It's better than being unemployed. - Fire Prevention Specialist CAL Fire Employee Review

3.0
Jun 22, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people are pretty amazing to work.

Cons

If you aren't a firefighter, the pay is poor and advancement is almost impossible. You are pretty invisible to the department if you're in any job other than management or firefighting. Yes, the benefits are very good, but I pay so much money into benefits and my salary is in the 35,000 dollar range. You are also at the mercy of the current governor. I took three, five percent pay cuts in the last two years.

Explore other reviews about CAL Fire

5.0
Oct 27, 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
Apr 13, 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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