Join San Diego Fire-Rescue

Choosing a career as a Firefighter is the beginning of a journey. It can be one of the most challenging, exciting and rewarding experiences of your life.

Meet the Chief

On August 24, 2024, Chief Robert Logan became the 19th fire chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department; the third African American to hold this position in the department's 134-year history. He is a native San Diegan who grew up in Lincoln Park near Fire Station 12, which inspired him to become a firefighter.

Application Process

You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply unless otherwise indicated.

AGE: You must be 18 years of age.

EDUCATION: Graduation from high school OR passage of the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) or General Education Development (GED) examination.

CITIZENSHIP: You must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.

CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT) CERTIFICATION: A valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification is required at the time of hire.

CERTIFICATE: You must have ALL of the following valid certificates:

1. 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.
2. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Card (Healthcare Provider/BLS Provider equivalent or higher).

NOTES:

• If you have a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) or National Registered Paramedics (NRP) you will need to have 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 at the time of hire. Please see the County of San Diego Emergency Medical Services for details of this process.
• 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's License is required at the time of hire.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE:

• Valid Paramedic License issued by the State of California or the National Registry or by a Paramedic certifying agency approved by the State of California.
• One year of experience working with the City of San Diego's emergency medical service (EMS) transport service provider in the City of San Diego's EMS system.
• California Firefighter I or Firefighter II Certificate indicating successful completion of a Fire Academy that meets the State of California Fire Service Training and Education System's Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification standards or equivalent.
• Full-time paid experience as a firefighter.
• Minimum of one year of documented participation in the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue's Cadet Program.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue's Lifeguard Division, at a Lifeguard II or higher, or two years at Lifeguard I.
• Documented reserve or volunteer firefighting experience.
• Service in the United States Armed Forces.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FIRE RECRUIT UNTIL FEBRUARY 5, 2024

The application period is currently closed.

Here's what you can do while you wait for the application period to open.

• Be notified when applications are being accepted again by filling out the Job Interest Card.
• Associate's Degree programs for Fire Science or Emergency Management are appropriate degree tracks for the Fire Service. Though they are not required, it is a great way to begin preparing for your career advancement opportunities.
• IMPORTANT! Get your Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification, which is required at the time of hire.

If you pass the application phase, then it's time to take the written exam.

Once you pass the exams and meet the criteria for an interview, you will be notified by Personnel about your scheduled interview date. If you have questions about any portion of the process, please contact Personnel at Personnel@sandiego.gov or 619-236-6400.

If you do well in Fire C.A.M.P., then your next stop is the Fire Academy!

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