Wildland Firefighter

Wildland Firefighter

Position Information

Examination Schedule: Written Exam: Qualified candidates will be notified of the testing date five days prior to the examination. Examination: Written Exam (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of standard forestry practices and techniques, including fire suppression and controlled burning methods to be used in various types of fuels and under a variety of weather conditions and terrain; fire behavior, fire organization, and fire equipment to suppress and direct suppression of fires under various conditions of fuel, weather, and terrain; fire terminology; and the use of radios and safety techniques, and other relevant topics. The Human Resources Division may solely conduct an appraisal of application materials should there be an insufficient number of candidates to warrant a written exam. Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Minimum Qualifications/Employment Standards: High school Diploma, G.E.D or equivalent. AND Twelve (12) months experience equivalent to the Wildland Firefighter Apprentice in the Kern County classification system. Within twelve (12) months of employment, Wildland Firefighter appointees must enroll and successfully complete an approved basic firefighter training academy. Failure to successfully complete the academy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Within twelve (12) months of employment, Wildland Firefighter appointees must enroll and successfully complete an approved National Registry EMT program with certification. Failure to successfully complete an approved National Registry EMT program and obtain the certification may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Preferred Qualifications: NWCG or CICCS Single Resource Boss Qualified EMT Qualifications Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) I-300 Intermediate ICS S-219 Ignition Operations Intermediate Faller Type 2 (FAL2)

Physical Requirements: Must complete the annual Federal Wildland Firefighter Fitness Standard of "Arduous" as established by the Work Capacity Test (PACK Test) and meet and maintain the department's physical fitness standards. Physical Examination: A rigid medical examination by the County Physician is required. Includes Spine and Chest X-Rays; Blood Chemistry and Electro-cardiograph tests. Weight must be proportionate to height and age. Must meet and maintain county physical fitness requirements. Vision: 20/40 uncorrected in each eye, corrected to 20/20 – with gas permeable or hard contact lenses or spectacles. No permanent or progressive eye abnormalities. Any eye condition that results in the candidate not being able to safely perform one or more of the essential functions is disqualifying. Hearing: On audiometric testing, 25 decibels @ 500,1000, 2000 or 3000 AND an average of 25 decibels for all four (4) frequencies in both ears, age corrected, using audiometric equipment calibrated to ANSI Standards and without the use of hearing aids. Any ear condition or hearing impairment that results in the candidate not being able to safely perform one or more of the essential functions is disqualifying. Minimum Age: Applicants must be 18 years of age by the final filing deadline. Character: Applicants must have a reputation of honesty and trustworthiness. A felony conviction will be disqualifying and convictions for misdemeanors and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Appointees will be fingerprinted and will be required to complete and pass an extensive background investigation or be disqualified. As a condition of employment, the appointee shall adhere to the Kern County Fire Department's Administrative Policy 104.40, Grooming Standards and 108.70, Tobacco Use Policy during his or her tenure with the Kern County Fire Department. This position works within the Kern County Fire Department.

Kern County Employee Benefits

As a regular or provisional employee of Kern County, working twenty (20) hours or more per week, you are presently eligible for the following benefits as described below: Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Retirement Program: Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401(a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement. Deferred Compensation: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire. Social Security Administration: Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare. Employee Assistance Program: EAP is available to help you take control of your life! Voluntary Benefits: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax bases: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account. Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)

Additional Information

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date. Following an offer of employment, you will be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense. A thorough background check investigation will be completed by the Fire Department. This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made at the Kern County Fire Department. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

Salary: $5,914.07 - $7,067.86 Monthly

Application Deadline: 2026-11-06