City of San Marcos, CA
Salary
$89,847.35 - $124,332.00 Annually
Location
1 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
2025 - 75
Department
Fire
Opening Date
12/18/2025
Closing Date
1/15/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
We are currently recruiting for three (3) Firefighter Paramedic Recruit positions. The application process opens on 12/18/2025 and closes on 1/15/2026. Key milestones include skills testing and a structured interview on 02/02/2026, Chief’s interview on 02/05/2026, ladder climbing/PPE fitting on 02/12/2026, background checks from 02/13 to 03/20/2026, Paramedic Zero Day on 04/13/2026, HR orientation and mentorship beginning 04/14/2026, mentorship through 05/13/2026, orientation until 06/16/2026, and the probationary period starting 06/17/2026.
Candidate Types
Internal Promotional Candidates: Current full‑time City of San Marcos employees who have passed their initial probationary period, or current full‑time, at‑will employees who have completed at least one year of service, meet the minimum requirements, and are on the FCTC SEL with a passing written score and CPAT within 12 months of the application deadline.
Lateral Candidates: Candidates with two years of paid, full‑time experience at a level comparable to, or higher than, a City of San Marcos Firefighter Paramedic, currently employed in this capacity and meeting the minimum requirements. Must also be on the FCTC SEL with a passing written score and CPAT within 12 months of the application deadline. Starting salary for lateral employees will be negotiated at time of hire.
Open Competitive Candidates: Candidates who meet the minimum requirements but do not qualify as internal or lateral candidates. Must also be on the FCTC SEL with a passing written score and CPAT within 12 months of the application deadline.
FCTC testing dates and locations can be found by clicking the link provided.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a self‑starter, highly motivated, and capable of embracing innovative management principles. They enjoy blending traditional fire service values with modern business practices, develop cooperative relationships with city departments and community organizations, and can work with minimal direction and supervision while maintaining high operational standards.
Required Certifications and Licenses
High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Accredited California State Fire Marshal / State Fire Training Firefighter I Academy Certificate or current enrollment documentation. If enrolling, submit proof of enrollment.
If applying with an out‑of‑state Firefighter I Academy Certificate, include proof that the certificate meets 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.
Driver License – if from a state other than CA, obtain a CA Driver license with satisfactory driving record by time of appointment.
Certified EMT/Paramedic license – if issued in a state other than CA, obtain EMT‑P accreditation with the County of San Diego EMS office.
San Diego County Card is required at time of appointment, not at time of application. If you have accreditation with a different county/state, submit a copy of your county accreditation card.
Valid CPR Certification with a minimum rating of BLS‑C current
ACLS Card
Candidate must have a passing result in both FCTC written and CPAT within 12 months of application deadline.
FCTC testing dates and locations can be found by clicking this link.
Must be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) at time of application
Desirable certifications and licenses include:
Valid Driver/Operator Certificate
California State Firefighter I and II Certificates
Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Certificate
NIMS (IS700)
Any other supplemental material (cover letter, resume, etc.)
Fire Station Visits are encouraged prior to skills test day.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Respond to alarms involving fire, accidents, gas leaks, flooded structures, hazardous substances, and lifesaving/rescue work.
Place fire hose, set ladders, operate fire streams, ventilate, and enter burning structures to extinguish fires and perform rescue services.
Treat and transport patients per San Diego County EMS protocol and Department policy, diagnose medical problems, and provide emergency medical care and treatment.
Interpret electrocardiograms, recognize cardiac arrhythmias, administer CPR, defibrillation, IV solutions, emergency bandaging and splinting, and use adjunctive breathing devices.
Maintain confidential records and reports, including medical information, controlled drug inventory, equipment and station logs, and EMS reports.
Participate in and support the quality assurance/quality improvement program.
Operate department vehicles and related emergency medical equipment, radio equipment, PPE, fire hydrants, rescue and miscellaneous fire suppression tools, pneumatic and auxiliary equipment such as generators and pumps, and occasionally fire and rescue apparatus, other mechanical equipment, and pressure ventilation fans.
Perform salvage and overhaul operations during and after fires to remove hazards and prevent water damage, supporting other Firefighter/Paramedics as directed on medical calls.
Perform fire prevention and pre‑fire planning inspections in commercial, industrial and municipal facilities; inspect and maintain fire hydrants.
Participate in drills, fire watches, and a self‑directed exercise program to maintain physical fitness.
Study and keep up to date on City geography, Department rules, regulations, procedures, and other training and job‑related materials; update station bulletin boards and maps.
Maintain fire station and grounds, wash, polish, and perform preventive maintenance on fire apparatus and equipment.
