Fire Department · Combination
San Juan County Fire Department
Aztec, NM · San Juan County
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Department careers page ↗San Juan County Fire & Rescue (SJCFR) is a combination department headquartered in Aztec, New Mexico. It was created in 2001 when the county's independent volunteer fire departments were consolidated with the County Fire Marshal's office, and in 2021 the agency adopted the "Fire & Rescue" name to mark 20 years of unified service.
The department operates out of 22 stations spread strategically across the county, organized into 11 volunteer fire districts. It is led by a Fire Chief, two Deputy Fire Chiefs, and six Division Chiefs, supported by an Administration Office and roughly 100 active volunteers alongside career staff.
SJCFR covers the unincorporated portions of San Juan County and, through agreement, the City of Bloomfield and the Town of Kirtland. Across more than 5,500 square miles it answers 5,000-plus calls for service each year.
The department delivers first-response fire and medical care (in conjunction with paramedic ambulances), fire suppression, wildland firefighting, hazardous-materials first response, and a range of rescue disciplines including water, high-angle, search and rescue, and vehicle extrication.
San Juan County Fire & Rescue recruits new members year-round for those who already hold current firefighter credentials, while entry-level firefighter applications are accepted only from August 1 through September 30. Applicants must be at least 18 and can apply online through the county jobs portal (sjcounty.net/jobs).
No prior experience is required for entry-level candidates, who complete a recruit academy that can exceed 240 hours; volunteers with existing certifications may transfer them in to shorten training. All applicants must pass a background investigation (including driving record), a drug screen, and a physical exam. Once on, firefighters complete about 20 hours of company training each month. For application status, contact Human Resources at (505) 334-4522.
Requirements
- Minimum age 18
- No prior experience required for entry-level applicants
- Pass a background investigation including driving record
- Pass a drug screen
- Pass a physical exam
- Complete new-recruit training that can exceed 240 hours
- Maintain roughly 20 hours of company training per month once serving
Hiring process
- Apply online at sjcounty.net/jobs (entry-level accepted Aug 1-Sep 30; credentialed applicants year-round)
- Pass a background investigation including driving record check
- Pass a drug screen and physical exam
- Complete recruit training (may exceed 240 hours), or transfer in existing certifications to shorten it
Entry-level recruit training can exceed 240 hours; volunteers with prior fire experience or certifications may transfer them in to shorten the process.
When can I apply to become a firefighter?
Entry-level firefighter applications are accepted only from August 1 through September 30 each year. If you already hold current firefighter credentials, applications are accepted year-round.
Do I need prior experience to join?
No. No prior experience is required for entry-level applicants. Recruits complete a training academy that can exceed 240 hours. Volunteers with existing fire experience or certifications may transfer them in to shorten training.
What are the basic requirements?
You must be at least 18 years old and pass a background investigation (including driving record), a drug screen, and a physical exam.
Are credentialed or lateral firefighters accepted?
Yes. Firefighters who already hold current credentials can apply year-round and may transfer their certifications into San Juan County Fire & Rescue.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the county jobs portal at sjcounty.net/jobs. For the status of your application, contact Human Resources at (505) 334-4522.
What is the ongoing time commitment?
Every firefighter is generally required to complete about 20 hours of company training per month.