Fire Department · Combination
Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District
Rancho Santa Fe, CA · San Diego County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District traces its roots to a devastating 1943 Santa Ana-driven wildfire that swept from Rancho Bernardo to the coast while the nearest fire station sat 12 miles away in Escondido. Local residents petitioned the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and the District was formally established on October 14, 1946 as an all-volunteer operation with one chief and 15 personnel.
Today the District operates six full-time fire stations plus an administration office, providing all-risk protection - fire, medical, rescue, hazmat, and public service response - across roughly 50 square miles that include Rancho Santa Fe, 4S Ranch, Fairbanks Ranch, Cielo, The Crosby, Elfin Forest, and Harmony Grove. The District grew through consolidation, most recently merging with the Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Fire Department in 2016, and has been an advanced life support provider in partnership with San Diego County since 1999.
The District is governed by a five-member elected Board of Directors and now fields roughly 68 personnel, including a Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Battalion Chiefs, fire prevention staff, and paid fire suppression crews, serving a population that has grown from about 3,800 residents at founding to more than 60,000 today.
Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District only accepts applications when positions are open and currently maintains an open, continuous lateral recruitment for Firefighter/Paramedics. The District uses the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) process for entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic hiring.
Requirements
- Minimum 24 months of continuous full-time firefighting experience
- Completed probation as a paid Firefighter/Paramedic with a municipal, county, state, fire district, federal, or tribal all-risk fire agency
- Currently employed as a Firefighter/Paramedic at time of application
- Valid California State Paramedic License
- Firefighter I credential (CSFM, CSFM-accredited academy, State Fire Training reciprocity, or IFSAC/Pro Board certification)
- Valid driver's license
Hiring process
- Submit completed Fire District Application, resume, driver's license, paramedic license, and Firefighter I credential
- Applications reviewed for completeness
- Most qualified candidates selected to continue in the hiring process
- All licenses and certifications must remain current throughout testing and hiring
Entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic candidates are recruited via the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List; candidates with financial hardship may qualify for a grant to cover FCTC testing fees.
How do I become a firefighter with Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District?
The District only accepts applications when positions are open. Entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic candidates are recruited through the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List, while experienced firefighter/paramedics can apply through the District's lateral recruitment when it is posted.
Does Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District hire lateral firefighter/paramedics?
Yes. The District accepts lateral Firefighter/Paramedic applications on an open, continuous basis from candidates with at least 24 months of continuous full-time firefighting experience who have completed probation at a municipal, county, state, fire district, federal, or tribal all-risk fire agency.
What are the requirements to be a lateral firefighter/paramedic at Rancho Santa Fe Fire?
Candidates need a valid California State Paramedic License, a Firefighter I credential (CSFM, CSFM-accredited academy, State Fire Training reciprocity, or IFSAC/Pro Board certification), a valid driver's license, and must be currently employed as a firefighter/paramedic at the time of application.
How many stations and personnel does Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District have?
The District operates six full-time fire stations plus an administration office and employs roughly 68 personnel, serving about 60,000 residents across approximately 50 square miles.