Reserve Firefighter (2026-1)

Please review the District's Reserve Firefighter website for more information on the background, training and duties of the position.  *Application requires proof of certifications to be uploaded at time of submission or letter confirming the anticipated date of completion*

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM

POSITION:
Reserve firefighters, under direct supervision, attend scheduled drills and perform a myriad of firefighting and EMS skills including but not limited to: responding to structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle accidents and medical aids. Other duties may include vehicle and apparatus maintenance as well as station maintenance. During scheduled ride-along shifts the reserve may be assigned to an engine company or a transporting ALS unit.

TRAINING:
Each new reserve firefighter will be required to attend an orientation prior to scheduling their shifts. Upon completion of the orientation, the reserve firefighters will attend a reserve academy consisting of 8 days of training on a myriad of firefighting skills. The reserves will come together collectively to schedule which days they will complete the reserve academy. Upon completion of the reserve academy, reserves will be able to schedule shifts according to District policy. Reserves are assigned a task book consisting of firefighting and station tasks they are responsible for completing. The reserve program is very flexible and willing to work with the reserves and their busy schedules. The District understands the rigorous steps to becoming a firefighter and will help in anyway shape or form. The District is willing to work with reserves who are in the fire academy and paramedic school. We are dedicated to getting the reserves the necessary experience to become successful firefighter/paramedics.

SALARY RANGE: Unpaid, volunteer

SCHEDULE: At least four (4) 24-hour shifts per quarter and attend one (1) Saturday drill per month.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
● 18 years of age or older
● Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
● Possess a CA Class C Driver’s License
- Ambulance driver certificate (must have by start date)
● Possess a valid San Diego County EMT certification EMT Accreditation (SD County)
- San Diego County Paramedic license highly desirable
● Must have CPAT or Biddle certification (at time of application or time of first interview)
● Must be able to purchase required uniform and safety boots (approximately $500 in total cost)
● Previous fire training or experience is not required but desirable
- Firefighter I academy is highly desirable

TESTING PROCESS
The applications submitted will be screened and the most qualified applicants will be invited to our testing process which may include the following components:
● Written test
● Oral interview
● Skills assessment, including Patient assessment (using San Diego protocols)

TENTATIVE SELECTION SCHEDULE AND PROCEDURE

1. Application Deadline – Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM


2. Testing: March 6th at 09:00-11:00 & 13:00-15:00, March 9th at 09:00-11:00 & 13:00-15:00, March 16th at 09:00-11:00 & 13:00-15:00


3. Oral Interview (1st Round): Wednesday, March 25th and Thursday, March 26th


4. Chiefs Interview: Thursday, April 2nd and Friday, April 3rd


5. Background Process Begins: Week of April 6th     


6. Anticipated Start Date: April 2026


7. Prior to employment, the successful candidate will be required to complete and pass all areas of a conditional offer which may include drug screening, physical, backgrounds, psychological evaluation, and fingerprinting.

*Interview schedule may be subject to change

All material received in this application and testing process will remain confidential.

The Lakeside Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, political or religious affiliation, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, or other functional limitation as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act except where a bona fide occupational qualification(s) so dictates.

DISCLAIMER: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content. The District may, without notice, change or eliminate any particular assessment component or combination of components as needs dictate.