Fire Department · Career
Encinitas Fire Department
Encinitas, CA · San Diego County
About 51 fire suppression personnel across six stations
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Encinitas Fire Department is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗The Encinitas Fire & Marine Safety Department protects a roughly 20-square-mile stretch of coastal North San Diego County, operating six fire stations that provide round-the-clock coverage. Beyond structure fire and paramedic response, the department runs a Marine Safety (lifeguard) division that guards several miles of city-managed state beaches, alongside fire prevention, disaster preparedness, and support-services divisions.
Through shared-service agreements, the department also provides fire protection for the neighboring cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach, giving crews a busy, coastal, tourism-heavy service area.
The department fields dozens of full-time personnel, with roughly 51 assigned to fire suppression across its stations, and is led by Fire Chief Josh Gordon, a longtime member of the organization.
MissionProviding the highest level of service to our communities and the people we serve by protecting life, property, and the environment.
Encinitas hires Firefighter/Paramedics through a competitive process administered on the City's GovernmentJobs careers portal. Candidates must already hold a California EMT-Paramedic license (plus ACLS and CPR) and obtain San Diego County paramedic accreditation. Applicants who have not completed a Firefighter I academy are hired into a 12-week Encinitas Fire Department academy; those already certified attend a shorter one-week in-house academy.
The department accepts laterals: experienced firefighter/paramedics currently working full-time at a recognized agency can receive higher starting pay based on experience. The selection process typically includes a written EMS protocol test, a physical agility test, an EMS simulation exercise, and captain's and chief's interviews.
Requirements
- Current California EMT-Paramedic license
- Current ACLS certificate and CPR certification
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid Class C California driver's license
- Must obtain San Diego County EMT-P accreditation by appointment
- Laterals: current full-time firefighter/paramedic (min. 1 year) with State Fire Academy or Firefighter I certification
Hiring process
- Submit online application by the posted deadline
- San Diego County EMS protocol written test
- Physical agility test
- EMS simulation exercise
- Captain's interviews
- Chief's interviews
Entry-level hires without a Firefighter I certification complete a 12-week Encinitas Fire Department academy; already-certified hires attend a one-week in-house academy.
What do I need to apply as a Firefighter/Paramedic?
You need a current California EMT-Paramedic license, ACLS and CPR certification, a high school diploma or GED, and a valid Class C California driver's license. You must also obtain San Diego County EMT-P accreditation by the time you're appointed.
Does Encinitas accept lateral firefighters?
Yes. Firefighter/paramedics currently working full-time (at least one year) at a recognized agency, with State Fire Academy or Firefighter I certification, can apply as laterals and receive higher starting pay based on experience.
Do I have to already be a certified firefighter to get hired?
No. Candidates who have not completed a Firefighter I academy are hired into a 12-week Encinitas Fire Department academy that provides the training and certifications needed. Already-certified firefighters attend a shorter one-week in-house academy.
What is the pay for a Firefighter/Paramedic?
The 2025 recruitment listed roughly $91,645 per year at the probationary level up to about $107,682 at the Firefighter/Paramedic III level. Laterals start at a higher rate based on experience.
What does the selection process involve?
After submitting an online application, candidates typically complete a San Diego County EMS protocol written test, a physical agility test, an EMS simulation exercise, and captain's and chief's interviews.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the City of Encinitas careers portal on GovernmentJobs when a recruitment is open.