Fire Department · Career
Apple Valley Fire Protection District
Apple Valley, CA · San Bernardino County
“Commitment to Service Excellence”
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Formed in January 1951 and organized as a fire protection district under California law in 1962, the Apple Valley Fire Protection District is an independent special district covering the Town of Apple Valley and surrounding unincorporated San Bernardino County high desert — more than 90,000 residents across 206 square miles. A 2016 voter-approved measure, Measure A, funded the reopening of two closed stations and secured revenue to sustain the district.
The district runs fire and EMS response from seven fire stations, five of them staffed around the clock, organized into three shift battalions (A, B, and C) each led by a battalion chief. Crews answered 13,497 calls for service in 2025, about three-quarters of them medical. Beyond its own boundaries the district provides automatic aid to neighboring communities and deploys statewide through the California Master Mutual Aid system — in 2025 sending personnel and engines to the Eaton and Palisades fires while handling two significant vegetation fires of its own in the Milpas Highlands area.
Specialty capabilities include a Technical Rescue Unit trained in high/low-angle rope work, Swift Water Rescue I and II, trench rescue, and auto extrication, plus an Office of the Fire Marshal handling community risk reduction. Fire Explorer, reserve, honor guard, and chaplain programs round out the organization, and the district maintains its own fleet — adding two new Type 1 Pierce engines in 2025.
MissionIt shall be the mission of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District to enhance the quality of life for our citizens and visitors through the protection of life, property, and the environment from the effects of fire, health, and hazardous threats.
Apple Valley Fire hires through its GovernmentJobs portal (governmentjobs.com/careers/avfpd), where recruitments establish eligibility lists used to fill vacancies as they open. After applications and resumes are reviewed, the most qualified candidates are invited to a selection process that may include a written examination, practical assessment, and interview, with final appointments made by the Fire Chief.
The district's entry suppression classification is Firefighter Paramedic; it also posts civilian and prevention roles — inspectors, mechanics, and administrative staff — through the same portal, and keeps unpaid reserve positions on its roster.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Certified California State Firefighter I, or completion of an accredited California State Firefighter I academy
- Current ICEMA EMT-P accreditation, including California paramedic license and ACLS certification
- Valid California Class C driver's license, with Firefighter Endorsement obtained within one year of hire
- Biddle or CPAT physical ability certification
Hiring process
- Apply online at governmentjobs.com/careers/avfpd
- Application and resume review
- Written examination (based on IFSTA 7th Edition and American Heart Association ACLS guidelines)
- Practical assessment
- Interview process
- Appointment by the Fire Chief from the eligibility list
Benefits
District firefighters are CalPERS safety members — 2% at 55 for classic members, 2% at 57 under PEPRA.
- Cafeteria medical/dental/vision plan with a tiered district contribution up to $1,700 per month for family coverage
- 144 hours of vacation per year, 12 hours of sick leave per month, and 13 paid holidays paid out annually
- Deferred compensation with a $3,000 annual district contribution plus a 2-for-1 match up to $1,000 more for Tier 2/PEPRA members
- $850 annual uniform allowance, district-paid life insurance equal to 100% of salary, and education incentives up to $1,800 per year
Can you apply to Apple Valley Fire before finishing paramedic accreditation?
Yes. Firefighter Paramedic applicants may receive their ICEMA (Inland Counties EMS Agency) approval during the application process, but must hold the accreditation — which includes a California paramedic license and ACLS certification — by the time of appointment.
When does the physical ability test have to be completed?
A Biddle or CPAT certification must be completed within 12 months of the application deadline or by position appointment. Current district employees may instead provide proof of the District's approved in-house physical agility test.
How can you get fire service experience with the district before a career job?
The district maintains unpaid Reserve Firefighter, Reserve Fire Inspector, and Reserve Fire Mechanic positions, and runs a Fire Explorers program for young people interested in the fire service.