About the role
Looking to break into wildland fire, public safety, or a career with CAL FIRE, and want a first role where the work is real, the impact is visible, and the door opens to a much bigger career?
As a Defensible Space Inspector with CAL FIRE, you'll step into a front-line public-facing role focused on inspecting properties in fire-prone areas, educating homeowners on defensible space requirements, and helping communities reduce their wildfire risk before fire season hits. This position is built for someone who's comfortable working outdoors, talking with the public, and learning how California's wildfire prevention system actually works on the ground.
This role is ideal for an early career candidate looking to break into state employment, wildland fire, forestry, or public safety. You'll work in the field every day, walk properties to assess vegetation and clearance, document inspections, communicate findings clearly to property owners, and contribute directly to the prevention work that keeps fires smaller and communities safer. No license or degree is required, what you'll need is dependability, a willingness to learn, and the ability to handle conversations with the public professionally.
This position is based in Yolo County, California and is a non-tenured (seasonal) full-time role. The work runs through fire season and gives candidates real CAL FIRE field experience, which is a strong launching pad for further roles within the agency including pathways toward Fire Apprentice, Forestry Aide year-round positions, and other CAL FIRE career tracks.
This isn't just a seasonal job. It's a chance to get your foot in the door at one of California's largest public safety agencies, see how wildfire prevention actually works, and build a foundation for a long career in fire, forestry, or state service.
Why CAL FIRE?
- Full-time seasonal work with real field experience
- Direct entry into CAL FIRE with no license or degree required
- Strong launching pad for further CAL FIRE roles, including firefighter, forestry, and full-time state positions
- Outdoor, public-facing work with visible community impact
- Mission driven team culture focused on service, readiness, and protecting California
About Yolo County & the Sacramento Region
Yolo County sits directly across the river from Sacramento and includes West Sacramento, Davis, and Woodland. The region offers a strong mix of small-town character, university influence (UC Davis), and proximity to some of California's best outdoor escapes.
With a lower cost of living than the Bay Area or Southern California, easy access to Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada, the Northern California coast, and the wine regions of Napa and Sonoma, Yolo County is a strong fit for early career candidates who want hands-on field work without sacrificing access to a real city.
Popular cities and communities include:
- West Sacramento
- Davis
- Woodland
- Winters
- Esparto
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Questions, answered
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