What is a Reserve Firefighter?
A reserve firefighter is an auxiliary position with the San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District and the El Cajon Fire Department. 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 the San Miguel Fire District or the El Cajon Fire Department.

Reserve Firefighter Duties

After successful completion of the reserve academy, the reserve firefighter is expected to continue personal growth through required monthly training classes, training assignments and ride-along experience.  During the ride-along shifts they have the opportunity to be part of an engine company and experience, firsthand, firefighting, medical aids, rescue calls and other public service activities. Reserve firefighters also gain experience through participation in fire prevention and fire education programs.

Training
Each reserve must successfully complete the Heartland Firefighter Academy which consists of both classroom instruction and manipulative practice. Academy instruction is scheduled to last 12 weeks from January to March, 2008.

• The 488-hour academy includes classroom sessions on topics such as firefighter safety, equipment operation, fire extinguishers, forcible entry tools and techniques, lifting and hoisting equipment, fire hose, hose nozzles and fittings, hose evolutions, ladders, breathing apparatus, fire control, fire prevention, and more; plus manipulative classes giving recruits the opportunity to practice skills taught in the classroom.

• Recruits must pass weekly training evaluations by assigned instructors.

• Recruits are expected to be present at each of the required academy training sessions.

• College credit and State Certifications for 100A, 100B, Haz. Mat. FRO, Low Angle Rescue, ICS-100/200, Auto Extrication

Candidates will be responsible for Miramar College registration fees totaling approximately $234 (9 units @ $26 per unit; with the possibility of per unit fees decreasing.) Details will be posted on www.smgfire.org.

Minimum Requirements

• Age: 18 years of age at time of application.

• Education:  High school graduate or equivalent (GED).

• Certifications:  Possession of a valid San Diego County EMT-1A.  

• Paramedic:  San Diego County Paramedic Accreditation Highly Desirable.
• 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 telephone in their residence and keep current number updated with District.

• Occupation: Employment or involvement with occupations that may be considered a conflict of interest or which may impair performance or discredit either the District or 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.

• Uniforms and Safety Shoes:  Reserves are responsible for purchasing their own uniform and safety shoes. Approximate cost totaling $500.

Selection Process

• Submittal and review of a joint District-Department application. Applications will be accepted from 0830 hours on October 1, 2007 through 1630 hours on October 8, 2007, at either San Miguel District Headquarters or El Cajon Fire Department Headquarters. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application to their Agency of preference or at either Agency if they have no preference. Please indicate your preference on your application.

• Written Examination: The written test is based off The Essentials of Firefighting 4th Edition and will cover the chapters on Hose, Ladders & Breathing Apparatus. The top 50 candidates will move on to the physical abilities test, then the top 40 will move on to interviews.

• Physical Abilities Test: A job-specific physical abilities test to evaluate physical strength and endurance.

• Oral Examination: Two oral interviews by a panel of San Miguel District and El Cajon Fire Department personnel to determine qualifications.

• Background Investigation: Prior to employment, an applicant’s personal history and employment background will be reviewed.

• Medical Examination: Applicant must successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination

The District

The San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District is an organization, which exists solely to provide a service to the community. The District is governed by an elected seven member Board of Directors.

The District was formed on July 1, 1988 as a result of the merger of the Spring Valley Fire Department and the Grossmont-Mt. Helix Fire Protection District.

Operating on an annual budget of $13,467,350 for Fiscal Year 2004/2005, the District covers a 49 square mile area in the eastern portion of urban San Diego County, serving the communities of Casa de Oro, Grossmont-Mt. Helix, La Presa, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, unincorporated areas of El Cajon and La Mesa. San Miguel’s 98 full-time employees provide suppression, prevention and emergency medical services to approximately 140,000 residents.

The staff is comprised of a Fire Chief, 3 Division Chiefs, 3 Battalion Chiefs, 27 Captains, 27 Engineers, 15 Firefighters, 12 Firefighter/Paramedics, 40 Reserve Firefighters, a Business Services Manager, Administrative Assistant, Secretary, four Fire Inspectors, a Public Education Specialist, Fleet Supervisor and Mechanic.