San Marcos Fire Department — San Marcos, CA
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CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR THREE (3) FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC RECRUIT POSITIONS
6/22/2026Application Process Opens7/10/2026Recruitment Closes - 4:30pm7/27/2026Skills Testing & Structured Interview7/29/2026Chief's Interview7/30/2026Ladder Climbing / PPE Fitting7/30 - 9/6/2026Backgrounds9/7 - 9/8/2026Paramedic Zero Days9/8/2026HR Orientation9/9 - 10/11/2026Paramedic Mentorship10/12 - 11/13/2026Orientation11/16/2026Begin Probationary Period
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
We are considering the following candidate types:
FCTC testing dates and locations can be found by clicking thislink
Protecting the public is just the start—check out the great benefits that protect you, too!
A Firefighter Paramedic Recruit (Recruit) is under constant supervision while attending the fire department orientation and mentorship. The department orientation and mentorship process prepare recruits for a firefighting career and teaches them to perform related work. Fire Recruit is an entry-level class in the Firefighter series.
The Recruit attends fire department orientation and mentorship processes to learn and demonstrate proficiency at firefighter and paramedic skills and related rescue techniques, emergency medical techniques, fire codes, fire apparatus and equipment use, fire prevention and investigation methods, salvage and overhaul operations through classroom training, drills and observation.
The Recruit attends training classes and receives instruction in the theories, techniques, methods, and procedures used in firefighting and rescue work; under immediate supervision, performs firefighting and rescue tasks; performs other related duties as required; attends training classes and receives instruction and training in the various aspects of firefighting, rescue work and in first aid and emergency life support procedures and techniques; studies firefighting manuals, departmental policies, procedures, fire codes, and regulations.
The Recruit is the entry-level fire suppression, prevention and emergency response position for the San Marcos Fire Department. This classification exists solely for those who are completing their initial fire department training, orientation and mentorship processes. At the successful completion of the Orientation phase, the Recruit position will transition into the class of a Firefighter/Paramedic.
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate should be a self-starter, highly motivated, capable of embracing innovative management principles and enjoys the challenge of blending traditional fire service values with modern business practices. The ability to develop cooperative relationships with other city departments and community organizations is crucial in fulfilling the responsibilities of the Firefighter/Paramedic. Being capable of carrying out Department responsibilities with minimal direction and supervision is essential. Those hired for these positions must be dedicated and self-disciplined in assuring that the Department's high operational standards are maintained.
Copies of the following certifications and/or licenses are required for consideration of this position. In addition to the completed application, please upload copies of your current certifications:
If currently enrolled in an accredited CA State Fire Marshal / State Fire Training Firefighter I Academy and will successfully complete all requirements by time of hire, please submit proof of enrollment in lieu of your Academy Certificate.
If applying with an out of state Firefighter I Academy Certificate, you must also include proof that the certificate meets the accreditation by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualification (Pro Board).
*Academy must be IFSAC and Pro Board accredited.*
Certified EMT/Paramedic license – if issued in a state other than CA – candidate must obtain an EMT-P accreditation with the County of San Diego EMS office.
A San Diego County Card is required at time of appointment, not at time of application. If you have accreditation with a different county/state, please submit a copy of your county accreditation card.
Valid CPR Certification with a minimum rating of BLS-C Current
Candidate must have a passing result in both FCTC written and CPAT within 12 months of application deadline.
Copies of the following certifications and/or licenses are desirable for consideration of this position:
Fire Station Visits are encouraged prior to skills test day.
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not necessarily perform all the listed duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties to address business needs and changing business practices.
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of: Firefighting and EMS procedures and equipment; fire ground tactics and strategy; emergency incident management, specifically the Incident Command System (ICS); principles of incident safety; automatic and mutual aid agreements; hazardous materials procedures; and confined space and technical rescue techniques; hazardous materials, fire prevention procedures and related codes; rescue operations and procedures; California vehicular laws related to operation of various firefighting and rescue apparatus; safety principles and practices related to the Fire Service; policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the City of San Marcos and the San Marcos Fire Department; geography and street layout of the City and surrounding area; laws and regulations pertaining to fire and emergency medical services operations; personal protective equipment; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; algebraic and arithmetic computations; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; principles and practices of customer service
Ability to: Perform competently under extreme pressure and in stressful situations; make accurate observations and rapid judgments; understand a variety of procedural instructions, both written and oral, and convert to proper actions; give oral instructions to others; prepare clear, concise, accurate written reports; deal tactfully and effectively with the general public; work cooperatively with others and contribute to a successful team effort; maintain physical endurance and agility; demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community; bring value to the City and Department.
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training Must be at least 18 years of age and have an education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. Must have graduated from a 240-hour Firefighter I Academy accredited by California State Fire Marshal/State Fire Training or equivalent, as determined by the San Marcos Fire Chief.
Must have completed appropriate education and training to obtain licensure as a California State Certified EMT/Paramedic and meet requirements of the County of San Diego EMS Office, including the successful completion of the San Diego County protocol examination.
Vacation : A new employee will accrue vacation hours as follows:
Sick Leave : 144 hours per year with maximum accumulation of 600 hours. All hours in excess of 600 hours, will be deposited to the employee RHS account.
Bereavement Leave:Employees are eligible to use up to 48 hours of bereavement leave per fiscal year.
Longevity Stipend: Employees receive a one-time lump-sum longevity stipend in the pay period in which the employee reaches the following anniversary dates with the City: 5 years (2.0% of Step 8); 10 years (2.5% of Step 8); 15 years (3.5% of Step 8); 20 years (4.0% of Step 8); 25 years (4.5% of Step 8); and 30 years (5.0% of Step 8).
Retirement : Benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). The City currently contracts with CalPERS for the 3% at 55 benefit formula, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, and 3 year average final pay for CLASSIC members and 2.7% at 57, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, and 3 year average final pay for PEPRA (new) members. Employees will contribute 9% or 12.25% towards CalPERS, depending whether a classic or new member. For more detailed information, please refer to the SMPFA MOU.
Group Medical Insurance : Benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). The City currently pays the full premium cost for employee and 90 % of dependents premiums. Effective July 1, 2014, and each year thereafter for the term of the contract, employees will share the additional cost of any yearly dependent premium increase over 10% in a 50/50 cost sharing arrangement with the City. The increase will be in addition to the 10% premium pick-up on dependent premiums employees are already paying.
Retiree Health Savings (RHS) : All employees participate in a Retiree Health Savings plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. Employees in the Firefighter/Paramedic classification contribute 100% of all unused and accrued sick leave and vacation leave at the time of separation. Effective 01/01/2014 City contributes 1% of salary to RHS. For more detailed information, please refer to the SMPFA MOU.
Education Incentive Stipend : An employee who meets the education requirements listed below shall be paid education incentive stipend on a pro-rated biweekly basis, as follows:
Bilingual Pay : A stipend of $150 per month will be paid to those employees utilizing their bilingual skills in the performance of their duties.
Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance : The City provides all employees with Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance coverage equivalent to two times (2x) the employee's annual salary.
Long Term Disability : The City contributes an amount not to exceed fifty dollars ($50) per member per month, and long-term disability insurance is provided through the SMPFF.
Additional Benefits: The City offers additional benefits such as tuition reimbursement, employee benefit allocation program, deferred compensation plans, other voluntary benefits and workers' compensation insurance.