Great job, poor management - Firefighter CAL Fire Employee Review

2.0
Nov 10, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Experience, the people you work with, vast avenues of opportunity

Cons

The sheer amount of hours. You will be forced to work on duty for weeks, and a lot of times it was never actually necessary. The pay is mediocre at best considering how much of your life you devote to the job. The equipment we use is in the stone ages compared to most departments. The department does essentially nothing for the employees health and well being. And for everyone new coming into the department they are now on a way worse retirement system than people pre-2013.

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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