is considered "fully trained" and has provided an acceptable document showing completion of ALL of the required trainings listed above.
  • Category 2: The applicant is considered "partially trained" and has provided an acceptable document showing completion of at least one of the required trainings listed above, or one of the desirable trainings listed above.
  • Category 3: The applicant has not provided acceptable documentation for any of the required trainings, or desirable trainings listed above.

For more information on category placement and required trainings please review the Required Training PDF.

For a list of acceptable documents, please review the Acceptable Documents PDF.

For additional questions, please call the FFI, FFII, and DSI hotline at 951-901-5051.

Job Application Period

November 1 through November 30 and there may be additional cutoffs throughout the season.

Hiring Begins

Hiring may be as early as January and it will continue throughout the year as the need arises.

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!