Fire Department · Career
Contra Costa County FPD
Concord, CA · Contra Costa County
one of California's largest and busiest fire districts
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, known as Con Fire, is a professional fire district headquartered in Concord that provides fire, rescue, and emergency services across much of Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The district describes itself as one of California's largest and busiest fire districts. It is governed by a Board of Directors and led by a Fire Chief's Office with multiple Deputy Fire Chiefs overseeing operations.
Beyond suppression crews, Con Fire operates a wide range of support functions including a Regional Fire Communications Center, a Fire Prevention Bureau, code enforcement, public education, GIS/data, and fire apparatus maintenance. Its communications center has earned Accredited Center of Excellence status from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.
Mission"...exists to provide you, your family and our communities with professional services dedicated to the preservation of life, property and the environment."
All applications are submitted online through the district's GovernmentJobs.com portal, and candidates can sign up to be alerted to future openings. The district seeks candidates with strong ethics, excellent communication skills, and a passion for teamwork and public service.
The firefighter path requires an active California EMT certificate, a current CPAT card, and completion of the FCTC written test before applying. Selected candidates advance through interviews, a background investigation, a conditional offer, medical and psychological evaluations, a final offer, and a rigorous training academy.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old at time of application
- High school diploma, GED, or proficiency certificate
- Valid California Driver's License
- Current California EMT Certificate (NREMT holders must convert before academy)
- Current CPAT card
- Completion of the FCTC Written Test
Hiring process
- Verify you meet the minimum qualifications
- Submit application via GovernmentJobs.com
- Interview
- Background investigation (fingerprinting and field investigation)
- Conditional job offer
- Medical and psychological evaluations
- Final job offer
- Complete a physically and academically rigorous Training Academy
Benefits
Covered under the IAFF Local 1230 MOU, which includes vacation, sick leave, holidays, and a uniform allowance. Specific salary and benefit details are posted with each opening on GovernmentJobs.com.
Selected candidates must complete a physically and academically rigorous Training Academy.
What do I need to apply to become a firefighter?
You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, hold a valid California Driver's License and a current California EMT Certificate, have a current CPAT card, and have completed the FCTC Written Test.
How do I apply?
All applications are submitted online through the district's GovernmentJobs.com portal (governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta). You can also sign up there to be alerted to future openings.
What is the hiring process?
After confirming you meet minimum qualifications and submitting your application, the process includes an interview, a background investigation, a conditional job offer, medical and psychological evaluations, a final offer, and completion of the Training Academy.
Do I need to be an EMT before applying?
Yes. A current California EMT Certificate is required. If you hold a National Registry (NREMT) certification, you must convert it to a California EMT certificate before the academy.
Where can I find salary and benefits information?
Salary details are posted with each opening on GovernmentJobs.com. Firefighters are covered under the IAFF Local 1230 MOU, which includes vacation, sick leave, holidays, and a uniform allowance.