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Firefighter Jobs in Encinitas, CA (NOW HIRING)

FIREFIGHTER

San Diego, CA · On-site

$47K/yr

Serving as a Firefighter (Paramedic) providing fire prevention, and protection, assist in emergency operations to include hazardous material responses, and responding to medical emergencies ...

Firefighter Paramedic

Santee, CA · On-site

$91K - $120K/yr

Firefighter Paramedics will advance through the salary schedule in accordance with the current MOU between the City of Santee and the Santee Firefighters' Association The City of Santee is currently ...

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Showing results 1-20

Firefighter information

See Encinitas, CA salary details

$30.6K

$64K

$107.4K

How much do firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter in Encinitas, CA is $64,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $74,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firefighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response expertise, and completion of firefighter training programs—often including EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, rescue tools, and communication systems like radios and dispatch software is vital. Strong teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safety, effective emergency response, and saving lives in high-risk situations.

What do firefighters do?

Firefighters respond to emergency fire calls. They monitor phones and radios for emergencies, drive fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, put out fires, and find and rescue victims in burning buildings or other emergency situations. Many Firefighters are also paramedics and may be called to assist on emergency medical calls.

What are some common challenges firefighters face during emergency response, and how are they supported in handling them?

Firefighters often encounter physically and emotionally demanding situations, such as working in hazardous environments, responding to unpredictable emergencies, and witnessing traumatic events. To help manage these challenges, fire departments provide comprehensive training, strong teamwork, and access to peer support or counseling programs. Regular drills, debriefings after major incidents, and a culture of open communication also play key roles in supporting firefighters' well-being and effectiveness on the job.

How do you become a firefighter?

To become a firefighter, candidates typically need to meet minimum age and education requirements, complete firefighter training at a state-approved academy, and obtain necessary certifications such as CPR and EMT. Applicants often must pass physical fitness tests, background checks, and written exams, and may need to gain experience as a volunteer or in related emergency services.

How long does it take to become a firefighter?

Becoming a firefighter typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by fire academy training which lasts about 12 to 14 weeks. Candidates often need to pass physical fitness tests, written exams, and background checks; some jurisdictions also require EMT certification, which can add several months to the process.

Is 25 too late to be a firefighter?

Firefighter careers typically have no maximum age limit, and many departments accept applicants in their mid-20s and older. Physical fitness, passing required tests, and obtaining necessary certifications are essential, regardless of age. Age should not be a barrier if you meet the qualifications and are prepared for the training and physical demands of the job.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Encinitas, CA?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Encinitas, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter jobs in Encinitas, CA?

For Firefighter jobs in Encinitas, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Firefighter jobs in Encinitas, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Firefighter jobs in Encinitas, CA are:

What cities near Encinitas, CA are hiring for Firefighter jobs?

Cities near Encinitas, CA with the most Firefighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Firefighter job openings in Encinitas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,022 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

$47K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill positions at various locations throughout the United States Marine Corps.Qualifications:GS-09: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-08 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Serving as a Firefighter (Paramedic) providing fire prevention, and protection, assist in emergency operations to include hazardous material responses, and responding to medical emergencies performing initial and ongoing assessments, performing physical examinations, and assisting patients with medical treatment; planning, and coordinating a fire prevention program, establishing fire prevention policies and procedures, developing and implementing Fire and Life Safety training programs, and conducting fire and safety inspections off all buildings and areas
GS-08: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: utilizing firefighting techniques for fire hazards; working with firefighting equipment; driving and operating a variety of firefighting vehicles, apparatuses or equipment; serving as a Firefighter extinguishing fires, conducting search and rescue operations, performing invasive and non-invasive emergency and medical procedures.
NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
Certifications for GS-08:
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: Firefighter I and II, Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, HazMat Awareness, HazMat Operations, Apparatus Driver/Operator, State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT), Basic Life Support (EMT-D) certification and Hazmat Certification (within one year of employment)
State of California Department of Motor Vehicles Firefighter Endorsement (for positions located in CA)
If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Certifications for GS-009 :
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: Firefighter I and II, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I and II and HAZMAT Operations. Malintaln a valid State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) certification, or an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) certification that Is reciprocal to the State, or a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) certification.
The certifications must have been awarded by DOD, IFSAC, or ProBoard to meet the requirement. If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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About US Navy

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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