Fire Department · Career
City Of Merced Fire Department
Merced, CA · Merced County
The Merced Fire Department protects the Central Valley city of Merced and has served the community since its founding in 1873. Today it delivers structural firefighting, emergency medical services, fire prevention, fire investigation, code enforcement, disaster preparedness, and public education.
The department is budgeted for roughly 63 full-time fire suppression personnel plus civilian staff, operating out of five fire stations (Stations 51 through 55). Daily staffing runs about nineteen on-duty members, typically a battalion chief, six captains, six engineers, and six firefighters.
Front-line resources include five engine companies, one tiller-operated ladder truck, and a battalion chief vehicle. Beyond structural response, Merced crews cross-staff an aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF) unit, a technical rescue squad, a swift water rescue team, and OES Type-1 and Type-6 wildland engines.
The department's Community Risk Reduction division rounds out the mission through education, engineering, code enforcement, and community outreach.
Merced posts firefighter openings through the City's GovernmentJobs portal and its Fire Department jobs page. Entry candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of a California Firefighter I academy (or equivalent), and National Registry EMT certification, and must pass stringent medical and physical standards.
Applicants should watch the City's careers site for open recruitments and apply online during posted filing windows.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a California Firefighter I academy or equivalent
- Valid National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
- Valid California driver's license
- Must meet stringent medical and physical standards
Benefits
The City offers certification incentive pay (Fire Fighter II at $75/month, Fire Officer at $150/month) and education pay ($75/month for an AA/AS, $150/month for a BA/BS). Incentives begin after successful completion of probation.
Candidates must have completed a California Firefighter I academy (or equivalent) prior to hire.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Merced firefighter?
You need a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of a California Firefighter I academy (or equivalent), a valid National Registry EMT certification, and a valid California driver's license, and you must meet stringent medical and physical standards.
How much do Merced firefighters earn?
The Firefighter II position pays roughly $77,988 to $94,797 per year, with additional certification incentive pay and education pay available after probation.
Do I need to finish a fire academy before applying?
Yes. Candidates must have completed a California Firefighter I academy or an equivalent before being hired.
How do I apply for a firefighter job with Merced?
Watch the City of Merced Fire Department jobs page and the City's GovernmentJobs careers portal, and submit an application online during an open recruitment window.
How large is the department and how is it staffed?
Merced is budgeted for about 63 full-time suppression personnel across five stations, with roughly nineteen firefighters on duty each day (a battalion chief, six captains, six engineers, and six firefighters).