Southern Marin Fire Protection District, CA
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Career Paths in the Fire Service
Steps To A Firefighting Career
Road To Becoming A Firefighter:
- First Responder Certification
- EMT Certification
- Complete an accredited fire academy
- Certificate, degree in fire technology
- Get experience (ROP, intern, apprentice, ambulance, seasonal)
- Firefighter-I certification
- Firefighter-II certification
- Take the CPAT
- Get involved in community service
- Paramedic certification
- Find a mentor
Review California State Fire Training Professional Training Track for full list of courses and certifications.
List Of Local Bay Area Fire Academies:
- Butte College
- College of San Mateo
- Santa Rosa Junior College
- Solano Community College
- Fire Academies in South Bay
List Of Estimated Costs* Associated In Becoming A Firefighter - 2022:
Fire Fighter 1 (Santa Rosa JC):
Academy- $1,800
Uniform/Turnout Rental- $1,100
Registration/Tuition Fees- $45 per unit
State Fee- $40
EMT (Napa College):
Uniform- $40
Lab Pack- $57
Corporate Screening- $45
Books- $120
Work Books- $75
National Registry:
Application Fee - $50
Test Fee-$100
Paramedic (Napa Valley):
ANATOMY
Uniform- $40
Lab Pack- $57
Books- $110
Workbooks- $70
PARAMEDIC
Uniform- $180
T-shirt- $20
Job Shirt- $62
Ball Cap- $22
LabPack- $190
Coorperate Screening- $145
FISDAP- $195
Books- $650
College Units- $1800
ACLS- $45
ACLS Card- $5
PALS- $51
PALS Card- $5
ITLS- $65
ITLS Card- $25
Internship- $1,200
National Registry
Cognitive Exam- $152
Psychomotor Exam (skills)- $200
Retest- $75 per skill
State Registry- $250 every 2 years
County Registry
FCTC Testing (Good for 1 year):
Written Test- $50
Practice Test- $25 per class
CPAT test- $150
CPAT practice test- $25 per test
EXTRAS:
Gas- $4.39 a gallon
Parking- $5 a day
Interview Suit- $125
Uniform Boots- $324
Wildland boots- $449.95
Interview Prep- $75 per session
Internship- $??
Travel Expenses
Resume- $50
10 Must-Do's To Help Increase Your Odds of Getting Hired:
- Volunteer your time
- Specialized Training ( Paramedic, etc)
- Maintain a clean background and lifestyle
- Resume
- Understand all phases of the hiring process
- Start taking tests
- Visit fire stations
- Get life experience
- Prepare for the background investigation
- Learn as much as you can about the fire service and get some hands-on experience
Rules For Fire Station Visits:
- Make an appointment
- Be on time
- Check in prior with Station Captain on uniform
- Be humble
- Come with a positive attitude
- Be prepared with thoughtful questions
- Walk away informed
Steps To A Fire Prevention Career
Review California State Fire Training Professional Training Track for full list of courses and certifications.
- Make an appointment. Email info@smfd.org or call 415-388-8182
- Be on time
- Check in prior with Station Captain or Receptionist on attire
- Be humble
- Come with a positive attitude
- Be prepared with thoughtful questions
- Walk away informed
Clearing a Pathway to Sustainable Wage Careers in Fire & Civic Service
FIRE Foundry is a Marin County Fire Department program that works with community partners and agencies in a variety of capacities from Fuel reduction work to community education. FIRE Foundry is committed to fostering diversity in fire service by offering an unmatched training experience that prepares individuals from all backgrounds for a rewarding and challenging career. Learn more.
The under representation of women and minority groups within corporate America is mirrored within the fire service. While great strides are being made, a continued and focused effort must continue.
Against this backdrop, Firefighter’s ABCs formed the Firefighter Diversity Recruitment Council. We firmly believe that full representation of all societal segments, within the fire service, can and will be achieved. However, solutions will require heavy doses of creativity, ingenuity, new strategic initiatives and, broad alliances to offset the many challenges that abound.
We all recognize that the desire to become a firefighter is typically incubated at a relatively early age, especially when a young person relates to the uniformed person as a role model. However, this is less prevalent among minorities and women who might harbor the attitude of “If I don’t see any that look like me, then it’s probably not meant to be.”
Added to this dilemma is the cost of Emergency Medical and other training requirements for prospects that typically come from lower income households. There is also the need to earn an income throughout the lengthy process of getting hired for one of the few available positions. Lastly, the education disparity is reflected in lower high school test scores.
These issues, among others, represent significant impediments among fire departments seeking ample numbers of diverse recruits for current openings. The situation can literally seem like finding “the needle in a haystack”. Added to this is the need to build a viable pipeline of qualified and motivated candidates for recruitment in future years.
We believe that by coupling the Firefighter Diversity Recruitment Council with the National Recruit Database along and our 100% Free Firefighter’s ABCs Online Internship Program provides a strong foundation to successfully address the pressing requirement for fuller diversity within the fire service. This will be accomplished through the Council’s combination of “Best Practices”, collaboration and cooperative efforts among fire departments nation-wide.