In the event of a major fire or emergency, may be called in from off duty for mandatory extended hours.
May be required to work additional hours for automatic or mutual aid responses, or for Department‑endorsed or sponsored events.
Present programs and participate in departmental public relations programs as assigned; demonstrate procedures and techniques to other employees as assigned.
Perform other related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of:
Firefighting and EMS procedures and equipment; fire ground tactics and strategy; emergency incident management, including the Incident Command System (ICS); principles of incident safety; automatic and mutual aid agreements; hazardous materials procedures; confined space and technical rescue techniques; fire prevention procedures and related codes; rescue operations; California vehicular laws; 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; 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 and grammar; and customer service practices.
Ability to:
Perform competently under extreme pressure; make accurate observations and rapid judgments; understand procedural instructions and convert them into 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; maintain physical endurance and agility; demonstrate cultural diversity awareness; and bring value to the City and Department.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical requirements include:
At least 18 years of age and completion of the twelfth grade.
Graduated from a 240‑hour Firefighter I Academy accredited by the California State Fire Marshal/State Fire Training or equivalent.
Completed education and training to obtain licensure as a California State Certified EMT/Paramedic and met County of San Diego EMS Office requirements, including the San Diego County protocol examination.
VACATION
1–5 years : 156 hours per year
6–10 years : 212 hours per year
11–15 years : 264 hours per year
16–20 years : 288 hours per year
21+ years : 312 hours per year
HOLIDAYS
Employees may receive 144 hours of straight‑time Holiday pay or conversion to 96 hours of accrued vacation time. Holiday pay is paid bi‑weekly.
LEAVE Sick Leave: 144 hours per year with a maximum accumulation of 600 hours. Hours over 600 are deposited to the employee RHS account.
Bereavement Leave: up to 48 hours per fiscal year.
LOYALTY STIPEND
One‑time lump‑sum longevity stipend upon reaching specified anniversaries: 5 years (2.0% of Step 8); 10 years (2.5%); 15 years (3.5%); 20 years (4.0%); 25 years (4.5%); 30 years (5.0%).
RETRAITMENT
Benefits provided by CalPERS. The City contracts with CalPERS for 3% at 55, Post‑Retirement Survivor Allowance, and 3‑year average final pay for CLASSIC members; 2.7% at 57, Post‑Retirement Survivor Allowance, and 3‑year average final pay for PEPRA members. Employees contribute 9% or 12.25% toward CalPERS.
GROUP MEDICAL INSURANCE
City pays the full premium cost for employees and 90% of dependents’ premiums; cost shifts for dependent premium increases over 10% are shared 50/50.
RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN (RHS)
All employees participate; the City contributes 1% of salary to RHS. At separation, employees contribute 100% of unused sick and vacation leave.
EDUCATION INCENTIVE STIPEND
Pro‑rated bi‑weekly basis:
AA/AS/60 Units : 3.90% of the annual top‑step FFPM base salary
BA/BS : 5.85% of the annual top‑step FFPM base salary
Employees possessing both BA/BS and AA/AS/60 units receive only the 5.85% rate.
BILINGUAL PAY
A stipend of $150 per month for employees who utilize bilingual skills.
GROUP LIFE & ADI
Coverage equal to two times (2x) the employee’s annual salary.
LONG‑TERM DISABILITY
City contributes up to $50 per member per month; insurance provided through SMPFF.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Tuition reimbursement, employee benefit allocation program, deferred compensation plans, voluntary benefits, and workers’ compensation insurance.
CANDIDATE TYPE SELECTOR
Internal Candidate
Lateral Candidate
Outside Competitive Candidate
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
All required licenses and certifications must be uploaded as a single PDF document. Applications missing current copies of all required certificates will not be considered.
REQUIREMENT CHECKLIST (REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS)
High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Accredited (IFSAC and Pro Board) Firefighter I Academy Certificate or current enrollment documentation.
Passing FCTC written and CPAT within 12 months of application deadline, and a passing CALJAC CPAT time within 6 months of the application deadline.
Valid Driver License with satisfactory driving record; must obtain a CA Driver License by time of appointment.
Current State Certified EMT/Paramedic license.
Current EMT‑P accreditation with the County of San Diego EMS office; San Diego County Card required at appointment.
CPR Certification with a minimum rating of BLS‑C.
Current ACLS Card.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS All Fire Safety Personnel must locate within 275‑mile radius of the City of San Marcos within one year of appointment and must remain nonsmokers throughout employment.
All Firefighter/Paramedic Recruits must successfully complete the North Zone Physical Abilities Test before the end of orientation.
