Discover R.V.E.T.S.

Benefits

The State of California affords a plethora of benefits detailed on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.  Some specific benefits afforded to the military community are listed below. 

Military Leave

CAL FIRE supports employees who serve in the military by providing various military leave benefits in compliance with state and federal laws.  These protections include adherence to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and California Military and Veterans Code along with State of California policies and procedures.

The State of California offers short-term, long-term, emergency, and war or national emergency military leave.  State employees on military leave may receive pay, accrue benefits, and continue health coverage.  They may also choose to be paid for other leave credits.  Each situation is unique and outlined in the CalHR Human Resources Manual 2118 Military Leave policy. 

Education Assistance and Apprenticeships

CAL FIRE contracts with the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC) to administer its apprenticeship program that offers uniformity and consistency in firefighter training and aides in meeting hiring goals.

CAL FIRE has established apprentice classifications and training standards for a variety of its civil service classifications including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, dozer operations, and investigations.

The Cal-JAC Training Program is authorized by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs to facilitate educational benefits for apprentices who have separated from the military and are eligible to receive benefits under the Montgomery (Chapter 30) and Post 9-11 (Chapter 33) GI Bills.  This also applies to Veterans/Service Members who are active Reservists and are eligible to receive benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill - Select Reserve (SR), Chapter 1606 or may be eligible to use Chapter 33.  Benefits are paid for the term of apprenticeship or until benefit entitlements expire, whichever comes first.

For frequently asked questions and answers regarding the use of educational benefits and apprenticeship opportunities, please visit the Cal-JAC Veterans’ Benefits page.

Retirement

The California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) provides pension benefits based on years of service, age at retirement, and final compensation.

Depending on the job classification, employees may qualify for safety retirement benefits, which typically offer earlier retirement age options and higher benefit formulas compared to non-safety positions.

Consideration of military service is also important when considering potential credits.  Some key CalPERS publications to consider are:

• A Guide to Your Military Service Credit Options (Publication 15)
• Circular Letter 200-056-16 – Senate Bill 294, Military Service Credit
• What You Need to Know About Your CalPERS National Guard Benefits (Publication 11)

Additional benefits such as assistance for preference in examinations, Disabled Veterans/Service Members, and resources for health and wellness are detailed in the following tabs.

Choose Us

Why should you make CAL FIRE your choice?

CAL FIRE is an all-hazard organization, employing approximately 190+ different civil service classifications and 12 bargaining units spanning many occupational areas. 

CAL FIRE has careers from operations to administration, aviation, technology, fire protection/prevention, resource management, law enforcement, and more.  Within CAL FIRE you will find a strong team culture, transition assistance, and multiple occupational fields that closely resemble military skillsets.  For example, if you are a Navy Seabee you may qualify for dozer/transport operations or if you are a Marine Expeditionary Firefighting and Rescue Specialist or Coast Guard Damage Controlman, you may qualify for many of our fire suppression classifications.  As a spouse or family member with organizational experience and/or the ability to handle multiple priorities, you may qualify for the analytical or management series.  Each branch (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force), California National Guard (Cal Guard), and Reserves offer unique qualifications that crosswalk to many CAL FIRE and State of California civil service classifications. 

Your experiences may have already prepared you for a career in a specific occupational area, or you may be considering a different career altogether.  Research, including a self-assessment, is essential in any career planning.  A self-assessment evaluates your strengths/weaknesses, successes/challenges, and likes/dislikes to assist you in matching yourself to a certain occupational area.

This website is devoted to the many opportunities available and the processes to become successfully employed with CAL FIRE. Some of the specific benefits for Veterans, Service Members, and their families are outlined on the following tabs including information on our partner programs.  For additional assistance, feel free to contact the R.V.E.T.S program at any time.

Disabled Veteran Program

There are a variety of resources and programs available to help Disabled Veterans, including, but not limited to, Limited Examination Appointment Program (LEAP), The Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), and the CAL FIRE Disability Advisory Council (DAC).  For more information, please see below. 

