One of the best jobs out there - Firefighter CAL Fire Employee Review

5.0
30 Aug 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

This job teaches and reinforces a strong work ethic, integrity, teamwork, leadership, family cohesiveness, and more. It takes you to parts of the the state that you might never otherwise see, where you have the opportunity to help people who are in need and are often in their darkest hours. This is a multi-faceted job, with so many different types of lessons to be learned throughout one's career, all of which provide ample opportunity to grow into the role of a seasoned firefighter, and if one wishes, to promote. Many of the lessons and resulting values learned from this job can be transferred to one's personal life.

Cons

Summer and fall are usually very busy seasons, and strike team assignments and staffing patterns can keep people away from their families for extended periods of time. If the prospective employee and their family or significant other knows that going into the job and accepts that reality, it shouldn't be an issue.

Explore other reviews about CAL Fire

5.0
27 Oct 2025
Anonymous temporary employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great environment, opportunities for real-world experience

Cons

No cons come to mind

3.0
13 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good benefits. Flexible work location, can transfer most anywhere in the state. Low barrier to entry.

Cons

The department is moving towards making everyone into a fuels reduction crew. Whereas ordinarily we would spend our time training, exercising, and maintaining our fire station and equipment we now work all day in menial labor. The assumption that our 24 hour shift consists of a 10 hour duty day and 14 hours of standby at the fire station seems to be gone now. Instead we are committed to fuels reduction work for our 10 hours and expected to train, exercise, and finish administrative duties in the evening or at night.

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