What are the responsibilities and job description for the Reserve Firefighter (Unpaid) position at City of El Cajon?
THE POSITION:
A Reserve Firefighter is an auxiliary - unpaid - position with Heartland Fire & Rescue. 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 Heartland Fire & Rescue.
The Reserve Firefighter is expected to continue personal growth through required monthly training classes, training assignments and ride-along experiences. During the ride-along shifts, Reserve Firefighters will be assigned to be part of an engine company and experience firefighting, medical aids, rescue calls and other public service activities. Reserve Firefighters also gain experience through participation in fire prevention and fire education programs.Required Certifications/Classes:
Education: High School graduate or equivalent (GED).
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 phone and keep current number updated with department.
Occupation: Employment or involvements 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.
Copies of the following must be submitted with application to be considered:
Applications will be accepted online only. Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications noted above and a representative from Heartland Fire & Rescue will be contacting the candidates selected to move forward in the recruitment process by email.
The testing process for Reserve Firefighter will include:
A Reserve Firefighter is an auxiliary - unpaid - position with Heartland Fire & Rescue. 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 Heartland Fire & Rescue.
HEARTLAND FIRE & RESCUE: HEARTLAND FIRE & RESCUE (HFR) was formed via a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to oversee fire and rescue services for the Cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove. HFR is an ISO Class 1 fire department that serves a regional population of nearly 200,000 and receives approximately 34,000 annual calls for service across its eight stations.
125 proud, professional, and dedicated men and women make up this award-winning organization that prides itself on providing exceptional professional service. Staffed daily are nine engine companies, a Type II Urban Search & Rescue unit, two truck companies, and one squad. All HFR units provide advanced life support service in conjunction with a contracted ambulance provider. Additionally, HFR has a SWAT paramedic program, deployable OES engines, and is active on the regional US&R task force.
For more details about Heartland Fire & Rescue, please go towww.heartlandfire.org.
The Reserve Firefighter is expected to continue personal growth through required monthly training classes, training assignments and ride-along experiences. During the ride-along shifts, Reserve Firefighters will be assigned to be part of an engine company and experience firefighting, medical aids, rescue calls and other public service activities. Reserve Firefighters also gain experience through participation in fire prevention and fire education programs.Required Certifications/Classes:
- Possession of a valid San Diego County EMT-1A
- CPR card
- Applicants not in possession of California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I certification will be required to attend a basic fire academy.
Education: High School graduate or equivalent (GED).
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 phone and keep current number updated with department.
Occupation: Employment or involvements 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.
Copies of the following must be submitted with application to be considered:
- High School Diploma/GED,
- EMT License,
- CPR/Healthcare Provider card, and
- California Driver's License to be considered.
Applications will be accepted online only. Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications noted above and a representative from Heartland Fire & Rescue will be contacting the candidates selected to move forward in the recruitment process by email.
The testing process for Reserve Firefighter will include:
- Physical Abilities Test: tentatively scheduled for 5/17/25. A job-specific physical abilities test to evaluate physical strength and endurance. Candidates are encouraged to wear shoes and clothing that are conducive to physical fitness activity.
- Oral Interview: tentatively scheduled for 5/27/25. Oral interviews will be conducted by a panel of Heartland Fire & Rescue personnel to determine qualifications and department fit.
- Background Investigation: an applicant's personal history and employment background will be reviewed, including a livescan.
- Pre-employment Medical Examination: all applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination.
