Fire Department · Career
Encinitas Fire Department
Encinitas, CA · San Diego County
About 51 fire suppression personnel across six stations
The Encinitas Fire & Marine Safety Department protects a roughly 20-square-mile stretch of coastal North San Diego County, operating six fire stations that provide round-the-clock coverage. Beyond structure fire and paramedic response, the department runs a Marine Safety (lifeguard) division that guards several miles of city-managed state beaches, alongside fire prevention, disaster preparedness, and support-services divisions.
Through shared-service agreements, the department also provides fire protection for the neighboring cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach, giving crews a busy, coastal, tourism-heavy service area.
The department fields dozens of full-time personnel, with roughly 51 assigned to fire suppression across its stations, and is led by Fire Chief Josh Gordon, a longtime member of the organization.
MissionProviding the highest level of service to our communities and the people we serve by protecting life, property, and the environment.
Encinitas hires Firefighter/Paramedics through a competitive process administered on the City's GovernmentJobs careers portal. Candidates must already hold a California EMT-Paramedic license (plus ACLS and CPR) and obtain San Diego County paramedic accreditation. Applicants who have not completed a Firefighter I academy are hired into a 12-week Encinitas Fire Department academy; those already certified attend a shorter one-week in-house academy.
The department accepts laterals: experienced firefighter/paramedics currently working full-time at a recognized agency can receive higher starting pay based on experience. The selection process typically includes a written EMS protocol test, a physical agility test, an EMS simulation exercise, and captain's and chief's interviews.
Requirements
- Current California EMT-Paramedic license
- Current ACLS certificate and CPR certification
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid Class C California driver's license
- Must obtain San Diego County EMT-P accreditation by appointment
- Laterals: current full-time firefighter/paramedic (min. 1 year) with State Fire Academy or Firefighter I certification
Hiring process
- Submit online application by the posted deadline
- San Diego County EMS protocol written test
- Physical agility test
- EMS simulation exercise
- Captain's interviews
- Chief's interviews
Entry-level hires without a Firefighter I certification complete a 12-week Encinitas Fire Department academy; already-certified hires attend a one-week in-house academy.
What do I need to apply as a Firefighter/Paramedic?
You need a current California EMT-Paramedic license, ACLS and CPR certification, a high school diploma or GED, and a valid Class C California driver's license. You must also obtain San Diego County EMT-P accreditation by the time you're appointed.
Does Encinitas accept lateral firefighters?
Yes. Firefighter/paramedics currently working full-time (at least one year) at a recognized agency, with State Fire Academy or Firefighter I certification, can apply as laterals and receive higher starting pay based on experience.
Do I have to already be a certified firefighter to get hired?
No. Candidates who have not completed a Firefighter I academy are hired into a 12-week Encinitas Fire Department academy that provides the training and certifications needed. Already-certified firefighters attend a shorter one-week in-house academy.
What is the pay for a Firefighter/Paramedic?
The 2025 recruitment listed roughly $91,645 per year at the probationary level up to about $107,682 at the Firefighter/Paramedic III level. Laterals start at a higher rate based on experience.
What does the selection process involve?
After submitting an online application, candidates typically complete a San Diego County EMS protocol written test, a physical agility test, an EMS simulation exercise, and captain's and chief's interviews.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the City of Encinitas careers portal on GovernmentJobs when a recruitment is open.