Fire Department · Career
Escondido Fire Department
Escondido, CA · San Diego County
Serves the City of Escondido plus the Rincon Del Diablo Fire Protection District under a 1984 service contract.
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Department careers page ↗The Escondido Fire Department has protected the city of Escondido, California for more than 134 years, growing from its 19th-century roots into a full-service fire and emergency medical agency. Beyond the city itself, the department extends fire protection and EMS coverage to the Rincon Del Diablo Fire Protection District under a contract arrangement dating back to 1984, giving it a broader service footprint than its city name alone suggests.
Day-to-day operations run through five divisions -- Administration, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Fire Prevention, Operations, and Training and Emergency Medical Services -- reflecting a department that balances suppression, prevention, and community-facing emergency management under one roof. Community risk reduction work spans defensible-space and weed-abatement enforcement, wildfire preparedness planning, fire code and permit review, and public education, alongside a long-running Fire Explorer Post that has introduced young people to the fire service since 1981.
Led by Fire Chief John Tenger, the department organizes itself around four stated values -- Duty, Courage, Honor, and Pride -- and pairs its career workforce with volunteer pathways, including Support Volunteers and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members, to extend its reach into the community it serves.
Missionto serve the public and to safeguard the community from the impact of fire, medical, and environmental emergencies through education, emergency services, and enforcement
Escondido Fire Department hires full-time entry-level EMTs and Paramedics directly into its Operations division, with openings posted through the City of Escondido's NEOGOV career portal as they become available. Alongside paid career positions, the department maintains volunteer pipelines -- Support Volunteers, CERT members, and a long-standing Fire Explorer Post for ages 15-21 -- that give community members and young people entry points into the fire service.
How do I get a job with Escondido Fire Department?
Escondido Fire Department hires full-time entry-level EMTs and Paramedics through the City of Escondido's employment portal; openings are posted on the City's NEOGOV career site as positions become available, and interested applicants can also contact the department directly at 760-839-5400.
Does Escondido Fire Department accept paramedics?
Yes. The department's full-time entry-level hiring track includes both EMT and Paramedic positions within its Operations division.
Are there volunteer opportunities with Escondido Fire Department?
Yes. The department offers Support Volunteer roles and participates in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program for residents who want to assist without becoming full-time employees.
How can young people get involved with the Escondido Fire Department?
Escondido Fire Department has run a Fire Explorer Post since 1981 for people ages 15 to 21 (having completed eighth grade), involving monthly Saturday training days, a physical agility test, written exam, and oral interview as part of selection.
What area does Escondido Fire Department cover?
The department protects the City of Escondido and, under a 1984 contract, also provides fire and EMS coverage to the Rincon Del Diablo Fire Protection District.