If I am in the firefighter recruitment process, how will I be notified of my status or progress?
All communication about an active recruitment process will be via email. Please ensure that you have added SJFDRecruiting@sanjoseca.gov to your address book. SJFD will not be responsible for messages missed due to spam filters.
What information will be asked during the online firefighter application?
Applicants will be asked to provide a complete work history and respond to the City of San José’s standard candidate questions. Candidates will also be asked how they meet the minimum requirements. Candidates must complete the entire application and respond to all questions.
Should I apply with a different fire department to understand what to expect with SJFD's hiring process?
Each fire department has its own hiring process. To learn more about SJFD's hiring process, please visit our Firefighter Selection Process webpage.
Does SJFD award extra hire points for persons who live in Santa Clara County?
Does military experience play into the firefighter hiring process?
The City of San José has a Veteran’s Preference Policy that applies to SJFD's firefighter recruitment. To claim veteran’s preference, you must provide a copy of your honorable military discharge (Form DD214) when appearing for this recruitment's written and practical examinations.
I cannot afford the SJFD-related testing fees. Can I get my tests paid for?
If you meet certain low-income requirements, you may qualify for assistance with the cost of SJFD-related testing. For assistance with Firefighter Candidate Testing Center written exam and Candidate Physical Ability Test costs, please visit their Financial Aid webpage and complete the Fee Waiver Application.
What are the main qualities that SJFD looks for in a candidate? Personality, skills, or both?
There are several qualities that make up a highly-competitive firefighter candidate. Some of these qualities are determined by skill-based tests, background investigations, and written and oral psychological exams. Please visit our Firefighter Qualifications webpage to learn more.
What type of experience will you be looking for in your firefighter candidates in order for them to be considered highly-qualified?
Review the San José Fire Department's Firefighter Qualifications webpage for information on minimum and desirable qualifications.
Will letters of recommendation be considered during the firefighter hiring process? If so, when should we submit these?
You may submit letters of recommendation to your background investigator, should you reach that stage in the hiring process.
What questions in the Personal History Questionnaire need to be date/time specific (i.e. employment)?
You will answer these questions based on your personal history from age 18 and up. Driving questions are based on your personal history from age 16, or the time that you received your driver’s license, until the present.
During the firefighter application process, what kind of crime would disqualify me during the background investigation?
Each individual’s situation is based on its own merits. For more information, please review SJFD's Firefighter Selection Process webpage.
What is the process for EMTs who are certified in another county or out of state in order to work for SJFD?
If you receive a job offer from the San José Fire Department you will be required to get accreditation in the County of Santa Clara. For more information, please visit Santa Clara County's website.
Do you get paid when you're in SJFD's firefighter academy?
Yes. While in the SJFD's firefighter academy, recruits receive wages and are eligible to enroll in various medical benefits.
If I want to work for SJFD, do I have to relocate?
You are not required to live in the City of San José to work for the San José Fire Department; however, during the academy, you must attend every weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for the 18-week duration. This is not a live-in academy. Firefighter recruits will be responsible for their own transportation. As a condition of employment, once recruits are promoted to firefighter, they must provide proof of residency within 180 minutes travel time from the nearest City of San José fire station.
How much time in advance do we need to schedule an SJFD ride-along?
Scheduling a ride-along is a great way to learn more about the San José Fire Department, as well as the duties and professional life of a firefighter. You may schedule a ride-along at your convenience, provided that the station can accommodate your request. To schedule a ride-along, please email us at SJFDoutreach@sanjoseca.gov.
How many SJFD ride-alongs can I go on?
You may not request a ride-along within sixty days of a prior one. However, we encourage you to visit as many stations as you can. SJFD has 34 fire stations and many of them are different. For example, some fire stations receive more incident calls than others.
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