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Outdoor Jobs in California

14 open listings · updated Sep 13, 2026

Median posted pay $69,507/yr (7 listings) · 29% include housing · Pay report

California posts wildland fire, rafting, pack station, fishing guide and trail jobs. CAL FIRE is the largest state fire agency in the country and hires seasonal firefighters from December through March. The Forest Service and BLM staff hotshot crews, engines and hand crews across the state, and private contractors operate throughout the north. Rafting outfitters on the American, Kern, Tuolumne, Merced, Trinity and Klamath hire guides for April through September. Pack stations in the eastern Sierra out of Bishop, Mammoth Lakes and Lone Pine hire wranglers and packers for June through September. Fishing guides work the Sacramento, Trinity, Klamath and Sierra rivers and lakes and saltwater charters out of San Diego, Morro Bay and San Francisco. California Conservation Corps runs trail and fire crews year-round.

More About Outdoor Jobs in California

California licenses fishing guides through the Department of Fish and Wildlife and requires a USCG license for motorized charters. Rafting guides work under outfitters permitted by the relevant land agency.

Questions About Outdoor Jobs in California

How many outdoor jobs in California are open right now?

14 listings are live on WildWork as of September 13, 2026. 11 state their pay and 4 include housing.

What do outdoor jobs in California pay?

The median posted rate is $69,507/yr across 7 current listings that state pay in that unit, with posted rates from $53,534/yr to $76,250/yr. These are advertised rates; tips, overtime and room and board are extra where the listing says so.

Do outdoor jobs in California come with housing?

29% of current listings say the employer provides housing, free or at a charge, and 29% include meals. Each listing shows whether housing is included and what it costs when the employer says.

How do I get hired by CAL FIRE?

Apply for the Firefighter I seasonal classification when the state posts it, usually in winter, pass the physical and interview, and complete the academy. CAL FIRE hires without prior fire experience and seasonal positions run roughly April through November.

When do California pack stations hire?

February through April for June to September. Eastern Sierra pack stations out of Bishop, Mammoth Lakes and Lone Pine hire wranglers with strong riding and packers with proven hitch skills.

Do California rafting guides need a license?

There is no state license, but outfitters operate under permits that require guide training, first aid, CPR and, on many rivers, Swiftwater Rescue. Most outfitters run a guide school in spring.

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