Fire Fighter I
San Diego
Friday, 01 May 2026
THIS IS NOT A RECRUITMENT FOR FIRE RECRUIT, THE ENTRY-LEVEL POSITION IN THE FIRE FIGHTER SERIES. COMPLETION OF A FIRE ACADEMY AT AN INSTITUTION OTHER THAN SAN DIEGO FIRE-RESCUE’S BASIC FIRE ACADEMY IS NOT QUALIFYING. IF THIS IS YOUR SITUATION, DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, AS YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED. Fire Fighter I positions are assigned to the Training Division in Fire Operations and receive extensive on-the-job training while learning the full range of fire fighting operations; respond to fires and other emergencies as a member of a fire company; perform increasingly responsible fire fighter duties; and perform other duties as assigned. NOTES:Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS). Those appointed as a Fire Fighter I will be required to meet California State Fire Training's Fire Fighter I & 2 certification standards and the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department proficiency requirements by the end of the one-year probationary period. On-the-job training will be provided. As a condition of employment, candidates with paramedic certification may be assigned to practice as paramedics, and may be required to maintain their certification for which additional compensation may be paid.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated. EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE: You must meet ONE of the following options:Current enrollment in San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Basic Fire Academy. (Proof of successful completion is required at the time of hire.) Successful completion of San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Basic Fire Academy within six months prior to the date of application. One year of full-time experience as a Fire Fighter with the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Applicants will be required to pass the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department physical strength and agility evaluation at the time of hire. NOTES:If utilizing Option 1, proof of current enrollment in San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Basic Fire Academy will be provided by the hiring department. Applicants MUST submit proof of successful completion of San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Basic Fire Academy at the time of hire. CERTIFICATE: You must have ALL of the following valid certificates:Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate or a Paramedic License issued ONLY by the State of California or by the National Registry (NREMT-Basic) or by an EMT or Paramedic certifying agency approved by the State of California. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Card (Healthcare Provider/ BLS Provider equivalent or higher). NOTES:A valid County of San Diego Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate or Paramedic License issued by the State of California and certified by the County of San Diego is required at the time of hire. A valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Card (Healthcare Provider/ BLS Provider equivalent or higher) is required at the time of hire. A Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate is NOT qualifying. LICENSE: A valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of hire. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (MUST SUBMIT WITH APPLICATION):Proof of graduation from San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Basic Fire Academy, if utilized to meet Option 2 of the education/experience minimum requirement. Copy of the front and back of your valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate or Paramedic License. Copy of the front and back of your valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Card (Healthcare Provider/ BLS Provider). Required documents should be attached electronically to your application. If you are unable to attach at the time of application submittal, you must submit them as soon as possible via fax: (619) 533-3337; or to the Employment Information Center: City of San Diego Personnel Department, 1200 Third Avenue - Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101. Include your name and the title of the position for which you are applying.
SCREENING PROCESS
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental questions will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in this initial screening process, your application will be reviewed for applicable education, experience, and/or training to ensure all minimum requirements have been met. Successful candidates will be placed on a list which will be used to fill position vacancies during the next six months (180 days). For each vacancy, only those candidates with the most appropriate qualifications will be contacted by the hiring department for an interview.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION