Two Career Entry Paths – One Mission of Service
The City of Encinitas Fire Department is seeking dedicated and professional individuals
who are committed to serving their community with excellence and integrity.
This recruitment will create an eligibility list for current and future vacancies of the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. The ideal candidate for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic will possess exceptional communication skills, a strong customer service orientation, and a proactive, action-driven mindset. This individual will demonstrate initiative and the ability to utilize sound judgment to solve problems effectively.
The Encinitas Fire Department is proud to offer opportunities for both new and experienced firefighters to join our team:
Path 1 – Entry-Level (No Firefighter I Academy)
• Candidates who have not yet completed a Firefighter I Academy will be hired into a 12-week Encinitas Fire Department Academy.
• This academy provides the training, skills, and certifications needed to prepare you for a successful fire service career.
Path 2 – Experienced / Academy Graduate
• Candidates who have already completed a Firefighter I Academy may test out of our recruit academy process through a 1 week in house skill academy.
• These candidates may advance more quickly into full operational assignments.
Lateral Firefighter Opportunities
• Experienced firefighters joining us from other agencies are recognized for their service.
• Lateral hires are eligible for a higher starting pay step, based on experience.
Rate of pay | Hourly | Monthly | Annually |
Probationary FF/Paramedic | 31.4723 | 7,637 | 91,645 |
Firefighter/Paramedic III | 36.9798 | 8,974 | 107,682 |
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.
- Responds to medical emergencies and provides patient care at the paramedic level.
- Cleans and maintains station quarters and grounds; cleans, maintains, and tests emergency equipment and apparatus; and participates in drills and training sessions.
- Responds to fire alarms of all types and performs suppression activities.
- Operates a variety of apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, and vehicles related to fire services.
- Conducts inspections of equipment to ensure proper working condition and readiness, which includes fire hydrants, power tools, medical equipment, and other related equipment.
- Participates in public education activities, which may include giving station tours, presenting prevention education materials, assisting walk-ins at the station, and performing other related activities.
- Compiles, writes, and submits reports related to emergency and non-emergency activities, which includes fire, emergency medical services, and fire prevention activities.
- Conducts fire prevention inspections of dwellings, public assemblies, and commercial and industrial buildings.
- Participates in continuing education related to fire safety.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
Education and Experience:- High School diploma or G.E.D. (College-level coursework in Fire Science, EMS, or a related field is highly desirable).
Required Licenses and Certifications:- Current Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) License with the State of California
- Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certificate
- Current CPR Certification
- Candidate must be able to obtain County of San Diego EMT-P accreditation by the time of appointment.
- Valid Class "C" California Driver's License. (Class "C" with Firefighter endorsement required within one year.) Must remain insurable with City's liability carrier.
- Candidates must complete the task workbooks and receive an SFM Firefighter I certification upon completion of their one (1) year probationary period.
Application Process and Deadline:
A completed employment application, including all required attachments, must be submitted online by 10/15/2025. Applications that do not include attached copies of the required licenses and certifications will not be accepted. Only include copies of the required licenses, certifications, and education.
Testing will be begin the week of October 20th, notices will NOT be sent until after the application acceptance period has closed. Please note dates are tentative and subject to change. Please no calls regarding testing dates.
Testing Components:
•San Diego County EMS Protocol Written Test
•Physical Agility Test
•EMS Simulation Exercise
•Captain's Interviews
•Chief’s Interviews
Candidates must pass each component in order to advance to the next step in the testing process.
The EMS Written Test will test your general paramedic knowledge on topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, skills knowledge, signs and symptoms, basic treatment, etc. This test will include San Diego County-specific protocol questions. All dates are tentative and subject to change without prior notice.
The Physical Ability Test was designed after an exhaustive job task analysis conducted by ARA/HUMAN FACTORS, one of the country's leading authorities on public safety job standards development. The test accurately reflects the physical demands of many fire suppression activities.
In order to participate in the testing processing, you must have submitted a Release and Waiver of Liability prior to the start of the testing. Waivers will be provided at the testing location.
Please click here to download information about Firefighter Physical Ability TestingADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Those hired and offered a position as a Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic will work both 56-hour and 40-hour shifts. Successful candidates will be provided with more information about the Academy schedule upon hire. Hired Probationary Firefighter/Paramedics must successfully complete the entire Academy in order to be eligible to be placed on a regular 56-hour per week shift schedule. Hired Probationary Firefighter/Paramedics may be separated at any time during the course of the Academy due to poor performance or other major and critical fails. Unsuccessful Probationary Firefighter/Paramedics will not be permitted to continue in the process and will be separated from City employment immediately.
ACADEMY INFORMATION:
The Academy is a multi-week course. The next scheduled academy is set for January 2026. The date is tentative and subject to change.
•Students are expected to be present at each of the required academy training sessions.
The Fire Academy includes lecture-based classroom sessions on topics such as firefighter safety, equipment operation, fire extinguishers, forcible entry tools and techniques, lifting and hoisting equipment, fire hose, hose nozzles and fittings, hose evolutions, ladders, breathing apparatus, fire control, fire prevention, and more. Manipulative classes give recruits the opportunity to practice skills taught in the classroom.
Selected candidates must pass a pre-employment screening process that includes a background investigation, LiveScan Fingerprinting, and medical examination prior to
beginning work with the City.
Questions/inquiries can be sent to mspaulding@encinitasca.gov
Equal Opportunity Employment: The City of Encinitas provides equal opportunity employment for all persons without regard to race, color, religion/religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, age, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, political affiliations, veteran status, Family Leave Act status, AB60 CA Driver's License status, or status with pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The Cities encourage minorities, disabled persons, and women to apply. Qualified applicants who move to the next level of the selection process must notify the Human Resources Office if accommodation is needed. A thorough background check will be conducted for the candidate(s) seriously considered for the position, including fingerprinting and reference checking. A contingent job offer may be given pending the results of a medical evaluation, which includes a physical, TB test, and drug and alcohol screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
Salary : $31 - $37
