Fire Department · Career
Redwood City Fire Department
Redwood City, CA · San Mateo County
Seven engine companies, one truck company, and one battalion chief unit; daily staffing of 26 personnel (8 captains, 9 firefighters, 8 firefighter/paramedics, 1 battalion chief). Redwood City itself covers about 34.74 square miles, and the department also
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Department careers page ↗Redwood City Fire Department traces its roots to September 1861, when local citizens organized Redwood City Fire Company No. 1 as an all-volunteer outfit and the first non-profit organization in San Mateo County. The department transitioned to a paid force in 1931 with the hiring of its first six firefighters and its first paid Fire Chief, and added paramedic-level EMS in 1997 when its first three firefighter/paramedics began working out of Station 11.
Today the department runs seven engine companies, one truck company, and a battalion chief unit out of seven stations, staffed by more than 90 firefighters, firefighter/paramedics, captains, battalion chiefs, fire prevention and training staff, and administrative personnel. It provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, and hazard mitigation not only to Redwood City but also under contract to San Carlos and unincorporated North Fair Oaks, and it has earned a Class 1 Public Protection Classification from the Insurance Services Office — a rating held by fewer than 1% of fire departments nationwide.
Beyond emergency response, the department runs community programs including a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academy, now operated jointly with San Mateo County's Office of Emergency Services, and a Junior Fire Academy for local youth.
MissionTo protect life, property, and the environment from fire, medical, disaster, and hazardous materials related incidents through emergency mitigation, public education and code enforcement.
Redwood City hires through periodic recruitments for Firefighter Trainee, Firefighter/Engineer (or Firefighter/Engineer-Paramedic), and Lateral Firefighter/Engineer positions, posted on CalOpps. Entry-level candidates are screened using the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center's (FCTC) Written Exam and Statewide Eligibility List (SEL), and successful Trainees complete the department's Firefighter Academy and Field Training Orientation before appointment to Firefighter/Engineer.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED or CA Certificate of Proficiency)
- Valid EMT certification or Paramedic license prior to appointment
- Valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate, completed within 12 months
- Placement on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (written exam, $50 fee) for entry-level candidates
- For lateral candidates: 2 years of full-time (non-volunteer) firefighting experience and a California State Fire Training Firefighter I certificate
- Valid California driver's license (or ability to obtain one)
- Pass background check: criminal history, DMV/DOJ fingerprinting, psychological evaluation, drug screening, and pre-employment physical
Hiring process
- Submit application via CalOpps during an open recruitment window
- FCTC written exam / Statewide Eligibility List screening (entry-level)
- Oral board interview
- Paramedic assessment (for paramedic-track candidates)
- Chief's final interview
- Background investigation, psychological evaluation, drug screening, and pre-employment physical
- Appointment to Firefighter Academy / Field Training Orientation (Trainees), or direct appointment (laterals)
Benefits
CalPERS pension; City-paid health insurance up to 90% of the Bay Area Kaiser family rate; dental and vision insurance with the City paying 90% of premiums; 5% base-pay differential for EMT certification and an additional 12.5% for accredited Paramedics; $750/fiscal-year education reimbursement; Employee Assistance Program; alternate work schedules; generous vacation and holidays.
Firefighter Trainees complete the department's Firefighter Academy followed by a Field Training Orientation (FTO/Apprentice period) before appointment to the sworn Firefighter/Engineer classification, which carries an 18-month probationary period.
How do I become a firefighter with Redwood City Fire Department?
Apply during an open recruitment on CalOpps, get on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center's (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List via a written exam, and complete oral board interviews, a background check, and a Chief's final interview. Successful Firefighter Trainees then complete the department's Firefighter Academy and Field Training Orientation before appointment as a Firefighter/Engineer.
What are the requirements to apply?
A high school diploma or equivalent, a valid EMT or Paramedic certification, and a current Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate (within 12 months) prior to appointment, plus successful completion of a background investigation, psychological evaluation, drug screening, and pre-employment physical.
Does Redwood City Fire Department hire lateral firefighters and paramedics?
Yes. Lateral candidates need at least 2 years of full-time (non-volunteer) firefighting experience, a California State Fire Training Firefighter I certificate, and a valid EMT or Paramedic certification; Paramedic-track laterals must obtain San Mateo County Paramedic accreditation before completing their probationary period.
What areas does Redwood City Fire Department serve?
The department protects Redwood City and, under contract, the neighboring city of San Carlos and the unincorporated community of North Fair Oaks in San Mateo County, operating from seven fire stations.