Firefighter ; Academy Graduate

Position: Firefighter Recruit (Academy Graduate)
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 (Academy Graduate).  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 (non academy graduate) recruitment must submit a separate application for recruitment #26-00723

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 duties, visit the City of Salinas website at  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 (Academy Graduate) 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)

7. Graduation from a fully accredited State of California Fire Academy. Completion and holder of a Firefighter I certification. (Provided by the time of application).

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 or visit the website at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

5. Firefighter 1 certificate issued by the State of California or proof of course completion

a. Training History Report or letter from Fire Academy Coordinator or designee will be accepted as proof. Report or Letter must state that the applicant has passed the OSFM CA  FF1 Testing.

b. Firefighter I certificate/course completion issued within two years of the submittal date of this recruitment.

If beyond the two-year date, applicants must meet one of the additional following work experience criteria:

* Paid-Call Firefighter                         

* Volunteer Firefighter

* Reserve Firefighter

* Regular Firefighter experience

* Or related experience

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 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

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…