Current Firefighter Openings2024-03-08T18:43:42+00:00

Central County Fire Department invites your application for the position of Entry Level and Lateral Firefighter. Please take a moment to review our flyer.

Selection Process

When the recruitment for this position is initiated, applications will be accepted by invitation only. The most qualified applicants selected from the *FCTC list and CalOpps list will be contacted and provided with more information regarding the Department’s application process. Laterals with two years of continuous experience with a full-time paid fire department can apply through CalOpps.

If you have any questions, please send us an email at:
GRP-hiring.committee@ccfd.org

*FCTC list will be pulled 3/1/24. CalOpps information available here: https://www.calopps.org/central-county-fire-department

Minimum Employment Qualifications

If you decide to pursue a fire service career, then a plan should be put in place to guide you towards your goal. To be a firefighter with the Central County Fire Department, you must meet our minimum employment qualifications. They are:

  • Minimum 18 years of age at time of employment
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Current EMT-1, (B)asic, (D)efibrillator, or Paramedic licenser (National Registry acceptable)
  • Valid California Class “C” license or equivalent.
  • Candidates must be on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center, “FCTC”, statewide eligibility list

When you have met the minimum qualifications (this oftentimes varies between departments), you can begin the actual testing process.  For the Central County Fire Department, the testing process typically consists of the following:

  • CCFD Hiring Committee interviews
  • Fire Chief’s interview
  • Thorough background investigation
  • Physical examination along with drug screening

Once you have completed this extensive pre-employment process, you will join other recruits throughout San Mateo County and attend a fourteen-week fire academy.

After academy graduation, you will undergo more rigorous training and testing with the goal of successfully completing our Department’s eighteen-month probationary period. The training doesn’t end there, though.  A career in the fire service means continuous training throughout the duration of your career. You should also consider the physical demands placed on firefighters and take steps to keep yourself in top physical condition throughout your career.

If you think a career with the Central County Fire Department is the career for you, and you would like more information on how to become a Central County Fire Firefighter, contact the CCFD Equal Employment Opportunity and Recruitment committee at (650) 558-7623 or via email.

Employment FAQs

How Do I Apply For A Position With CCFD?2019-11-23T01:12:33+00:00

CCFD will post the job openings on CalOpps, our website, and social media. CCFD uses the Firefighter Candidate-Testing Center (FCTC) to establish an eligibility list.  Candidates must meet the minimum requirements for the position and be on the FCTC eligibility list. CCFD will send out invitations to eligible candidates after determining the minimum passing score of the FCTC written exam.

How Long Will I Remain On The Eligibility List2019-11-23T01:13:11+00:00

Individuals that move through the process to the Chief’s interview will be put on an eligibility list. The list will last 12-24 months at the Chief’s discretion.

How Will I Know If I’m Being Considered?2019-11-23T01:14:11+00:00

Candidates being considered for the position will be notified by email and/or mail.

Can I Do Station Visits While Preparing For My Interview?2019-11-23T01:15:15+00:00

Once candidates are notified they are advancing in the process, they are provided the rules and regulations of station visits.  We encourage candidates to visit stations, but please understand that crews are not always going to be available due to operational needs.

What Is The Screening Process?2019-11-23T01:16:31+00:00

Our screening process is explained under our minimum requirement information.

What Is Considered An Accredited Academy?2019-11-23T01:17:04+00:00

Click here to view all the Accredited Academies in the state

Intern Program

Central County Fire Department is proud to give back to the Fire Service community through its Internship program. For more information on the program, please click here or contact us at our Intern Program e-mail

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