Fire Department · Career
San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District
Spring Valley, CA · San Diego County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District, operating as San Miguel Fire & Rescue, is one of the largest fire districts in San Diego County. It was formed on July 1, 1988 through a merger of the Spring Valley and Grossmont/Mt. Helix Fire Protection Districts, then grew again on July 3, 2008 when it consolidated with the East County Fire Protection District. Today the District protects nearly 140,000 residents across more than 50 square miles, covering Bostonia, Casa de Oro, Crest, Grossmont/Mt. Helix, La Presa, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, and unincorporated pieces of El Cajon, La Mesa, Jamul and Lemon Grove from eight fire stations.
An 80-person full-time workforce handles suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical services, including its own ambulance transport, answering roughly 15,000 fire and medical emergencies a year across a mix of commercial and industrial properties, dense multi-family housing, and a substantial urban/wildland interface. The District is currently rebuilding Station 18 and continues to invest in station infrastructure across its coverage area.
San Miguel's main entry point into the fire service is its Reserve Firefighter Program, an unpaid volunteer track that pairs a competitive interview and in-house Reserve Academy with hands-on mentorship from career personnel. Reserves respond as a fourth crewmember on San Miguel apparatus to structure fires, vegetation fires, traffic collisions, medical calls, and public-service incidents, building the experience needed to pursue a paid firefighting career.
MissionService Beyond Expectations — Dedicated professionals committed to excellent service with compassion and pride, providing for the health and safety of the communities we serve.
San Miguel Fire & Rescue's primary path into the department is the Reserve Firefighter Program, an unpaid volunteer position that provides training, mentorship, and real-world operational exposure alongside career firefighters. Applicants who complete a competitive interview and the in-house Reserve Academy are paired with a Reserve Group Leader, complete supervised ride-outs, and then respond as the fourth firefighter on a San Miguel apparatus.
Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid California Driver's License
- San Diego County EMT Certification
- CPR Certification – Healthcare Provider (AHA or equivalent)
- Valid CPAT or Biddle test completed within the past year
Hiring process
- Submit application packet during an open recruitment window
- Complete a competitive interview process
- Complete the in-house Reserve Academy
- Be assigned a Reserve Group Leader for onboarding and mentorship
- Complete supervised ride-outs before transitioning to operational assignments
Selected candidates complete San Miguel's in-house Reserve Academy before being assigned to a Reserve Group Leader for mentorship and supervised ride-outs.
How do I become a firefighter with San Miguel Fire & Rescue?
The main entry path is the Reserve Firefighter Program: a competitive interview and completion of the in-house Reserve Academy lead to mentorship from a Reserve Group Leader, supervised ride-outs, and then operational assignments as the fourth firefighter on a San Miguel apparatus.
What are the requirements to apply as a San Miguel Reserve Firefighter?
Applicants must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, have a valid California driver's license, hold a San Diego County EMT certification, hold current CPR (Healthcare Provider) certification, and have a valid CPAT or Biddle test completed within the past year.
Is the San Miguel Reserve Firefighter position paid?
No, it is an unpaid volunteer position, though it provides full structural PPE, training, and real-world operational experience alongside career firefighters as a pathway into the fire service.
How many stations does San Miguel Fire & Rescue operate?
San Miguel operates 8 fire stations (Stations 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, and 23) across more than 50 square miles of East San Diego County, including a new Station 18 currently under construction.
What areas does San Miguel Fire & Rescue serve?
The District serves nearly 140,000 residents in Bostonia, Casa de Oro, Crest, Grossmont/Mt. Helix, La Presa, Rancho San Diego, and Spring Valley, plus unincorporated areas of El Cajon, La Mesa, Jamul, and Lemon Grove.