Fire Department · Career
Hollister Fire Department
Hollister, CA · San Benito County
“"Pride in Serving the People of your Community"”
Hollister Fire Department is an all-risk agency serving the City of Hollister in California's San Benito County. Beyond fire suppression it handles medical aid, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials response, specialized rescue, arson investigation, plan review, and public education.
Organized in December 1875 by citizens who gathered at San Benito Hall, the department began as an all-volunteer force and transitioned to a career department in the mid-20th century. It established a Fire Prevention Bureau in 1999, added a second firehouse in 2003, and rebuilt Station 1 as a modern headquarters in 2011.
Today the department operates two stations and, since 2013, extends service to San Benito County and San Juan Bautista. It runs fire academies year-round in partnership with Evergreen Valley College and supports internship and youth Explorer programs.
Hollister currently fills its full-time firefighter positions from its Volunteer Firefighter Cadre, so candidates typically begin as volunteers before moving into career roles. Applications for city positions are submitted through the City of Hollister employment portal, with support from the Human Resources Office and Fire Station 1.
The path to hire includes the CPAT physical ability test, an oral/chief's interview, background investigation, fingerprinting, and a medical exam, followed by a conditional offer and a one-year probationary period. Certification is earned through a state fire academy.
Requirements
- Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) prior to employment
- Obtain firefighter certification through a state fire academy
- Pass a criminal fingerprint background check
- Complete a background investigation
- Pass a medical examination
Hiring process
- Submit application
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Oral board / Chief's interview
- Background investigation
- Criminal fingerprint check
- Medical examination
- Conditional offer of employment
- One-year probationary period
Certification is obtained through a state fire academy; the department hosts fire academies year-round in partnership with Evergreen Valley College.
How do I become a firefighter with Hollister Fire?
The department currently hires its full-time firefighters from its Volunteer Firefighter Cadre, so candidates generally start as volunteers. City positions are applied for through the City of Hollister employment portal at www.hollister.ca.gov/employment.
What are the requirements to be hired?
Candidates must pass the CPAT physical ability test, obtain certification through a fire academy, and clear a background investigation, criminal fingerprint check, and medical examination.
What does the hiring process look like?
The steps are application, CPAT, an oral board / chief's interview, background investigation, fingerprint check, medical exam, a conditional offer of employment, and a one-year probationary period.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work 24-hour shifts, typically 9 to 11 times per month.
How do I get certified as a firefighter?
Certification is earned through a state fire academy. The department also hosts fire academies year-round in partnership with Evergreen Valley College and offers internship and Explorer programs.