Fire Department · Career
Montclair Fire Department
Montclair, CA · San Bernardino County
“"Privilege to Serve. Duty to Protect."”
The Montclair Fire Department operates out of two fire stations and provides seven-days-a-week, 24-hour "All Hazard" emergency service to the community. Its firefighters are cross-trained as paramedics, and the department places significant emphasis on emergency medical services alongside fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials management, and disaster preparedness.
The department traces its roots to the Monte Vista Fire Protection District, formed by special election in 1948; the City of Montclair assumed full operation of the fire department on January 1, 1967. Its two current stations, Station No. 1 (the headquarters station) and Station No. 2, were dedicated in 1970.
Montclair has long relied on mutual-aid and automatic-aid agreements with neighboring agencies including Chino Valley Fire Protection District, Ontario Fire Department, Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District, San Bernardino County Fire Department, and Los Angeles County Fire Department, letting each agency plan for large-scale incidents together.
Crews work as tight 3-member teams that live and work together throughout a shift, and roughly 85 percent of the department's responses are emergency medical calls.
Mission"The Montclair Fire Department is dedicated to providing our community with professional, courteous, and proficient service; to protecting life, property, and the environment; and to creating a safe environment in which to live and work by investing in education, training, and innovative thinking."
Montclair posts open firefighter positions through the City of Montclair's jobs page, so prospective candidates should watch that page for recruitments and prepare a fire-service resume in advance. The department stresses long-term preparation: EMT and paramedic certification, fire technology coursework (a Fire Science AA is preferred), CPR, physical-fitness conditioning, and community involvement such as reserve firefighter, Explorer, or CERT programs all help distinguish strong applicants.
Selection includes physical agility performance testing, so candidates are encouraged to maintain a fitness regimen emphasizing endurance and total-body strength.
Requirements
- Minimum age of 18
- Valid driver's license
- Clean driving record
- Good credit score
- High School Diploma or G.E.D.
- Visual acuity of 20/70 uncorrected in each eye (correctable to 20/25 in both eyes) with normal-range depth perception and the ability to identify primary colors
- Hearing within normal range
- Weight in proportion to height
- Good judgment, communication skills, mechanical aptitude, and basic math skills
- Ability to work in a paramilitary organization and perform physically demanding work in excellent physical condition
Hiring process
- Watch the City of Montclair jobs page for open firefighter recruitments
- Submit an application during an open filing period (having a fire-service resume ready)
- Physical agility performance testing
Benefits
Excellent medical, dental, and retirement plans.
What are the basic requirements to become a Montclair firefighter?
You must be at least 18, hold a valid driver's license with a clean record, have a High School Diploma or G.E.D., a good credit score, meet vision (20/70 uncorrected, correctable to 20/25) and hearing standards, and be in excellent physical condition.
How much do Montclair firefighters earn?
A typical Montclair firefighter may earn between $7,100 and $8,600 per month, with occasional mandatory overtime, plus excellent medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighting is 24-hour work done in shifts; a typical Montclair firefighter works a 48-hour shift with time off-duty in between.
How do I apply?
Open positions are posted on the City of Montclair's jobs page. Prepare a resume with all fire-service-related information so it is ready when an application period opens.
What certifications and education help my chances?
EMT-I and Paramedic certification, CPR, fire-service technology courses (a Fire Science AA is preferred), and completion of a Firefighter I Academy strengthen a candidate. Community involvement such as reserve firefighter, Explorer, or CERT programs also helps.
Is the job mostly firefighting?
No. About 85 percent of the department's responses are emergency medical calls, and Montclair firefighters are cross-trained as paramedics. Duties also include fire prevention education, inspections, community outreach, and equipment maintenance.