FIRE APPARATUS ENGINEER

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE); California (MO); On-site; USD 67,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) seeks a Fire Apparatus Engineer to operate fire apparatus and lead a crew during firefighting operations. The role involves vehicle maintenance, equipment checks, and assisting in training sessions to ensure safe, effective responses.

The position is permanent and full time, based in the United States, with in-office telework and a statewide facility footprint.

Qualifications

• Cal-JAC CPAT card required or accepted for pre-employment physical ability assessment.

Responsibilities

• Operate fire apparatus during wildland and structural firefighting operations and lead a crew.
• Perform maintenance on vehicles and equipment and assist in training crews.

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Position Details

Job Code #

JC-529942

Position #(s)

542-000-1077-VAR

Working Title

FIRE APPARATUS ENGINEER

Classification

FIRE APPARATUS ENGINEER

Salary

$5,551.00 - $6,856.00 A

# of Positions

Multiple

Work Location

United States

Telework

In Office

Job Type

Permanent, Full Time

Facility

Statewide

Department Information

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.

Department Website: www.fire.ca.gov

When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co-workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunites. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!

Job Description And Duties

Under general supervision, operates fire apparatus and equipment during wildland and structural firefighting operations; leads an assigned crew in the performance of firefighting duties; maintains and makes minor repairs on vehicles, equipment, and the fire stations; performs fire prevention tasks, and other related work.
Drives and operates fire apparatus in connection with extinguishing wildland, structural, and other fires, and in fire prevention and rescue work; leads a crew; performs maintenance and simple repairs on equipment; makes reports on the operation of equipment; uses maps; operates two-way radio as necessary; may act as fire captain relief; assists in training crews to fight fire efficiently and safely; checks, cleans, and polishes trucks; does general facility maintenance and repair work; assists in building roads, trails, telephone lines, and minor structures; as a learner, may operate other heavy equipment to assist when required; makes fire law inspections; investigates fire causes; prepares and presents fire prevention programs to the public; keeps records and prepares reports. Performs work outside with potential exposure to environmental elements (e.g., extreme weather, poison oak).

Note: Fire Center and Fuels Reduction Crews positions exist within the units. Duties for Fuels Reduction Crews positions include: Operation of various prescribed fire ignition tools, fuels reduction tools and Prescribed Fire Crew equipment. Assist in planning fuels reduction projects and complete projects while providing leadership to crew members. Provide training in the use of tools specific to prescribed fire, fuels reduction and vegetation management to Prescribed Fire Technicians. Coordinate administrative duties in the absence of the Prescribed Fire Captain.

Special Requirements

• The Cal-JAC CPAT Card of Completion, issued by the Cal-JAC CPAT program to candidates who pass the Cal-JAC-administered CPAT, is the sole CPAT card accepted by CAL FIRE as evidence of successful completion of pre-employment physical ability assessment.
• Applicants selected for positions are placed in an apprenticeship program. Permanent appointments are conditional upon successful completion of the training program.
• Possession of a valid driver's license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Currently, valid driver’s licenses are:

• Class A or B Commercial with a tank endorsement and airbrakes
• California Class A, B, or C with a Firefighter endorsement
• An out of state driver’s license valid for the operation of firefighting equipment within the employee’s home state.

Please note: Some positions may require a HAZMAT or Passenger endorsement. If submitting a California driver’s license with a Firefighter endorsement, your driver’s license must show the Restriction 50.

• Applicants must pass medical clearances under the Respiratory Protection Program.

The Bargaining Unit 8 (BU8) Memorandum of Understanding regarding Voluntary In-Class Transfer Policy (Inter-Unit) (Section 9.2) will be followed. Transfers may require a two-year commitment and the completion of the JAC program.

TAU applicants are encouraged to apply.

What is TAU?

TAU appointments to this classification are made under temporary authorization. In accordance with the California State Constitution, no person may serve in one or more positions under a temporary appointment longer than 9 months in 12 consecutive months. Therefore, all time served in temporary appointments during the 12 consecutive month period will count towards this 9 month maximum. An employee gains no status or rights as a result of the TAU appointment and an employee who has had only a TAU appointment has no reinstatement eligibility. Persons who do not possess the minimum qualifications for the classification are ineligible for appointment as a TAU.

If you are offered and accept a TAU appointment, you will be required to take the next exam administered for this classification. If you do not apply to take the exam, score too low to be in a reachable rank, OR if you fail the test, your TAU appointment will be terminated within 48 hours of the exam results being released.

FELONY DISCLOSURE

Pursuant to California Penal Code 4571, any individual interested in seeking employment that requires working with inmates at a conservation camp must disclose of any prior felony status up front, so CALFIRE/CDCR can provide informed consent to a former felon to be on the conservation camp/prison grounds.

Any person/employee who has been convicted of a felony, and has not received written consent, is committing a felony.

PREA INFORMATION

Positions located at a Camp or requiring the supervision of inmates requires compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Compliance is determined by completing a Live Scan prior to appointment and during the course of employment to verify the standards of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 115 Prison Rape Elimination Act National Standards are met.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Final Filing Date: 9/21/2026