Hiring Event
Looking for work in wildland fire? Join us at one of our hiring events this November!
The Department of the Interior is holding two hiring events to quickly fill 200 wildland firefighter and support positions in California and parts of Nevada this fall. Jobs will be filled across three bureaus:
Northern California Jobs
November 5-6, 2022
Redding, CA
Red Lion Hotel
Central and Southern California Jobs
November 19-20, 2022
Northridge, CA
Cal State Northridge - University Student Union
Doors will be open from 9 am to 4 pm each day.
Free parking will be available in the G3 parking lot, southwest of Prairie Street & Zelzah Avenue. This is closest lot to the hiring event.
There will be a LIVE Q&A where applicants can ask questions of current wildland fire personnel every hour, on the hour, from 10 am to 2 pm.
During the in-person events, hiring officials will be available onsite to answer questions, review resumes, and help you navigate the application process. Job offers may be made on-the-spot.
If you can't attend in person, check out our protips for landing your first fire job. Qualified online applicants will still be considered.
Help Spread the Word
Help us spread the word about these hiring events! Share this page or download a printable flyer.
Where are the vacancies located?
Participating agencies have positions located throughout California and parts of Nevada. When you look at a position on USAJOBS, you can find available locations under "Overview” in the column on the right.
Are the jobs permanent or temporary? Year-round or seasonal?
The jobs include full-time permanent, temporary seasonal, and permanent seasonal vacancies.
- Full-time permanent positions are employed year-round.
- Temporary seasonal positions are employed for roughly six months per year for only one year.
- Permanent seasonal positions are employed for six months per year on a recurring basis.
What positions are being filled?
The jobs include wildland firefighters, engine captains, forestry aids, forestry technicians, and dispatchers. A summary of position types is available on the National Interagency Fire Center's wildland fire job page. Detailed position and wildland fire qualification information is available in the National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group's position catalog.
Which event should I go to?
For jobs in northern California, attend the Redding event. For all other positions, attend the Northridge event.
Do I have to attend in-person to apply?
No. Attending in-person provides the opportunity to speak directly with hiring officials, which can be beneficial if you haven't held a federal job before. You are encouraged to apply online between October 10 and 17, prior to attending the event. If you can't attend in person, check out our protips for landing your first fire job. Qualified applicants will be considered regardless of whether they applied online or in person.
Do I have to apply online in advance?
No. Applicants may submit applications at the in-person event without applying online. Hiring officials will be available onsite to answer questions, review resumes, and help people navigate the application process. Qualified applicants will be considered regardless of whether they applied online or in person.
Do I need firefighting experience to apply?
Some of the available positions are entry level and require no firefighting experience.
What do I need to bring with me?
-
Two forms of valid, government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license and passport.
-
Complete resume
-
Military records, if applicable (DD214, VA Letters)
-
IQCS report or other training records (if applicable)
-
Recommendation letters (if available)
-
Pen and paper
I'm not feeling well. Should I still attend?
The fire year in California is year-round, and we want everyone to stay healthy. If you aren't feeling well, please don't attend. You can apply for positions online throughout the year using USAJobs.
How soon will I know if I’ve been hired?
Some tentative job offers will be made onsite, pending background checks, drug screenings, and a medical exam. Other applicants will be notified a couple of weeks following the events.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. They must stay outside the interview rooms. There will be fire engines on display and crews available to chat with, so you and your family can learn about your future career.
How long should I expect to be there?
It could take a few hours to go through the whole process.