LEAP
Although not exclusive to Veterans/Service Members, LEAP is a California state hiring program designed to assist individuals with disabilities in securing employment within state agencies, including CAL FIRE.  LEAP provides an alternative pathway to traditional civil service examinations, allowing qualified candidates to demonstrate their skills through on-the-job performance assessments rather than a standard test.

DVBE
DVBE is a California state initiative that helps Veteran-owned businesses secure contracts with state agencies, including CAL FIRE.  The program ensures that at least 3% of all state contract dollars go to DVBE-certified businesses, providing opportunities for Disabled Veterans to grow their businesses while supporting state operations.

If you are an entrepreneur interested in the State of California DVBE program, please visit the Department of General Services webpage.

DAC 
Also, not exclusive to Veterans/Service Members, the DAC is a group dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities and workplace accessibility for employees and candidates with disabilities.  The DAC helps ensure that CAL FIRE provides a supportive, inclusive, and accommodating work environment for individuals with disabilities.

Health & Wellness

Be Aware, Get Involved, Seek Help

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a report revealing that an average of 22 Veterans are killed by suicide every day—the numbers have changed. According to the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, the number has decreased to approximately 17 a day—while a slight improvement, even one is still too many.

Prevention starts with recognizing that a problem is escalating and/or that risk factors are building (e.g., frequent deployments, injury, length of deployment).  By seeking help or getting involved ahead of time, crisis may be mitigated or avoided.  Success factors for prevention involve seeking professional assistance despite negative stigmas associated with behavioral health and wellness.  It is not too soon to develop healthy coping strategies and to take advantage of available resources.

Help is Here

If you are a Veteran/Service Member or know someone experiencing any warning signs, one resource is the VA's Veterans Crisis Line, available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1).  Staffed with specially trained and experienced responders, this resource connects those in need with confidential, round-the-clock support.  However, if a suicide attempt seems imminent, call a local crisis center, dial 911, or take the person to an emergency room.  Do not leave them alone.

Veterans/Service Members and their families are not the only ones at risk.  The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation notes it is estimated that suicide is three times more likely to happen in a fire department than a line of duty death. Although research is limited, emerging evidence suggests that repeated exposure to trauma by firefighters, emergency services personnel, and law enforcement personnel puts them at increased risk.  Some may consider talking to peers; however, others may remain silent.

Remember that those closest are likely to observe changes in behavior—the same warning signs apply.  A nationally recognized resource available 24/7 is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  This lifeline provides free and confidential support to all.

Employee Assistance Program
Regardless of Military or Veteran status, the State of California also provides a variety of resources to its employees and eligible dependents regardless of Veteran status through its Employee Assistance Program.

Partnerships

R.V.E.T.S. proudly engages in air shows, fleet weeks, military community hiring events and job fairs to forge meaningful connections with Veterans, Service Members, and their families.  R.V.E.T.S. partners with local city councils and their dedicated members, American Legion Post, and Veterans of Foreign Wars halls to broaden the program’s reach, ensuring that more Veterans/Service Members throughout California benefit from comprehensive training, mentorship, and job placement assistance.  By incorporating Veterans, Service Members, and their families into its workforce, R.V.E.T.S. not only enhances the CAL FIRE team with disciplined and skilled individuals but also reinforces its unwavering commitment to honoring and supporting those who have bravely served.

Cal Guard

CAL FIRE operates two types of California Military Department (CMD) crews:  Joint Task Force Rattlesnake (JTFR) Hand Crews and Hand Crew Force Packages.  JTFR crews’ function under an agreement between CAL FIRE and the CMD and are permanently funded year-round with no restrictions on fire lines.  Force Packages are comprised of emergency hire crews with restricted abilities, as no fire experience is required.