Learn More: firefightersabcs.com/candidate
Employment Opportunities
The Southern Marin Fire Protection District has the following position(s) open:
LATERAL FIREFIGHTER / PARAMEDIC
- Type:Full Time
- Salary/Pay Rate:$9,040.66 - $11,538.44/month
- Posted Date:12/10/2025
LATERAL FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC
The Southern Marin Fire District (SMFD) invites you to apply for a rewarding and satisfying career in public service as a Firefighter / Paramedic.
Join a public safety Special District that prides itself on being an integral part of the community. We are dedicated to protecting and providing for life safety, environmental protection and property conservation through education, hazard reduction and emergency response.
The Southern Marin Fire District serves the communities of Sausalito, Tamalpais Valley, Almonte, Homestead Valley, Alto, Strawberry, approximately 1/4 of the Town of Tiburon, the City of Mill Valley, Fort Baker and the Marin Headlands. The District covers over 25.3 square miles, a population of approximately 41,576 and over 20,500 homes and commercial properties. Each of our zones are protected by one Type I engine with each of the zones cross-staffing at least one specialty piece of equipment such as an Ambulance, Ladder Truck, Rescue, Fire Boat, Jet Skis, Inflatable Rescue Boat, and Type 3 Engine.
OUR VISION
Advancing all-risk emergency services through professionalism, cutting-edge innovation, and partnerships – strengthening safety, trust, and resilience for thriving communities.
OUR MISSION
The Southern Marin Fire District protects life, property, and the environment through stewardship and all-risk emergency services. Committed to excellence and collaboration, we ensure community resilience and safety with trust, integrity, and compassion.
OUR CORE VALUES
- We live these values every shift, every call, every interaction:
- Uphold Integrity and Accountability
- Demonstrate Courage
- Lead with Humility
- Serve with a Compassionate Heart
- Champion Well-Being
- Be a Pillar of Dependability
- Give Relentless Effort
- Embrace Stewardship
IDEAL CANDIDATE
As a Firefighter / Paramedic for the Southern Marin Fire District, you will embark on a physically challenging, exciting and rewarding career. We are seeking highly motivated individuals who are dedicated to community service, have an aptitude for the diverse work performed in the fire service, and who demonstrate the qualities expected of today's fire service professionals.
Southern Marin Fire District will accept applications for:
Lateral Firefighter / Paramedic
To be considered for a lateral position, you must have proof of one-year paid experience in a position in addition to all qualifications listed. CPAT is Not Required for Lateral Applicants.
Qualifications:
Applicants will be evaluated based on relevant training and experience. The process may include interviews and/or performance tests. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list. A background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting is required. All appointments are subject to the successful completion of a pre-placement physical examination which includes a drug screen. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. All employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and the State of California Constitution at time of hire.
Qualifications (please provide copies of all):
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of application.
- High school diploma or GED certificate.
- Must have a valid California “Class C” driver's license at the time of employment.
- IFSAC or PROBOARD Firefighter Academy Certificate
- Firefighter / Paramedic applicants must have a current California State
- Paramedic license and Marin County paramedic accreditation at the time of employment (Out of the area candidates must have either a CA State or National Registry License by date of hire, and the District will assist candidates with the Marin County Accreditation Process); ACLS preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary Ranges:
$9,040.66 - $11,538.44/month.
Benefits:
Southern Marin Fire District offers a generous Benefits Package including:
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits. Health care plans provided by: Kaiser L, Kaiser S, and Teamsters Anthem Blue Cross.
- Dental Insurance provided by Delta Dental with premium costs paid by the District. Plan covers all employees and their dependents.
- Vision Insurance provided by VSP with premium costs paid by the District. Plan covers all employees and their dependents.
- LTC, LTD, Life and AD&D insurance are also included.
- Other District paid benefits include: EAP, BCN, RHS (District contributes 2% of base salary) and Deferred Compensation (District contributes 5% of base salary).
- Southern Marin Fire District participates in the Marin County Employees' Retirement Association (MCERA).
- Longevity pay and education incentives are also included.
Work Schedule:
- 48/96 schedule
APPLICATION PROCESS AND INFORMATION
Applicants will be evaluated based on relevant training and experience. The process may include interviews and/or performance tests. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list. A background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting is required. All appointments are subject to a successful completion of a pre-placement physical examination which includes a drug screen. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. All employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and the State of California Constitution at time of hire.
To learn more, please visit www.smfd.org/careers
How to Apply:
Entry-Level Firefighter/Paramedic applicants.
Interested applicants who meet the minimum qualifications must submit the following:
- Safety Employment Application
- Qualifying Documents
- Detailed Resume
- Cover Letter
Employment applications are available on the SMFD.org: www.smfd.org/careers
*Recruitment is open until filled.
Email or Mail is acceptable addressed to:
Southern Marin Fire District
Human Resources Coordinator:
Lauren Wolfe
lwolfe@smfd.org
28 Liberty Ship Way, Suite 2800
Sausalito, CA 94965
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
This posting is open until filled.
Southern Marin Fire District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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