City of San José

The San José Fire Department is seeking driven individuals ready to meet the challenge, serve our community, and make a real difference. If you excel in high-pressure environments and are passionate about helping others, this is your opportunity to start your journey as a Firefighter Recruit—and turn purpose into action.

Firefighter Recruit is the entry-level position in our firefighter series, designed to develop proficiency in firefighting and lifesaving operations. Through structured training, education, and hands-on experience, recruits will gain the knowledge, skills, and discipline required to serve with SJFD.

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 webpage 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.

About SJFD: SJFD's 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, June 26: www.sanjoseca.gov/recruitment

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