The training that Veterans/Service Members receive under JTFR is more in-depth than the Force Package training, which is minimal and occurs only at the time of activation.  JTFR Veterans/Service Members meeting the minimum training standard for CAL FIRE crews. This is hugely beneficial for the Veterans/Service Members as they can fight fire and log project work hours while continuing their training.  Additionally, this training makes them more qualified as a competitive candidate for employment with CAL FIRE or other organizations.

CAL FIRE also partners with a free job placement program, Cal Guard’s Work for Warriors, which assists all Veterans, Service Members, and their families in finding employment.

For more information on JTFR please see CAL FIRE and California National Guard Join Forces for Joint Task Force Rattlesnake.  For information on Work for Warriors or other Cal Guard recruitment contact CAL FIRE’s R.V.E.T.S. Recruiter.

Military Community

CAL FIRE has had strong ties with the U.S. military since its inception and continues to maintain that relationship through cooperative efforts via contracts and agreements for emergency response.  CAL FIRE also works with a variety of military installations, transition programs, and Family Readiness Programs across the state to share opportunities on State of California civil service employment options, CAL FIRE specific career tips, benefits and rights afforded to Veterans/Service Members.

Assistance also includes work with many non-profit organizations affiliated with the military community.  CAL FIRE also works with college and university Veteran Student Centers to post information on available jobs and examinations.

DoD Programs

CAL FIRE continues to look at enhanced outreach including, but not limited to, utilizing the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge Program.  The DoD SkillBridge Program provides active-duty Service Members within 180 days of release to participate in training and development with employers.  R.V.E.T.S. is actively researching and evaluating this program for potential implementation as well as the Warrior Care Program.  The Warrior Care Program, much like the DoD SkillBridge Program, focuses on wounded, ill, and injured Service Members seeking reintegration or transition into civilian life.

EDD VetNET

Since 2012, CAL FIRE has participated with the California Employment Development Department’s (EDD’s) VetNET program.  Through CAL FIRE’s engagement, unemployed Veterans gain firsthand insight into the State of California's civil service process from an employer's viewpoint. CAL FIRE was also nominated and awarded the 2017 and 2024 Veterans Employer of Year Award from the California Employer Advisory Council and has been nominated for its 2025 award.

P3O

On August 22, 2022, the CAL FIRE Director and the U.S. Army Reserve Director of the Private Public Partnership Office (P3O) signed a proclamation in support of assisting Soldiers and their families in obtaining meaningful employment and educational opportunities to promote mission readiness goals, enhance their financial stability, and create connections with the community.  This newest alliance provides CAL FIRE the opportunity to interface directly with U.S. Army Reservists during training exercises and at hosted events.

Preference

Veterans' Preference is a program for Veterans, their widows/widowers, spouses of 100% Disabled Veterans, and current Service Members within six months of separation, assisting them in obtaining State of California employment.

Many of the state’s civil service classifications are considered testing classifications.  In qualifying examinations (e.g., interviews, written tests), those who pass will be placed at the top of the eligibility list, regardless of score.  Veterans' Preference only applies until permanent civil service status is obtained and does not apply to non-testing classifications like CAL FIRE’s Fire Fighter I.  Dishonorably discharged/released Veterans are ineligible.

Examination eligibility establishes that you meet the minimum qualifications for the civil service classification; however, the next step is the job search/application process. Veterans’ Preference does not exempt you from the competitive hiring process.

Applying for Veterans’ Preference involves several steps detailed on the CalHR CalCareers Veterans Information page.

Promotional Examination Eligibility

Promotional examinations are administered with minimum qualifications that typically align with civil service classifications.  Many candidates have been or are already employed with the State of California.  However, pursuant to California Government Code Section 18991 Veteran-related military experience shall be considered state civil service experience in a classification deemed comparable by CalHR. This means that your applicable military service may qualify as state service for purposes of meeting certain minimum qualifications required in a promotional examination.

For further assistance, on any topics related to the military community, feel free to contact the R.V.E.T.S. program directly.