Full-Time Firefighters

Entry-Level Applicants must be active on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) with a score of 80 or higher by the application closing date, Friday, September 25, 2026.
Lateral Applicants do not need to be on the FCTC list but must be an active firefighter with a minimum of 1 year of full-time, professional firefighting experience. Attachments Needed for Application: Name the documents/files with the name of the certification followed by last, first name (e.g., Entry-Level Applicants - Lateral Applicants
Friday, September 25, 2026 at 5:00 pm: Application Period Closes
Application Screening Window
Application Status Updates - All candidates will receive a status notification at the email address used to apply. In-Person Oral Board Interviews (Held at a City of San Luis Obispo facility; Financial Assistance: Candidates experiencing financial hardship may apply for test fee assistance at
It is your sole responsibility to ensure your contact information in your FCTC profile matches what you are putting on this application to be accurately matched to the SEL. (FCTC ID#, Name, Email Address, Phone Number, etc.)
Under general supervision of a Fire Engineer or Fire Captain, the Firefighter serves citizens, visitors, business owners, and other City employees, while demonstrating competence and compassion in the areas of firefighting, rescue, emergency medical aid, and fire prevention activities in protecting life and property. as assigned, assists with training activities, mobile crisis unit and program management; operates and maintains fire apparatus and pumps and other firefighting equipment on a relief basis.
Class Characteristics: This class requires the application of highly specialized knowledge and skill in one or more areas in an emergency response environment. This class is distinguished from Fire Engineer in that the Fire Engineer carries the primary responsibility of operating and maintaining fire pumping engines and other firefighting equipment.
Supervision Received and Exercised: Works under the general supervision of Fire Captain or Fire Engineer. Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous, and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
Works well as a member of a team, including during urgent and emergency situations.
Responds skillfully and compassionately to emergency and non-emergency fires, medical aids, rescues, hazardous materials spills and releases, disasters, and public assists.
Demonstrates excellent listening and communication skills and knowledge of current fire service issues.
Responds to fire alarms with fire company while on duty and individually when off duty.
Renders skilled, compassionate first aid, Basic Life Support, and assists with Advanced Life Support and or mental health clinician.
Performs the following duties under adverse conditions including Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmospheres, extreme weather conditions, in confined or elevated positions, and other high-risk environments, and during all hours of the day and for extended periods without rest:
Carries and uses heavy equipment.
Ventilation procedures to drive out smoke and gas.
Enters IDLH atmospheres to suppress fire and/or rescue victims.
Stabilizes compromised structures.
Operates nozzles and applies water streams in fire situations.
Assists in salvage and cleanup operations.
Assists in operations to ensure that fire is completely extinguished.
Operates all required functions while wearing personal protective equipment, including a self-contained breathing apparatus.

Operates/maintains fire extinguishers.
Creates and maintains accurate documentation including such documents as patient care reports, fire reports, fire prevention reports, training records, and other program reports as assigned
Assists in fire investigation.
Keeps abreast of latest fire safety developments.
Participates in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) continuing education training and maintains Emergency Medical Technician certification or Paramedic license and Accreditation, as assigned.
Inspects business establishments, residences, public buildings, and other buildings in enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to fire and hazard prevention
Maintains skills through continued education and training.
Performs duties of Fire Engineer on a relief basis.
Assists in the repair, maintenance, inspection and testing of vehicles and equipment assigned to the Fire Department.
Assists in the maintenance of clean and orderly conditions in and about fire stations.
Gives station tours and public education presentations for adults and children's groups.
Studies and adheres to Fire Department rules, policies, and procedures.
Engages in fitness activities and maintains fitness as a means of safely and effectively performing all essential duties while minimizing risk of injury.
Communicate with Fire Captain/Company Officer, and other fire crew members to keep them informed of changes in equipment status during non-emergencies, and changes during emergency situations; communicate with oncoming shift members of changes in equipment status; and complete written forms to keep track of personal records (e.g., timecards, shift-trades, personal exposure records, etc.).
Critique emergencies and participate in pre-fire planning, critiquing, and discussing actions taken at emergency calls; making on-site visits to become familiar with specific hazards within district; and participating in discussions of how to improve actions at emergency calls.
May be assigned to work with the Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) Mental Health Clinician to proactively respond, report and provide care to persons in crisis, perform general outreach welfare checks and transport persons safely to non-emergency room facilities such as specialized treatment clinics, mental health, and drug/alcohol rehab services.
Principles of out-of-hospital Basic and/or Advanced Life Support procedures.
Ability to: Continue personal and professional development, including learn advanced firefighting, rescue, and medical methods and equipment, and to apply such knowledge to specific