Reserve Firefighter

RESERVE FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT IS NOW OPEN! PLEASE VISIT THE CURRENT RECRUITMENTS PAGE TO APPLY. If you are motivated to serve your community and begin building a career in the fire service, the San Miguel Reserve Firefighter Program is an excellent place to start. This unpaid, volunteer position provides valuable training, mentorship, and real-world operational exposure while working alongside career firefighters in one of San Diego County's busiest fire districts.

What to Expect
Following a competitive interview process and completion of our in-house Reserve Academy, Reserve Firefighters are assigned to a Reserve Group Leader who will guide and mentor them through the onboarding process. Reserve Firefighters complete supervised ride-outs before transitioning into operational assignments as the fourth firefighter assigned to a San Miguel apparatus. Reserve members are issued full structural PPE and respond alongside career personnel to a wide range of emergency incidents, including:
- Structure fires
- Traffic collisions
- Vegetation fires
- Medical emergencies
- Public service calls

Through operational experience, training, and mentorship from experienced firefighters and company officers, the program provides an excellent opportunity for EMTs, Medics and aspiring firefighters to build skills and prepare for a career in the fire service.

Required Commitment
Reserve Firefighters are expected to maintain active participation in the program through:
- 48 hours of ride-along shifts each month (two 24-hour shifts)
- Attendance at scheduled Reserve drills
- Participation in special events, training opportunities, and department activities when available

Requirements: Age 18+, High School Diploma or GED, Valid California Driver's License, San Diego County EMT Certification, CPR Certification – Healthcare Provider (AHA or equivalent), Valid CPAT or Biddle test completed within the past year; Highly Desirable: Firefighter I Academy Completion, Paramedic License