Fire Department · Combination
San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District
San Ramon, CA · Contra Costa County
The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District is an autonomous special district organized under California's Fire Protection District Law of 1987. It is governed by a five-member Board of Directors elected at-large to staggered four-year terms, with the Fire Chief serving as chief executive officer and district treasurer.
The District staffs approximately 185 personnel and operates ten fire stations along with a 911 dispatch center, an administrative headquarters, a tactical training site, and supporting facilities such as an essential-services warehouse and communications annex. Stations are spread across San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, and the surrounding valley communities.
Beyond fire suppression, the District delivers its own emergency medical and ambulance transport service and fields specialized hazmat, rescue, and K9 teams. Property taxes fund roughly 90% of operations, with ambulance fees and interest making up the balance.
Mission"ONE TEAM, ONE MISSION. In the spirit of our tradition, we strive for excellence, respectfully serving all with pride, honor and compassion."
Entry-level firefighting here is built on a paramedic foundation: to be considered for appointment you must already hold a valid State of California Paramedic license with ACLS certification, along with meeting the age, education, citizenship, and driver's-license minimums. The District describes hiring as very competitive, so these are treated as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
Candidates who advance face thorough background investigations and medical examinations, and the District notes that staying in excellent physical condition and pursuing fire science coursework strengthen an application. Open positions are posted on the District's Employment Opportunities page under Human Resources.
Requirements
- Valid State of California Paramedic license with ACLS certification
- At least 18 years old
- High school graduate or equivalent
- United States citizen
- Valid California driver's license
- Able to pass a thorough background investigation and medical examination
Hiring process
- Meet the minimum prerequisites, including a California Paramedic license with ACLS
- Apply to an open position posted on the Employment Opportunities page
- Complete the competitive selection process
- Pass a thorough background investigation
- Pass a medical examination
Benefits
The District offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees and dependents:
- Medical through CalPERS (PPO and HMO plans), with the District paying up to a capped share of the premium
- Dental through Delta Dental at no monthly premium cost to employees
- Vision through VSP Plan C at no monthly premium cost
- Life insurance of $20,000 provided at no cost
- Pension through the Contra Costa County Employees' Retirement Association (CCCERA): 3% at 50 for legacy safety members, 2.7% at 57 for PEPRA safety members
- Optional 457 deferred-compensation plans, an IRS Section 125 flexible-benefits plan, and an Employee Assistance Program
- 14 paid holidays per year plus accruing vacation and sick leave
Do I have to be a paramedic to be hired as a firefighter?
Yes. To be considered for appointment you must possess a valid State of California Paramedic license with ACLS certification.
What are the minimum requirements to apply?
You must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate or equivalent, a United States citizen, hold a valid California driver's license, and carry a California Paramedic license with ACLS certification.
How competitive is the hiring process?
The District describes hiring as very competitive and treats the stated minimums as a starting point. Candidates also undergo thorough background investigations and medical examinations, so being in excellent physical condition is important.
What retirement benefit does the District offer?
Employees participate in the Contra Costa County Employees' Retirement Association (CCCERA). Legacy safety members receive a 3% at age 50 benefit and PEPRA safety members receive a 2.7% at age 57 benefit.
What health and insurance benefits are provided?
The District provides CalPERS medical coverage, Delta Dental and VSP vision at no monthly premium cost to employees, $20,000 of District-paid life insurance, 14 paid holidays, and access to a 457 plan and Employee Assistance Program.
Where do I find open positions?
Current openings are posted on the District's Employment Opportunities page under the Human Resources section of firedepartment.org.