Corporate EEO Statement
This is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No discrimination will be made on the basis of any protected characteristic.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
$89,847.35 - $124,332.00 Annually
Location
1 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
2025 - 75
Department
Fire
Opening Date
12/18/2025
Closing Date
1/15/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
We are currently recruiting for three (3) Firefighter Paramedic Recruit positions. The application process opens on 12/18/2025 and closes on 1/15/2026. Key milestones include skills testing and a structured interview on 02/02/2026, Chief’s interview on 02/05/2026, ladder climbing/PPE fitting on 02/12/2026, background checks from 02/13 to 03/20/2026, Paramedic Zero Day on 04/13/2026, HR orientation and mentorship beginning 04/14/2026, mentorship through 05/13/2026, orientation until 06/16/2026, and the probationary period starting 06/17/2026.
Candidate Types
Internal Promotional Candidates: Current full‑time City of San Marcos employees who have passed their initial probationary period, or current full‑time, at‑will employees who have completed at least one year of service, meet the minimum requirements, and are on the FCTC SEL with a passing written score and CPAT within 12 months of the application deadline.
Lateral Candidates: Candidates with two years of paid, full‑time experience at a level comparable to, or higher than, a City of San Marcos Firefighter Paramedic, currently employed in this capacity and meeting the minimum requirements. Must also be on the FCTC SEL with a passing written score and CPAT within 12 months of the application deadline. Starting salary for lateral employees will be negotiated at time of hire.
Open Competitive Candidates: Candidates who meet the minimum requirements but do not qualify as internal or lateral candidates. Must also be on the FCTC SEL with a passing written score and CPAT within 12 months of the application deadline.
FCTC testing dates and locations can be found by clicking the link provided.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a self‑starter, highly motivated, and capable of embracing innovative management principles. They enjoy blending traditional fire service values with modern business practices, develop cooperative relationships with city departments and community organizations, and can work with minimal direction and supervision while maintaining high operational standards.
Required Certifications and Licenses
High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Accredited California State Fire Marshal / State Fire Training Firefighter I Academy Certificate or current enrollment documentation. If enrolling, submit proof of enrollment.
If applying with an out‑of‑state Firefighter I Academy Certificate, include proof that the certificate meets 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.
Driver License – if from a state other than CA, obtain a CA Driver license with satisfactory driving record by time of appointment.
Certified EMT/Paramedic license – if issued in a state other than CA, obtain EMT‑P accreditation with the County of San Diego EMS office.
San Diego County Card is required at time of appointment, not at time of application. If you have accreditation with a different county/state, submit a copy of your county accreditation card.
Valid CPR Certification with a minimum rating of BLS‑C current
ACLS Card
Candidate must have a passing result in both FCTC written and CPAT within 12 months of application deadline.
FCTC testing dates and locations can be found by clicking this link.
Must be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) at time of application
Desirable certifications and licenses include:
Valid Driver/Operator Certificate
California State Firefighter I and II Certificates
Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Certificate
NIMS (IS700)
Any other supplemental material (cover letter, resume, etc.)
Fire Station Visits are encouraged prior to skills test day.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Respond to alarms involving fire, accidents, gas leaks, flooded structures, hazardous substances, and lifesaving/rescue work.
Place fire hose, set ladders, operate fire streams, ventilate, and enter burning structures to extinguish fires and perform rescue services.
Treat and transport patients per San Diego County EMS protocol and Department policy, diagnose medical problems, and provide emergency medical care and treatment.
Interpret electrocardiograms, recognize cardiac arrhythmias, administer CPR, defibrillation, IV solutions, emergency bandaging and splinting, and use adjunctive breathing devices.
Maintain confidential records and reports, including medical information, controlled drug inventory, equipment and station logs, and EMS reports.
Participate in and support the quality assurance/quality improvement program.
Operate department vehicles and related emergency medical equipment, radio equipment, PPE, fire hydrants, rescue and miscellaneous fire suppression tools, pneumatic and auxiliary equipment such as generators and pumps, and occasionally fire and rescue apparatus, other mechanical equipment, and pressure ventilation fans.
Perform salvage and overhaul operations during and after fires to remove hazards and prevent water damage, supporting other Firefighter/Paramedics as directed on medical calls.
Perform fire prevention and pre‑fire planning inspections in commercial, industrial and municipal facilities; inspect and maintain fire hydrants.
Participate in drills, fire watches, and a self‑directed exercise program to maintain physical fitness.
Study and keep up to date on City geography, Department rules, regulations, procedures, and other training and job‑related materials; update station bulletin boards and maps.
Maintain fire station and grounds, wash, polish, and perform preventive maintenance on fire apparatus and equipment.
In the event of a major fire or emergency, may be called in from off duty for mandatory extended hours.
