SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE

Volunteer Firefighter - Unpaid Volunteer · Wildland & All-Hazard · San Fernando Valley & Greater LA

Los Angeles burns. Your community needs you.

Southern California Wildfire Response is recruiting the next generation of volunteer firefighters to defend WUI communities across the San Fernando Valley and neighboring counties. No prior fire experience required — only the commitment to show up, train hard, and serve.

About the Role

As a Volunteer Firefighter with SCWR, you will respond to wildland fires, technical rescues, and all-hazard emergencies across Los Angeles and neighboring counties. You will operate alongside a Type 6 engine crew, conduct community preparedness outreach, and train regularly at SCWR's dedicated training grounds at TreePeople's 30-acre park in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Respond to wildland fire, technical rescues, medical aid, and all-hazard incidents in the WUI and surrounding communities
• Operate and maintain SCWR's Type 6 engines and associated equipment to agency standards
• Perform fire suppression tasks including hose lays, mop-up, hand line construction, and structure protection
• Participate in scheduled training drills, NIMS/ICS exercises, and certification courses
• Conduct community outreach, public education, and fire prevention activities
• Obtain and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) in serviceable condition
• Support incident documentation, after-action reviews, and field reporting as directed
• Adhere to SCWR's chain of command, standard operating guidelines (SOGs), and safety protocols at all times

Minimum Qualifications

• Age 18 or older at time of application
• Valid California driver's license in good standing
• No felony convictions
• Ability to pass a background check
• Ability to pass a physical fitness assessment prior to field deployment
• No prior firefighting experience required — SCWR provides all entry-level training

Physical Demands

Wildland firefighting is physically demanding. Candidates must be able to:

• Perform strenuous physical labor in extreme heat, smoke, and challenging terrain
• Carry and operate equipment weighing up to 50 lbs for extended periods
• Work extended shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays, especially during fire season
• Pass the pack test or equivalent agency fitness standard prior to live incident deployment

Time Commitment & Scheduling

• Minimum 24 hours per month in training, drills, and organizational activities
• On-call availability for emergency response — incidents do not follow business hours
• Increased availability expected during peak wildfire season (May–November)
• Training sessions held in the Santa Monica Mountains and field locations across the San Fernando Valley

Training & Certification Pathway

SCWR provides a structured pathway from recruit to certified firefighter at no cost to the member:

• S-130/S-190 Firefighter Training & Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (NWCG)
• ICS-100 and ICS-200 (FEMA/NIMS Incident Command System)
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Firefighter I & II coursework supported through agency partnerships
• Ongoing in-service training, live fire exercises, and field ops experience on SCWR's wildland engines and equipment

What You Gain

• Nationally recognized NWCG and FEMA certifications at no personal cost
• Hands-on emergency response experience with a credentialed incident command structure
• Access to SCWR's dedicated multi-acre training facility
• A community of mission-driven first responders committed to protecting Southern California
• Verified service record supporting career progression in fire service, emergency management, or public safety
• State Assembly recognition and community honors for outstanding service (prior recipients)

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Submit your application at: https://apply.socalwildfire.org

socalwildfire.org

Qualified applicants will be contacted for an initial interview and fitness assessment. SCWR is an equal opportunity organization and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Pay: $1.00 per year

Work Location: In person