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Reserve Firefighter - Volunteer Position

Seaside California
Seaside, CA Volunteer
POSTED ON 7/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/17/2026

Description

To assist Fire Personnel with a variety of day-to-day work including emergencies such as fire alarms, rescue calls, and local disasters; fire prevention and inspections; and public education and outreach.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
:
Due to the high volume of applicants, the first 100 qualified candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process will include a written exam, a panel interview, and a final departmental interview. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to modify any component of the selection or examination process.

  • Closing Date to Apply
    : Friday, July 24th
  • Written Exam: Monday, August 24th
  • Interviews: Monday, September 14th
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Seaside provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Seaside does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Examples of Duties



Under direct supervision, Reserve Firefighters will be utilized strictly as support personnel. As needed, Reserve Firefighters may be called on to perform the following tasks:
  • Respond to fire alarms, hazardous materials incidents, rescues, and other emergency operations as requested.
  • Assist at the scene of fires and other emergencies with suppression, evacuation, crowd control, mop-up, and other related functions.
  • Operate a variety of firefighting equipment.
  • Assist with laying hose at fire scene.
  • Assist at the scene of vehicle accidents.
  • Provide emergency medical assistance for the injured and ill.
  • Perform basic inspection and repair of firefighting equipment.
  • Test fire equipment including fire hoses and hydrants.
  • Clean and maintain station living areas.
  • Participate in training sessions and emergency assistance drills.
  • Use machine hand tools, carpenter's tools, breathing apparatus, axes, shovels, chain saws and extrication equipment.
  • Assist with the inspection of structures and facilities to assure compliance with fire and building code regulations.
  • Assist with public education presentations and programs.
  • Maintain logs and records.
  • Drive emergency equipment.
  • Interact politely and effectively with the public.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications



EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATIONS:
  • 18 years of age.
  • Graduation from High School or GED.
  • Valid California Drivers' License.
  • Possession of a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card, issued within the twelve (12) months prior to the date of application. (May be required to pass a departmental physical assessment annually)
  • Emergency Medical Services: Possession of a current State of California EMT-Basic card or a current National Registry EMT certificate.
  • Alternative Course Provision: Candidates who have successfully completed an accredited EMT-Basic course within the past twenty-four (24) months, but do not yet possess a state or national certification, may be considered, however, such individuals shall not perform direct emergency medical care or patient intervention during operational responses until official California EMT-Basic certification is obtained, registered, and verified by the Department.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Geographic Residency & Operational Readiness: Due to the emergency response nature of this volunteer position and the critical need for rapid deployment during staffing shortages or major incidents, all Volunteer Reserve Firefighters must maintain their primary legal residence within the Tri-County area (Monterey, San Benito, or Santa Cruz Counties) throughout the duration of their service.
Ability to:
  • Pass entry level exam.
  • Pass CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test).
  • Pass a background and medical screening.
  • Pass the 40-hour basic firefighter training and related written skills test.
  • Attend one (1) three-hour training per month and regular training sessions and meetings scheduled by the Fire Department.
  • Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  • Apply fire safety codes and ordinances.
  • Follow written and oral instructions.
  • Operate a variety of fire suppression equipment.
  • Drive emergency rescue vehicles as required.
  • Fight fires using correct methods and techniques.
  • Learn and practice safe work habits.
  • Engage in strenuous physical activity during emergency situations.

STIPEND/UNIFORMS

Reserve Firefighters shall not be compensated for their service and serve at their own volition. Reserve Firefighters will receive a stipend to reimburse them for personal costs associated with services performed. The stipend is $16 - $96 per hour depending on the length of the assignment. Uniforms and safety equipment are provided.

Supplemental Information



PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility, physical strength, and stamina to respond to emergencies and use all emergency apparatus and equipment; perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines, and to climb and descend ladders; vision to discern colors and assess emergency situations, including medical incidents, and to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. The position involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned apparatus and equipment. Reserve Firefighters bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites and must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, objects, and individuals necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Reserve Firefighters work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, extreme temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, substantial heights, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Reserve Firefighters may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Seaside employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Salary : $16 - $96

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