May be required to work additional hours for automatic or mutual aid responses, or for Department‑endorsed or sponsored events.
Present programs and participate in departmental public relations programs as assigned; demonstrate procedures and techniques to other employees as assigned.
Perform other related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of:
Firefighting and EMS procedures and equipment; fire ground tactics and strategy; emergency incident management, including the Incident Command System (ICS); principles of incident safety; automatic and mutual aid agreements; hazardous materials procedures; confined space and technical rescue techniques; fire prevention procedures and related codes; rescue operations; California vehicular laws; 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; 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 and grammar; and customer service practices.
Ability to:
Perform competently under extreme pressure; make accurate observations and rapid judgments; understand procedural instructions and convert them into 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; maintain physical endurance and agility; demonstrate cultural diversity awareness; and bring value to the City and Department.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical requirements include:
At least 18 years of age and completion of the twelfth grade.
Graduated from a 240‑hour Firefighter I Academy accredited by the California State Fire Marshal/State Fire Training or equivalent.
Completed education and training to obtain licensure as a California State Certified EMT/Paramedic and met County of San Diego EMS Office requirements, including the San Diego County protocol examination.
VACATION
1–5 years : 156 hours per year
6–10 years : 212 hours per year
11–15 years : 264 hours per year
16–20 years : 288 hours per year
21+ years : 312 hours per year
HOLIDAYS
Employees may receive 144 hours of straight‑time Holiday pay or conversion to 96 hours of accrued vacation time. Holiday pay is paid bi‑weekly.
LEAVE Sick Leave: 144 hours per year with a maximum accumulation of 600 hours. Hours over 600 are deposited to the employee RHS account.
Bereavement Leave: up to 48 hours per fiscal year.
LOYALTY STIPEND
One‑time lump‑sum longevity stipend upon reaching specified anniversaries: 5 years (2.0% of Step 8); 10 years (2.5%); 15 years (3.5%); 20 years (4.0%); 25 years (4.5%); 30 years (5.0%).
RETRAITMENT
Benefits provided by CalPERS. The City contracts with CalPERS for 3% at 55, Post‑Retirement Survivor Allowance, and 3‑year average final pay for CLASSIC members; 2.7% at 57, Post‑Retirement Survivor Allowance, and 3‑year average final pay for PEPRA members. Employees contribute 9% or 12.25% toward CalPERS.
GROUP MEDICAL INSURANCE
City pays the full premium cost for employees and 90% of dependents’ premiums; cost shifts for dependent premium increases over 10% are shared 50/50.
RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN (RHS)
All employees participate; the City contributes 1% of salary to RHS. At separation, employees contribute 100% of unused sick and vacation leave.
EDUCATION INCENTIVE STIPEND
Pro‑rated bi‑weekly basis:
AA/AS/60 Units : 3.90% of the annual top‑step FFPM base salary
BA/BS : 5.85% of the annual top‑step FFPM base salary
Employees possessing both BA/BS and AA/AS/60 units receive only the 5.85% rate.
BILINGUAL PAY
A stipend of $150 per month for employees who utilize bilingual skills.
GROUP LIFE & ADI
Coverage equal to two times (2x) the employee’s annual salary.
LONG‑TERM DISABILITY
City contributes up to $50 per member per month; insurance provided through SMPFF.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Tuition reimbursement, employee benefit allocation program, deferred compensation plans, voluntary benefits, and workers’ compensation insurance.
CANDIDATE TYPE SELECTOR
Internal Candidate
Lateral Candidate
Outside Competitive Candidate
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
All required licenses and certifications must be uploaded as a single PDF document. Applications missing current copies of all required certificates will not be considered.
REQUIREMENT CHECKLIST (REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS)
High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Accredited (IFSAC and Pro Board) Firefighter I Academy Certificate or current enrollment documentation.
Passing FCTC written and CPAT within 12 months of application deadline, and a passing CALJAC CPAT time within 6 months of the application deadline.
Valid Driver License with satisfactory driving record; must obtain a CA Driver License by time of appointment.
Current State Certified EMT/Paramedic license.
Current EMT‑P accreditation with the County of San Diego EMS office; San Diego County Card required at appointment.
CPR Certification with a minimum rating of BLS‑C.
Current ACLS Card.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS All Fire Safety Personnel must locate within 275‑mile radius of the City of San Marcos within one year of appointment and must remain nonsmokers throughout employment.
All Firefighter/Paramedic Recruits must successfully complete the North Zone Physical Abilities Test before the end of orientation.
Corporate EEO Statement
This is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No discrimination will be made on the basis of any protected characteristic.
#J-18808-Ljbffr