How to get hired at Riverside County Fire Department

Written by a career firefighter · Updated 2026-11-04

Hiring statusNot currently hiring

The 2026-season Fire Fighter I posting had a March 31, 2026 cut-off, and its candidate pool was used through October 31, 2026. The department FAQ says the FF I window typically runs November 1 to 30 each year, but no 2026 to 2027 posting was confirmed. src

LocationPerris, CA

Career firefighters1,300

Stations101

Riverside County Fire Department works together with CAL FIRE, and entry-level firefighters are hired through CAL FIRE (a California state agency), not a county exam. The main entry point is the seasonal Fire Fighter I job, a non-testing classification filled by resume review through CalCareers, with applications typically taken each November. Permanent firefighter classifications require a CAL FIRE exam and eligibility list.

Apply / get notified Official recruitment page

Minimum requirements

No age limit, but candidates must be able to perform the duties safely and meet the physical requirements src
Non-citizens may be hired with U.S. work authorization src
Must pass physical/medical exam and Respiratory Protection Program medical clearance src
Must be willing to work remote areas, weekends, holidays and 24-hour duty, with adequate vision, color vision, hearing, strength and agility src
Copy of a valid driver's license is requested with the application package src
EMT certification recommended to be more competitive src

Certifications

EMT: not required
Firefighter I/II: unknown

Source: official page

Tests

Resume review (Fire Fighter I is non-testing) (other): Candidates are selected in rounds by cut-off date; permanent classifications require a separate exam. src

Hiring process

Apply for CAL FIRE Fire Fighter I via CalCareers or paper package (STD 678, resume, PO-299, work location form, certificates)
Resume review in rounds
Job offer
Medical clearance
Seasonal FF I employment; later exam for permanent classifications

Source: official page

Starting pay

CAL FIRE Fire Fighter I: $4,403 to $5,566/month base plus extended-duty pay ($54,218 to $68,539 for up to 9 months, 2026 posting). The county site cites about $78,000/yr starting pay for firefighters. src

Checked 2026-11-05 against the department's official pages (linked). Hiring windows open and close quickly; always confirm on the official site before you apply. See every academy, EMT program and test site in California.