Fire Department · Career
Salinas Fire Department
Salinas, CA · Monterey County
Described by the department as the largest all-risk fire and emergency service agency in Monterey County.
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Salinas Fire Department is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Salinas Fire Department traces its roots to 1874, when it began as a volunteer force formed alongside the incorporation of the City of Salinas. It has since grown into a full career department that stands as the largest all-risk fire and emergency service agency in Monterey County, protecting the city and, through a contract with the Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District, a surrounding portion of the county as well.
Today the department runs six fire stations, with a seventh site already planned. Station 1, at 216 West Alisal Street, was built in 1982 and remains the busiest house in the city. A workforce of roughly 99 employees, 93 of them sworn firefighters split across three platoons, answers about 15,000 calls for service each year covering structure fires, medical emergencies, and hazardous-materials incidents.
Beyond emergency response, the department's Fire Prevention Division handles mandatory public-building inspections and community fire-safety education, while Administration - the fire chief, deputy chief, a training battalion chief, and support staff - oversees day-to-day operations and the department's in-house recruit academy.
MissionThe Salinas Fire Department is dedicated to preserving and protecting the safety of our community with integrity, pride, and commitment.
Salinas hires Firefighter Recruits into an 18-month probationary period built around the department's own in-house Fire Academy; recruits who complete the academy move into the Firefighter classification.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- At least 18 years old
- Valid California driver's license
- Current EMT certification (EMT-B or EMT-P)
- Current CPR card
- Current CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) valid within 12 months
- Legal authorization to work in the United States
Hiring process
- Application screening for minimum qualifications
- Written exam (70% minimum passing score)
- Oral board interview
- Chief's interview
- Background investigation, medical exam, and psychological evaluation
- Fire Academy
Benefits
CalPERS retirement at 2.5%@57 for new members (13.25% employee contribution), full City of Salinas employee benefits, and 8 annual leave days at entry level on the 48/96 schedule.
In-house Fire Academy runs full-time, Monday through Friday, roughly 0800-1700, for about 16-18 weeks. Recruits awaiting academy placement after passing the process work a standard 40-hour week at 10% below first-step Firefighter pay until the academy begins.
What are the minimum requirements to apply?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED, a valid California driver's license, and current EMT, CPR, and CPAT certifications.
What schedule do Salinas firefighters work?
Line firefighters work a 48/96 schedule - 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off - while recruits awaiting academy placement work a standard 40-hour week.
How long is the Fire Academy?
The department's in-house academy runs full-time, Monday through Friday, for about 16-18 weeks.
How long is the probationary period?
18 months, starting from completion of the Fire Academy.