Career Opportunities
We’re making San Marcos better, together.
Every day, more than 90,000 people will be depending on you. Whether your job is front-and-center or behind-the-scenes, your work will benefit the greater good.
As a public servant, you will be on the frontlines—not only when emergencies demand it, but also as a mentor and advocate for community safety. You will be held accountable to the highest standards of personal conduct, accountability and expertise. You will be expected to be a team player--pitching in whenever and wherever duty calls.
See current openings
How to get hired
Take the first step
This level of intensity the San Marcos Fire Department demands isn't for everyone. But if you’re committed to excellence and service before self, why would you settle for anything less? So are you ready to join the best?
Then discover where your talents can take you next.
What do I need to do to become a firefighter?
The answer is somewhat complex as different agencies have different priorities with different needs. All types of fire agencies (district, wildland, municipal, private brigade, etc.) are filled with professionals that are good at what they do and, regardless of the variations, there is a fair amount of crossover in skill sets. The key is finding the right “fit”. Whichever path you follow, it is required that you obtain an Emergency Medical Certificate (EMT). A Paramedic Certification, while not always required, is generally preferred and will open the most doors.
General items that will help you get hired:
- EMT (minimum requirement)
- Paramedic certification (National Registry, State Certified, County Accredited)
- Fire Science classes (through selected community colleges)
- Experience (obtained from reserve and volunteer programs)
- Firefighter 1 Academy or Basic Wildland Fire Academy
(PDF, 414KB)Becoming a firefighter(PDF, 380KB)
Firefighter Candidate Testing Center
Why San Marcos Fire?
Being a part of the San Marcos Fire Department is different than anywhere else.
In San Marcos, we’re looking for someone ready to step up, take initiative and get things done all while exemplifying the department’s core values of integrity, competency, leadership, safety and customer service.
Accountability
San Marcos Fire Department is held accountable to the highest standards, which means we live and breathe core values every day.
Competency and safety
Competency and safety are the focus of everything we, which means we train hard so we can deliver the best service to anyone in need.
Integrity and leadership
When our employees learn and grow, the whole city benefits.
Whether an entry level firefighter or Chief, our hands-on leadership team leads by example in everything they do, which means we all step up and have the opportunity to move up.
Meet members of our team
In San Marcos, we’re looking for someone ready to step up, take initiative and get things done all while exemplifying the department’s core values of integrity, competency, leadership, safety and customer service.
Learn what attracted Captain Mike Vasile to the San Marcos Fire Department and why has discovered an extended family in San Marcos.
Ride Along Program
Ride Along
The purpose of the ride along program is to provide an introduction and overview of the emergency fire and life safety systems used in San Marcos, and to offer educational opportunities to interested members of the public and to students participating in approved field internship programs through local high schools and colleges. A typical ride along is from 0800-1600 hours.
To schedule your ride-along request please use our electronic ride along request form.
Contact
Human Resources
1 Civic Center Drive
San Marcos, CA 92069
760-744-1050
San Marcos Fire Department
1 Civic Center Drive
San Marcos, CA 92069
760-744-1050, ext. 3400