Firefighter Recruit: $6,983-$8,1912 Monthly
Firefighter: $7,288-$9,301 Monthly
The Salinas Fire Department invites interested and qualified applicants to apply for the position of Firefighter Recruit. Successful applicants selected from this process will be required to complete an in-house Fire Academy program.
Upon successful completion and department approval, candidates from this recruitment will be placed in the Firefighter classification. This recruitment will be used for current and future vacancies. The anticipated Fire Academy for this recruitment is scheduled for Winter 2027. Applicants that wish to be considered for the Firefighter Recruit (Academy Graduate) recruitment must submit a separate application for recruitment # 26-00724.
This classification, under supervision, responds to calls for fire, medical and/or hazardous material emergencies; and performs prevention and administrative shift duties as trained and assigned.
This is a training and entry level class in the firefighter series. Incumbents attend a fire academy and under direct supervision, incumbents learn and participate in various firefighting and emergency response activities. Incumbents remain in a probationary status for the duration of employment in this classification.
For a full list of essential job functions and job duties, visit the City of Salinas website at governmentjobs.com to review the job description.
Education and Experience:An example of the education and experience that most likely demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties would be a high school diploma or GED. Additional education in fire science or a related field is desirable.
Minimum Firefighter Recruit Requirements:
1. High School Diploma/GED, 18 years of age.
2. Proof of legal right to work in the United States.
3. Valid Driver's License. If out-of-state, must have license upon start of the Academy.
4. Valid CPR card. CPR card must be a valid American Heart Association or American Red Cross certified.
5. Current EMT-B or EMT-P License (Out-of-state EMT cards must be National Registry (NREMTB or NREMTP)).
6. Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Explanation of items listed above:
1. A valid California Driver’s License with photo
a. Must possess and maintain, at minimum, a valid Class C California Driver's License.
b. Must be eligible for Firefighter endorsement (or equivalent) within one year of completing the Salinas Firefighter Academy.
c. Must be able to obtain and maintain a firefighter endorsement to maintain employment with the City of Salinas.
2. Current EMT -B or EMT-P License
a. Out-of-state EMT-B cards must be National Registry (NREMT) or NREMTP
b. Ability to obtain and maintain local Monterey County accreditation is a requirement for continued employment.
3. Valid CPR card
a. CPR card must be a valid American Heart Association or American Red Cross certified.
4. Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
a. Must be valid within 12 months at time of application. CPAT testing locations and dates, please call 1-877-648-2728 or visit the website at https://fctconline.org/cpat/.
Note: All attachments must be uploaded using PDF format. It is recommended to attach all documents to your application at the time of submittal. All documents will be required by the Oral Board Process.
Testing process:
Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications and thoroughness. Applicants moving forward will be invited to take a written CPS examination tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 18. Minimum passing score of 70% must be met in order to be invited to the oral board process scheduled in May 2026.
The City reserves the right to use alternative testing dates (once announced), procedures, rating criteria as deemed necessary and invite/drop to lower bands for operational program needs.
All final selected candidates must complete and pass a thorough background process with an outside background investigator. All final candidates must complete and pass a pre-employment medical examination and psychological examination.
Tentative Dates:
3/2/2026 = Recruitment Opens
3/31/2026 = Recruitment Closes
4/18/2026 = In-person written exam
Last week of May = Oral Boards
June 15-26 = Chief Interviews
Background Investigation, Medical Examination, and Psychological Examination = July-December
Fire Academy Begins = January 2027
The Firefighter Recruit classification has a probationary period of 18 months from the completion of the Fire Academy. For questions about the recruitment process, please contact Salinas Human Resources at HRSalinasFire@salinas.gov or Darlenne Birrueta at darlenne.birrueta@salinas.gov or at 831-758-7388.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills which may be required.
Physical mobility to sit, stand, walk, crawl, kneel, crouch, squat, lay on back or stomach, climb and balance, reach at shoulder level and above shoulder level, push, pull, twist and rotate for periods of between five minutes to two and one-half hours per eight-hour shift. Stamina to run, walk, and stand wearing protective equipment weighing up to 100 pounds, for periods of time ranging from 5 minutes to two and one-half hours. Physical agility to walk and run over uneven, wet surfaces, climb ladders of up to 100 feet in height, push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop, climb and reach overhead. No severe allergic reactions to dust or pollen. Physical strength to lift, carry and drag persons weighing more than 120 pounds for transport to triage, and up to 300 pounds with assistance, while carrying fifty pounds of equipment attached to the body. Physical strength to lift up to 75 pounds on a frequent basis, and to pull, drag and extend a two and one half-inch charged fire hose, and 75-pound ladders. Ability to work at heights on an aerial lift of up to 100 feet above ground. Manual dexterity of neck, wrists, waist, hands and fingers sufficient to wear respirators and other protective gear, to climb through small, confined spaces, use hand and power tools, handling and grasping equipment and or debris, and to administer first aid. Hearing and speaking ability sufficient to converse over the telephone, two-way radio and in person often over the noise of machinery and traffic, to detect and describe noises in machinery or to hear running water. Uncorrected vision of 20/40 or better in one eye, and 20/100 in the other, or corrected to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other; ability to distinguish colors to recognize flame, smoke, hazardous materials placards and skin signs. Mental acuity to act under stress in life threatening situations, and to maintain calm efficient judgment in serious situations involving quick action or mental stress.
WORKING CONDITIONS
A Firefighter Recruit is required to wear protective gear, carry appropriate tools, and wear self -contained breathing apparatus, weighing a combined total of 100 pounds, while performing many of the emergency-related duties during the fire academy. Firefighter Recruits work in a variety of very hot and very cold temperatures, and often in a wet environment. The Firefighter Recruit must be able to respond physically to alarms and/or calls for help and be in a full sprint from a standstill or sleep, in a matter of seconds. While performing academy training emergency aid, a Firefighter Recruit may lift and carry victims and move equipment requiring the use of stomach and back muscles. It is required that they be able to hear a variety of warning devices and alarms, gas leaks or calls for help. Tools used by a Firefighter Recruit require precise arm-hand positioning movements such as when operating a chain saw or using emergency medical equipment. The operation of said equipment often requires the coordinated movement of more than one limb simultaneously. Emergency situations may require work to be performed in small, cramped crawl spaces, areas where vision is limited, and/or heights including roof-tops and ladders. Balance is required working in slippery wet conditions, maneuvering on beams and other structural parts of building, hillsides, and fences.
Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.
