Fire Department · Combination
Riverside County Fire Department
Perris, CA · Riverside County
“Leadership • Competence • Integrity • Safety • Customer Service”
Logged more than 104,000 incidents year-to-date in 2026
Riverside County Fire Department seeks an Emergency Medical Services Coordinator with a salary range of $99,104–$138,745 annually. Deadline: July 11, 2026.
Apply for a Storekeeper position at Riverside County Fire Department with an annual salary of $45,615–$67,878 by July 10, 2026.
The Riverside County Fire Department protects life, property, and the environment across Riverside County through a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE, operating as the Riverside Unit (RRU). Fire stations are located throughout the county's service area, and the department handles a high volume of emergency activity.
The department's workload is dominated by medical emergencies alongside fire, hazmat, and miscellaneous calls. In a single sample week in June 2026 it logged 437 fire calls, 3,359 medical emergencies, and dozens of hazmat/FMS incidents, and its year-to-date incident total for 2026 exceeded 104,000.
Operations are organized into East and West divisions with administration and support operations, led by a fire chief, a chief deputy, and division deputy chiefs. Because it is part of the CAL FIRE cooperative system, the department blends structural, EMS, and large-scale wildland firefighting responsibilities.
MissionThe Riverside County Fire Department is a public safety agency dedicated to protecting life, property and the environment through professionalism, integrity, and efficiency.
Firefighter and most sworn positions are filled through CAL FIRE using the State of California application system at CalCareers.ca.gov (jobs.ca.gov), with the CAL FIRE Standard 678 form. Candidates must complete CPAT testing (registration through fctconline.org). Applicants can join CAL FIRE's exam-notification distribution list to be alerted when exams open.
Some positions are hired directly through Riverside County via rc-hr.com. The department also offers Reserve Firefighter roles and a Fire Explorer program (ages 14-18) as entry pathways, plus a range of non-fire careers such as dispatchers, engineers, analysts, ecologists, and administrative staff.
Requirements
- Complete CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) certification
- Submit a state application via CalCareers.ca.gov (CAL FIRE Standard 678 form) for CAL FIRE positions
- Apply through rc-hr.com for direct Riverside County positions
Hiring process
- Sign up for CAL FIRE exam notifications to learn when exams open
- Register for and pass the CPAT physical ability test (fctconline.org/cpat)
- Submit the state application (Standard 678) through CalCareers.ca.gov
Benefits
State (CAL FIRE) employees receive comprehensive and inclusive medical insurance benefits, retirement, and vacation time. Riverside County positions offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for upward mobility.
How do I apply to become a firefighter?
Firefighter and most sworn roles are hired through CAL FIRE using the state application system at CalCareers.ca.gov (jobs.ca.gov) with the CAL FIRE Standard 678 form. Some positions are hired directly through Riverside County at rc-hr.com.
Is a physical ability test required?
Yes. CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) is required; candidates register and test through fctconline.org/cpat.
How will I know when firefighter exams are open?
You can sign up for CAL FIRE's exam-notification distribution list to be alerted when exams and application windows open.
Are there entry-level or volunteer pathways into the department?
Yes. The department offers Reserve Firefighter positions and a Fire Explorer program for ages 14-18, in addition to career firefighter and dispatcher roles.
What benefits are offered?
State (CAL FIRE) employees receive comprehensive medical insurance, retirement, and vacation time. Riverside County positions offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for upward mobility.
What non-firefighter careers are available?
Beyond firefighters, the department hires ECC fire communications dispatchers as well as engineers, data analysts, ecologists, botanists, IT specialists, and administrative and HR staff through CAL FIRE.