Firefighter Recruit

About This Role

The Sacramento Fire Department is recruiting Firefighter Recruits to serve California's state capital. Located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, SFD recruits handle structural fires, river rescue operations, wildland interface fires during California's dry season, and a high EMS call volume in a growing urban core.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Firefighter Recruit
• Company: Sacramento Fire Department
• Location: Sacramento, CA
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level
• Salary Range: $21–$30/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-06-01
• Application Deadline: 2026-07-01

Role Context

SFD recruits complete a 16-week fire academy integrating structural suppression, swift water rescue, and wildland interface firefighting. All recruits earn California EMT certification. The department operates 26 fire stations and responds to over 90,000 incidents annually. Response to California's Capitol Complex adds a distinct dimension to the department's operational profile.

Key Responsibilities

• Suppress residential and commercial fires in Sacramento's mix of historic and modern districts
• Respond to wildland and interface fires during California's summer and fall fire season
• Conduct swift water and flood rescue operations on the Sacramento and American Rivers
• Provide BLS emergency medical care as a California-certified EMT
• Perform vehicle extrication and technical rescue operations
• Support state government building fire response at California's Capitol Complex

Requirements & Skills

• California residency; must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED required; 60 college credits preferred
• Pass Sacramento Civil Service written exam and physical ability test
• CPAT certification required prior to hire
• Valid California driver's license with clean driving record
• Pass background investigation, drug screen, medical and psychological evaluations

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $21–$30/hr under IAFF Local 522 collective bargaining agreement
• California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) pension
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits through CalPERS
• 24-on/48-off shift schedule
• Swift water rescue and wildland red card certification support

Who Should Apply

California residents who want a career that spans structural fire, water rescue, and wildland operations in a state capital with strong public employee benefits. Sacramento Fire offers CalPERS — one of the country's most stable pension systems — alongside a diverse multi-hazard operational environment that prepares firefighters for advancement throughout the California fire service.

About the Company

Sacramento Fire Department operates 26 fire stations with over 600 uniformed personnel. The department serves California's state capital and provides specialized swift water rescue, wildland, and haz-mat response capabilities driven by Sacramento's position between the Sierra Nevada foothills, major river systems, and the Central Valley's agricultural and industrial areas.

How to Apply

Apply through the City of Sacramento Civil Service at cityofsacramento.org/fire/careers. The hiring process includes a written civil service exam, physical ability test, CPAT, oral board, background investigation, and medical and psychological evaluations.