Fire Department · Career
Bakersfield Fire Department
Bakersfield, CA · Kern County
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Department careers page ↗The Bakersfield Fire Department (BFD) is a full-time career agency providing fire suppression, rescue, and emergency response to the City of Bakersfield, the heart of Kern County in California's southern San Joaquin Valley. The department operates from 14 fire stations spread across the growing community.
BFD fields roughly 240 sworn, support, and reserve personnel. Alongside its career firefighters, the department runs a Reserve Firefighter Program that lets recruits sharpen their Firefighter I skills in a realistic station environment as a stepping stone toward full-time careers in the fire service.
Serving a metropolitan population of over 360,000 in a fast-growing city, BFD couples emergency operations with fire prevention, public education, and community risk programs, and offers a Ride-Along Program for those exploring the profession.
Entry into BFD typically starts at the Firefighter Trainee level, with candidates advancing to Firefighter after academy and probation. Applicants must meet California's standard entry credentials, including EMT certification and a recent Firefighter I Academy, and pass a multi-step selection process. The City posts openings through its jobs portal, and hiring runs in periodic recruitment cycles rather than continuously.
The department also maintains a Reserve Firefighter Program (about 21 positions) as a pathway into the career ranks. Prospective applicants can reach the recruitment office at (661) 391-7103.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age at the time of the written exam
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Valid California Class C driver's license
- Current, valid California EMT-1 certificate or National Registry (NREMT) equivalent or higher
- Completion of a California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I Academy within the past five years
- Valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) card
Hiring process
- Written examination (pass/fail)
- Submission of Personal History Statement and required certifications
- Oral appraisal interview (minimum passing score required)
- Background investigation (pass/fail)
- Pre-employment medical examination and substance screening
Applicants must have completed a California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I Academy within the past five years; the department also runs a Reserve Firefighter Program to build hands-on experience.
What are the basic requirements to become a Bakersfield firefighter?
You must be at least 18 at the time of the written exam, have a high school diploma or G.E.D., hold a valid California Class C driver's license, carry a current California EMT-1 (or NREMT) certificate, and have completed a California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I Academy within the past five years, plus a valid CPAT card.
What does the hiring process look like?
The selection process includes a pass/fail written exam, submission of a Personal History Statement and certifications, an oral appraisal interview, a background investigation, and a pre-employment medical exam with substance screening.
Do I need to already have EMT certification and a fire academy?
Yes. Applicants must hold a current, valid California EMT-1 (or National Registry equivalent) certificate and have completed a Firefighter I Academy within the past five years before applying.
Is there a way to get experience before becoming a career firefighter?
Yes. Bakersfield runs a Reserve Firefighter Program (around 21 positions) where recruits practice their Firefighter I skills in real station life, gaining firefighting, medical aid, and rescue experience as a pathway to full-time careers.
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted through the City of Bakersfield's online jobs portal during open recruitment periods. For details, contact the recruitment office at (661) 391-7103.