Fire Department · Career
El Segundo Fire Department
El Segundo, CA · Los Angeles County
The El Segundo Fire Department protects a small but unusually complex Los Angeles County city on the coast just south of LAX. Though the resident population is only around 16,700, the daytime population swells toward 80,000 as workers fill the city's large aerospace, industrial, and business district.
The department is budgeted for roughly 45 sworn firefighters plus about 7 non-sworn administrative and fire-prevention staff. Its resources include two fire stations and six front-line units: two paramedic engine companies, one paramedic ladder truck company, two paramedic rescue ambulances, and a battalion chief vehicle.
Established as a professional department in 1947, ESFD provides fire suppression, paramedic emergency medical services, fire prevention, and environmental safety programs to a city that includes major refinery and aerospace operations within its 10.88 square miles.
MissionTo serve the City of El Segundo by protecting lives, property, and the environment through quality and excellence in service.
El Segundo hires career firefighters through the City's centralized recruitment process on GovernmentJobs. Candidates must complete the full online application and supplemental questions; all recruitment communication is handled by email, and selected applicants move through pre-employment screening that may include background, fingerprinting, and medical exams.
Firefighter candidates are expected to already hold a California State Fire Marshal certified Basic Firefighter Academy certificate along with EMT, CPR, an FCTC written test score, and a passing CPAT (or Biddle) physical ability result. Because openings are posted only when the department is actively recruiting, prospective applicants should watch the City careers page for the next filing period.
Requirements
- California State Fire Marshal certified Basic Firefighter Academy completion
- EMT certification
- CPR certification
- FCTC written test score
- CPAT or Biddle physical ability test
- Valid driver's license
- Paramedic license (if applicable)
Hiring process
- Submit a complete online application with all supplemental questions on GovernmentJobs
- Provide required certifications (Fire Academy, EMT, CPR, FCTC score, CPAT/Biddle)
- Selection screening (communication conducted via email)
- Pre-employment screening: background check, fingerprinting, and medical exam
- One-year probationary period upon hire
Applicants must already have completed a California State Fire Marshal certified Basic Firefighter Academy before applying.
What certifications do I need to apply as a firefighter?
You should hold a California State Fire Marshal certified Basic Firefighter Academy certificate, EMT and CPR certifications, an FCTC written test score, a passing CPAT or Biddle physical ability result, and a valid driver's license. A paramedic license is required for paramedic assignments.
Do I need to complete a fire academy before applying?
Yes. El Segundo requires successful completion of a California State Fire Marshal certified Basic Firefighter Academy prior to application; the department does not run applicants through a recruit academy from scratch.
What shift schedule do El Segundo firefighters work?
Sworn personnel work a 48/96 rotation: 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the City of El Segundo careers portal on GovernmentJobs. You must complete the full online application and all supplemental questions; resumes alone are not accepted, and all recruitment communication is sent by email.
Is the department currently accepting firefighter applications?
Openings are posted only during active recruitment periods, and the City portal shows no firefighter positions when the department is not hiring. Check the careers page regularly for the next filing window.
How big is the department?
El Segundo Fire is budgeted for about 45 sworn firefighters plus roughly 7 non-sworn staff, operating two stations with two paramedic engines, a paramedic ladder truck, two paramedic rescue ambulances, and a battalion chief unit.