ENTRY LEVEL       

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

Launch your career in San Rafael.

Application Process

  • Learn why the SRFD is a great place to work and a great community to be a part of. Join us for in-person and virtual orientation sessions.

    Station visits give you insight on why people like working here. This is also your chance to meet our Firefighters, see our stations, and learn about the SRFD. Reach out to fire.administration@cityofsanrafael.org to schedule a visit.

  • Oral Board interviews are hosted by our captains, engineers, and firefighters. We often have other City staff members on the panels as well. The panel will ask you questions for about 30-45 minutes.

    Be ready to talk about why you want to be a firefighter, what you have done to prepare, and what specifically interests you about the San Rafael Fire Department.

  • Candidates who pass the oral interview panel are asked to complete a background interview. You will be asked to provide details about previous employment, education and provide personal references.

  • Candidates who pass the oral interview panel and the background investigation will be invited to a Chief's interview. This will be a chance for our command staff members to get to know you.

  • After the Chief's interviews candidates are ranked. The top candidates are given a conditional offer of employment. The "conditions" of the offer are that a background check and a physical evaluation take place.

  • A background investigator will work with you to complete a thorough background check.

  • You will be scheduled to meet with a doctor to complete a pre-employment physical.

  • You will be scheduled to meet with a psychiatrist to complete a pre-employment psychiatric evaluation.

  • Congratulations! After the successful completion of this process you will be given a final offer of employment. You will also be given details on the upcoming academy.

The full application process takes about two months, and includes:

This process can be a bit daunting. The San Rafael Fire Department Welcoming Committee to support you through the process. The committee is made up of SRFD Captains, Engineers and Firefighters who will be in contact with you to provide you with information and answer questions.

Compensation and Benefits

Annual salary is $109,223 - $130,211 

(plus up to 7.5% incentive pay plus $200/month bilingual pay)

  • Retirement

    Marin County Employees’ Retirement Association (MCERA - 1937 Act County System). New members receive 2.7% @ 57 retirement benefit. Candidates with previous service from reciprocal agencies may be eligible for 3% @ 55.

  • Health and Dental Insurance

    Full flex cafeteria plan with the following monthly contributions: $755.62 employee only; $1,220.946 employee +1; $1,798.14 family coverage; $300 opt-out payment.

    Family coverage available for dental plan.

  • Retiree Health Savings Plan

    City contribution of 2% top step Firefighter-Paramedic salary (employee required match).

  • Deferred Compensation

    Employees have the opportunity to enroll in City of San Rafael deferred compensation and 125 Plans.

  • Life and Long-Term Disability

    City coverage of $5,000; LTD up to 1,000/month. Option to purchase voluntary life insurance up to $500,000.

  • Annual Leave

    120-300 hours of vacation (based on years of service), 144 hours of sick leave, 13 city holidays.

    Unused sick leave can be applied to service credit upon retirement.

  • Uniform Allowance

    $1,135 per year. Class B uniforms provided annually. $160 boot allowance every 2 years.