Lateral Entry Firefighter

The City of San Marcos is accepting applications for Lateral Entry Firefighter. Candidates must hold TCFP Firefighter and EMT-Basic or higher (DSHS or National Registry) certifications and have at least one year of full-time experience in a comparable fire or EMS agency.

Salary: $66,461–$80,961 annually (base pay only).
Hiring Incentive: $5,000 total ($2,500 at hire + $2,500 after probation).
Schedule: 24 hours on / 48 hours off

The Lateral Entry Program will help recruit qualified dual certified Firefighter/EMT Basics or higher. As a part of the hiring process, the Fire Chief will meet with the background investigator to confirm that the applicant meets the criteria to take advantage of this program.

All certifications must be attached to the application.

• EMS Certification Level
• Time served in a comparable department (1 point per year, max 10 points)
  • Time served may be verified by either:
  • An email from a supervisor confirming employment history, or Documentation of employment history from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP).
• PAE Event Four completion time (up to 6 points)
• TCFP Structure Fire Protection certification (up to 3 points)
• TCFP Haz Mat Technician (2 points)
• Swiftwater Technician or 30+ hours Swiftwater course (1 point)
• Military experience with DD214 (10 points)

To receive points in the lateral entry ranking process, all applicable certifications and supporting documents must be uploaded with the application before the application period closes.

Candidates should be prepared to take the Physical Fitness Assessment. For additional information on Physical Fitness Assessment, see details.

Practice CPAT:
April 9, 2026 - SWIM ONLY

Mandatory CPAT:
April 13, 2026 - ALL EVENTS

For additional information, please email HRHiring

Team or call Human Resources at .

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and not over forty (40) years of age.
• Must be a high school graduate or have an equivalency certificate certified by the issuing agency (i.e.: Texas Education Agency).
• Must possess a Basic (or above) Structure Fire Suppression Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection or documentation from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection stating that the candidate is certified as a firefighter.
• Must hold a Texas Department of State Health Services “DSHS” Emergency Medical Services Certification EMT-Basic or higher (National Registry, DSHS Licensed, or DSHS Certification).
• Must be able to obtain a Class B Texas Driver’s License within one (1) year of employment.
• Must comply with all applicable Civil Service Requirements and Regulations.
• The ability to swim continuously, tread water, and jump or dive into bodies of water in order to conduct water rescues.

• Proof of valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

* Subject to call out for emergencies/overtime; alternate schedules based on business necessity for training, alternate assignments, modified duty, etc.; may require non-standard, rotating shift-work to include days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Lifting 28 lb Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) from ground to full extension of arms overhead
• Lifting to waist level and carrying a 105 lb. roll of 5" diameter hose 12’
• Lifting to waist level: 75 lb. 24’ extension ladder for 30 seconds; 30 lb power saw for 2 minutes
• Carrying, with assistance of a single helper, a 75 lb. 24’ extension ladder a distance of 100’, and then raising, extending, and climbing the ladder
• Removing from an apparatus compartment: 70 lb positive pressure…