City of San José

This recruitment closed on February 27, 2025. Sign up for email alerts to be notified of future recruitments. 

Ignite Your Passion. Save Lives. Join the San José Fire Department.

The San José Fire Department is searching for dedicated individuals ready to rise to the challenge, protect our community, and save lives. If you thrive under pressure and are committed to helping others, this is your chance to become a Firefighter Recruit and turn your passion into purpose.

Firefighter Recruit is the trainee level class in the Firefighter series, responsible for becoming proficient in the understanding of lifesaving and firefighting methods within SJFD. Through a specific program comprised of general and specialized education, focused training, and extensive experience, Firefighter Recruits will learn diverse tasks, policies, procedures, and standards.

FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Compensation for the Firefighter Recruit classification is $47.75 hourly, $3,820.00 bi-weekly, $99,320.00 annually.*
  • *In addition to the salary, employees shall also receive an approximate one percent (1%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.
  • Upon successful completion of the academy, compensation for Firefighter, Step 1 is $54.90 hourly, $4,392.00 bi-weekly, $114,192.00 annually, plus various premium pays for eligible employees, including paramedic pay, bilingual pay, and education incentive pay.
• The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Visit the City's benefits page for detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.
• For information on the City’s Retirement Plan (pension for full-time employees), visit the Office of Retirement Services' website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classifications.
• Additional perks of working for the City of San José include paid leave, educational reimbursements, and more. Visit the City's perks webpage for more information.

The San José Fire Department's (SJFD) core mission is to serve the community by protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention and response. SJFD is a high-volume, all-hazards fire department providing fire suppression and rescue services that protects approximately 200 square miles, Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support services as well as specialized operations, including Urban Search and Rescue, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting, and a Hazardous Material Unit with a Decontamination Unit. SJFD deploys resources from 34 fire stations, protecting areas within city limits and some unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County by contract. SJFD currently has 720 authorized sworn positions across nine ranks, offering many opportunities for career advancement.

Learn more about this recruitment and apply by Thursday, February 27: https://bit.ly/3PWUnlB.

Questions? Email us at SJFDRecruiting@sanjoseca.gov. Learn more about the San José Fire Department at www.SJFD.org.