Fire Crew Supervisor

Job Description and Duties

More than a paycheck. More than a job. This is the start of a rewarding career!

If you want to protect California’s natural environment while directly shaping, mentoring, and changing the lives of young adults, your next step starts here.

The San Diego Center of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) is looking for a purpose-driven, physically resilient leader ready to lead a Type I Fire Crew. Join us and turn your passion for wildland fire safety, leadership, and conservation into a life-changing profession!

Under the direction of the Conservationist Supervisor, you will lead a crew of 8-15 young adults (Corpsmembers) between the ages of 18 and 29:

• Lead & Mentor: Supervise, train, and evaluate a hand crew, instilling discipline, safety, and a strong work ethic.
• Direct Wildland Fire Operations: Partner with Cal Fire Captains to supervise a Type I fire crew during critical fire suppression, fuel reduction, and forestry projects.
• Respond to Emergencies: Act as a critical line of defense during state emergencies,  leading your crew through intense, extended disaster relief operations including wildland fires and floods.

Review the Eligibility Information section below to find a link to the Conservationist 1 exam and to learn more about the methods of eligibility. 

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Working Conditions

Physical requirements for this classification are arduous: Requires lifting objects weighing 50 lbs or more, often in combination with pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, squatting, grabbing, carrying, kneeling, twisting, and reaching at or above shoulder level. Includes standing and walking for extended periods of time; irregular work surfaces, and ability to hike difficult terrain. May require working extended hours and in remote areas as a Crew Supervisor on a Type I Fire Crew.

This position is classified as “In Office” and is not eligible for telework.

This position reports to the San Diego Center located at 401 West 35th Street, Suite A, National City, CA 91950. Check out the CCC San Diego Center on our website to learn more information about this location.

Special Requirements

Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment will be required to complete the following pre-employment requirements prior to being appointed:

• Commercial Driver License – Provide evidence that a Commercial Class C license with a Passenger Transport Vehicle special endorsement (or equivalent) has been obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

• Pre-employment Drug Test – Pass a urine drug test. In accordance with the Federal Highway Administration regulations (49 CFR, Part 382), persons hired to a class requiring a commercial driver license must take and pass a pre-employment drug test. Please note : Per California Code of Regulations 213.5, applicants who fail the drug test pursuant to section 213.4 (h), will be disqualified from the examination in which they are competing and, except as provided by section 213.5 (e), shall not be eligible to take any State civil service examination for a class for which drug testing is required until one year has elapsed from the date the drug test specimen is given.
• Background Investigation – Undergo fingerprinting and successfully pass a Criminal Offender Record Information check completed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) which may or may not also include a background check through the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

• Medical Exam – A medical clearance exam is required for this classification.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Adaptive Leadership: Proven ability to remain calm, analytical, and decisive under high-pressure situations, dangerous field environments, or extended emergency deployments.

• Effective Communication: Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, concise operational briefings in the field and document administrative reports accurately.

• Youth Development & Mentorship: Deep understanding of youth development principles, with a passion for mentoring, motivating, and managing young adults from diverse backgrounds.

• Operational Management : Superb organizational and time-management skills, with a track record of safely managing multiple complex tasks, field logistics, and strict timelines simultaneously.

• Collaborative Teamwork : Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset to build cohesive crews and interface seamlessly with CAL FIRE partners and agency stakeholders.

• Digital Literacy: Proficiency in modern workplace software, including the Microsoft Office suite (Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel) and Salesforce.

• Corps Knowledge: Prior knowledge of or direct experience with the California Conservation Corps (CCC) mission, structure, and operations is highly preferred.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team!Some benefits include:

• Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Holidays and leave
• Defined benefit retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• Access to over 7,000 on-demand training courses
• Free, easy parking

Information on the benefits associated with this civil service position including, but not limited to, salary, retirement and job protections can be found on the and website.

Eligibility Information

In order to be considered for this job vacancy you must satisfy one of the following requirements:

1. List Eligibility – Successfully complete the Conservationist 1 civil service exam to be placed on the eligibility list. Please refer to the exam bulletin for more detailed information.

2. Transfer Eligibility – Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).

3. Reinstatement Eligibility – Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above.

4. Training & Development (T&D) Assignment – State employees in a permanent appointment, and no longer on probation, may be considered for a T&D assignment.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.