The application period for the 2012 El Cajon Fire Department joint Heartland Firefighter Academy Reserve Firefighter Academy is now closed.   Please check back in August of 2012.

El Cajon Fire Fireighter Reserve Program – General information below – please scroll down for information on this very special career building program in becoming a firefighter!

• Selection Process
• Reserve Application [doc]
• Physical Agility
• PT

If you have any questions regarding about the Firefighter Reserve program, please send your questions via email to:  Engineer Marco Maldonado at mmaldona@cityofelcajon.us.

What is a Reserve Firefighter?

A Reserve Firefighter is an auxiliary position with Heartland Fire & Rescue Department. It is an opportunity for those interested in a fire service career to get invaluable hands-on experience while giving back to the community.  Participation as a Reserve neither implies nor guarantees an offer of employment with the El Cajon Fire Department.

Reserve Firefighter Duties

After successful completion of the Heartland Fire Academy, the Reserve Firefighter is expected to continue personal growth through required monthly training classes, training assignments and ride-along experience.  During the ride-along shifts, Reserve Firefighters will be assigned to be part of an engine company or paramedic unit and experience, firsthand, firefighting, medical aids, rescue calls and other public service activities. Reserve Firefighters also gain experience through participation in fire prevention and fire education programs.

Training

Each Reserve must successfully complete the Heartland Fire Academy, which consists of both classroom instruction and manipulative practice. Academy instruction is scheduled to last from January to April, 2012.

*The 488-hour academy includes classroom sessions on topics such as firefighter safety, equipment operation, fire extinguishers, forcible entry tools and techniques, lifting and hoisting equipment, fire hose, hose nozzles and fittings, hose evolutions, ladders, breathing apparatus, fire control, fire prevention, and more; plus manipulative classes giving recruits the opportunity to practice skills taught in the classroom.

*Recruits must pass weekly training evaluations by assigned instructors.

*Recruits are expected to be present at each of the required academy training sessions.

* College credit and State Certifications for 100A, 100B, Haz. Mat. FRO, Low Angle Rescue, ICS-100/200, Auto Extrication

Minimum Requirements

*Age: 18 years of age at time of application.

*Education:  High School graduate or equivalent (GED).

*Certifications:  Possession of a valid California State EMT License, San Diego County EMT Certification, and CPR card.

*Paramedic:  San Diego County Paramedic Accreditation highly desirable.

*License:  Must have and maintain a valid, unrestricted Class C California driver’s license.

*Residence:  Shall reside within San Diego County.

*Telephone: Must have a working telephone in their residence and keep current number updated with District.

*Occupation: Employment or involvement with occupations that may be considered a conflict of interest or which may impair performance or discredit the Department are unacceptable.

*Certification of ability to work in the United States:  Prior to employment, applicants must demonstrate, as required by law that they are legally able to work in the United States.

*Uniforms and Safety Shoes:  Reserves are responsible for purchasing their own uniform and safety shoes. Approximate cost totaling $600.

Selection Process

*Submittal and review of a Department application.   When applications ar being accepted, they’ll be given in person or via mail during the application period to (Closed at this time)  the El Cajon Fire Department Headquarters (100 E. Lexington Ave.  El Cajon, CA 92020).  Access office at northeast corner or Magnolia and Lexington.  Hours of operation:  Monday through Friday, 0800-1200 and 1330-1700 (closed from 1200-1330).

*Communication/Notifications: All information related to the selection process will be posted on the website, www.elcajonfire.com , or www.heartlandfire.org, with  individuals identified by the last four digits of their social security number.  Check the website prior to August 21, 2011, for test times.

*Written Examination: The test will be based on Essentials of Fire Fighting, chapters: Fire Behavior, Building Construction, Forcible Entry, Ground Ladders, and Ventilation.  The written examination is scheduled for August 21, 2011. Candidates that pass the written test will move on to the physical abilities test, then the top 40 will move on to interviews.  Written examination will take place at Heartland Training Facility (1301 N. Marshall Ave.  El Cajon, CA 92020).  Park in the parking lot just north of 1301 N. Marshall, and walk to the rear of Fire Station 9 via lane on north side of station.

*Physical Abilities Test: A job-specific physical abilities test to evaluate physical strength and endurance.  This portion will take place on same date and at same location as the written examination.  Only candidates that pass the written will be invited to take the physical abilities test.  Candidates are encouraged to wear shoes and clothing that are conducive to physical fitness activity.

*Oral Examination:  Oral interviews by a panel of El Cajon Fire Department personnel to determine qualifications.  This portion will be administered on August 24 & 25, 2011. Top 40 candidates will receive an appointment for one of the two dates.

*Background Investigation: Prior to employment, an applicant’s personal history and employment background will be reviewed.  Top five candidates (and two alternates) will receive this portion of the process.

*Medical Examination: Applicant must successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination

The El Cajon Fire Department, in partnership with Miramar College, are combining resources to provide this excellent fire service career opportunity. We will be conducting a Regional Fire Academy to train candidates for positions as Reserve Firefighters for the City of El Cajon Fire Department. Miramar College has teamed up with El Cajon Fire to provide funding for the Fire Academy and college credit for successful Academy candidates.

For detailed information about each agency please refer to the following websites:

Heartland Fire & Rescue

Proudly serving the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove

100 East Lexington Avenue

El Cajon, CA 92020

(619) 441-1601

www.elcajonfire.com

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San Diego Miramar College

10440 Black Mountain Road

San Diego, CA 92126

www.sdmiramar.edu

http://sandiego.firefightermedic.com/

The following guide was produced by a firefighter with the Heartland Fire & Resccue Department in El Cajon.

Download PDF file about Fire Service career opportunities.