CAL FIRE Firefighter Employment Requirements

CAL FIRE has retired the traditional CAL FIRE Basic Academy Certification and has updated the entry level seasonal hiring requirements.  The CAL FIRE Application period is typically in November and hiring usually occurs between March and June, depending upon the year's fire and weather conditions.  See the Careers in CAL FIRE Website for the most up-to-date information and make sure to register for their mailing list.

Applicants are reviewed and placed in categories for hiring needs.  All interested candidates are encouraged to apply in November and may update their application information at any time once training requirements are completed such as the Firefighter 1 Certification.  Category 1 Candidates are typically hired first and are considered "fully trained".  Starting Fall of 2022, to be considered "fully trained", Category 1 Candidates will have successfully completed a Firefighter 1 Accredited Fire Academy with the completion of the State "Firefighter 1A: Structure, Firefighter 1B: Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations and Firefighter 1C: Wildland certifications.

CAL FIRE San Diego and Miramar College are partnered in the delivery of the Firefighter 1C: Wildland portion of the Firefighter 1 Fire Academy.  In addition to the State Fire Training Certification, CAL FIRE and Miramar issue National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Certifications including S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, L-180 Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service and the CAL FIRE Wildland Safety and Survival and CAL FIRE C-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws certifications in addition to the CAL FIRE Orientation Module and written exam

Due to safety concerns, as well as minimum requirement by regulatory agencies, potential students should be aware applicable courses may require participants to demonstrate physically demanding skills, along with both verbal and nonverbal communication skills.  The department may impose physical ability is validly deemed essential. If you have any concerns as to your ability to safely participate in these courses, please contact the Dean of Public Safety at 619-388-7860.