• Candidates must be 18 years of age at the time of applying

• High School Diploma/GED
• EMT – current
• CPAT – current
• CPR – current
• 18 years old
• US citizen
• CA drivers license

• The CPAT (California Physical Agility Test) is a timed test that tests your physical ability. You can access the CPAT at www.fctconline.org for more information.

•  Firefighter Recruits will initially be paid a salary ten percent (10%) below the salary of a Firefighter, step 1. A Firefighter Recruit shall receive full benefits provided to all other members of the Unit. Upon successful completion of the Fire Academy final examination, the Firefighter Recruit shall be advanced to Step 1 of the position of Firefighter-New Hire or Step 1 Firefighter/Paramedic.

• The probationary period is 18 months.

• Salinas Fire works a 48/96 hour work week. This means you would work 48 hours at the assigned fire station with 96 hours off.

• Research the department online
• Call and schedule a ride-a-long. Go to 65 West Alisal St to fill out the proper paperwork or call (831)758-7261
• Research firefighter oral board sample questions online
• Hire an oral board coach

• The fire academy is full time Monday-Friday 0800 to 1700 hours for 16-18 weeks. 

• Subjects covered in the academy include Hose Operations, Ladder Operations, Ventilation, Rapid Intervention Crew, HAZMAT, Rope Rescue, Vehicle Extrication, Forcible Entry, Wildland Fire Operations, Driver Operator Training, and Live Fire exercises.

• • Yes, there are weekly quizzes and 3-4 “Block” exams throughout the duration of the academy.

• The academy is instructed by a team of five members of the department who are pulled offline from their regular duties. These instructors work on a 40-hour work week schedule solely dedicated to ensuring the success of the recruits and facilitating the academy.

• Firefighter Recruits receive full benefits equivalent to those provided to all other members of the Unit.

• Upon successful completion of the Fire Academy final examination, Firefighter Recruits are advanced to step 1 of the position of Firefighter-New Hire or Firefighter/Paramedic-New Hire. They then begin a new probationary period as step 1 Firefighters and are assigned to a fifty-six (56) hour workweek.

• Firefighter Recruits who have completed the Fire Academy but are awaiting advancement to the position of Firefighter remain employed with the City of Salinas. They are assigned to a forty (40) hour workweek and continue to receive a salary ten percent (10%) below that of a Firefighter or Firefighter/Paramedic at step 1, along with full benefits.

• The Fire Chief is responsible for determining the duties of Firefighter Recruits who are awaiting advancement to the position of Firefighter or Firefighter/Paramedic.

• Salinas Fire works a 48/96 hour work week. This means you would work 48hours at the assigned fire station with 96 hours off.

• The department will notify all candidates of any status changes to their application. To ensure the best results, make sure all information is uploaded and up to date on governmentjobs.com

After probation, Firefighters are encouraged to continue professional development. Some of the programs available in Salinas include;

• Paramedic
• Tactical Paramedic (SWAT)
• Hazmat Team
• Mechanic
• Dog Handler
• NFIR’s report checker
• Honor Guard
• Recruitment Task Force
• Training Coordinator

• After completing the Academy, Probationary Firefighters will be assigned an Engine and Crew. The Assignments are broken in 3, 6 month periods (trimester). Probationary firefighters will complete a six month trimester in each of the cities districts (North, East, & South).