Fire Department · Combination
Bexar County ESD #3
San Antonio, TX · Bexar County
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Bexar County ESD #3 is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Bexar County ESD No. 3 traces its roots to the volunteer Bulverde Fire Department, organized in 1966. Voters approved formation of the Emergency Services District in a September 2003 election, giving the agency dedicated property-tax funding as an independent taxing district separate from municipal government. In 2024 the volunteer department fully merged into the ESD, becoming today's career Bexar-Bulverde Fire Department, with Jerry Bialick named the district's first Executive Director.
The department operates out of four stations across a service area originally spanning about 300 square miles of unincorporated northern Bexar and southern Comal Counties, with a fifth station (a rebuilt Station 103) under construction. Roughly 80 full-time personnel work a 48/96 schedule across three shifts, responding to about 4,000 emergency calls a year with a fleet that includes engines, an aerial platform, a ladder truck, water tenders, brush trucks, a heavy rescue, and squads.
The district holds an ISO Class 1 rating, achieved in 2021 and held by fewer than 1% of fire departments nationwide, reflecting sustained investment in training, water supply, communications, and community risk reduction. Beyond structural firefighting and EMS/ambulance transport, the department fields dedicated wildland, water rescue, and technical rescue capabilities, and coordinates with regional partners including TIFMAS and STRAC on large-scale incidents.
Missionorganized to protect life and property by providing fire prevention and control, emergency medical services, emergency ambulance services, and other emergency services
The department is a career fire/EMS agency with 80 full-time personnel across three shifts; positions are posted on the Texas Commission for Fire Protection website when open.
Benefits
Texas County & District Retirement System with 7% employee contribution matched 2.5:1, plus optional 457(b); 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision for employees (75% for family coverage) and $50,000 life insurance, with occupational cancer and additional life insurance options; 168 hours of annual PTO (growing to 336 with longevity), 144 hours sick leave, 10 holidays plus 2 floating holidays; education and certification incentive pay, longevity pay, and annual discretionary funding for formal education and job-specific training.
What is Bexar County ESD No. 3's ISO rating?
The department holds an ISO Class 1 rating, achieved in 2021, placing it among fewer than 1% of fire departments nationwide.
Is Bexar-Bulverde Fire Department currently hiring?
The department is not currently accepting applications; open positions are posted on the Texas Commission for Fire Protection website and applicants are encouraged to check back for future opportunities.
What shift schedule do firefighters work?
Career staff work a 48/96 schedule (48 hours on duty, 96 hours off) across three shifts.
How many stations does the department operate?
The department operates four stations, with a fifth (a rebuilt Station 103) under construction and expected to open in 2026.
How was Bexar County ESD No. 3 formed?
It grew out of the volunteer Bulverde Fire Department (organized in 1966); voters created the Emergency Services District by election in September 2003, and the volunteer department fully merged into the career ESD in 2024.