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Fire Department - Recruitment

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1. When will the San Jose Fire Department begin accepting applications for Firefighter-Recruit?

The Department is not currently accepting applications. If you are interested in future employment with SJFD it is highly suggested that you join the SJFD Recruitment News Flash Group. News Flash members will receive email or text message notification of application release dates.

Candidates who are interested in applying for a position with San Jose Fire can elect to take the NTN written exam and/or the CPAT test in advance of the application release. Both the NTN written exam and CPAT card are valid for one year from the date of the test.

2. Will SJFD be accepting laterals?

Firefighters from other agencies may apply for a position as either a Firefighter-Lateral or Firefighter Recruit.

Firefighter-Lateral positions require a higher level of experience, but the Academy is shorter and candidates are placed in the Firefighter classification as of their start date.

Laterals who apply as a Firefighter-Recruit will be required to participate in a full 18 week Academy. Recruits are promoted to the Firefighter classification upon graduation from the Academy.

3. What information will be asked during the online application?

Applicants are required to provide a complete work history, and respond to the City’s standard candidate questions. In addition, candidates will be asked questions on how they meet minimum qualifications. Candidates must complete the entire application and respond to all questions.

4. Should I apply for another currently open position to understand what to expect?

Each fire department has its own hiring process. The San José Fire Department’s hiring process is explained on our website, www.sjfd.org, under the Recruitment, Selection Process section.

5. How much of your “score” is based on qualifications, written scores and oral scores?

Please click on the following link http://ca-sanjose.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=2348 for information on the qualifications. Read about information on the selection process.

6. Does SJFD award extra hire points for persons who live in Santa Clara County?

No.

7. How does military experience play into the hiring process?

The City of San José has a Veteran's Preference Policy that applies to this recruitment. To claim veteran's preference points, you must provide a copy of your military discharge form, Form DD214, when appearing for the written/practical examination for this recruitment.

8. I can not afford the testing fees. Is there some way I can get my test paid for?

If you are low income you may qualify for assistance with the cost of Fire related testing. For assistance with the cost of the NTN written exam, visit https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/faqs.cfm and complete the Fee Waiver Application. For assistance with the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) visit http://www.cafirefoundation.org/go/cff/scholarships-grants/ to complete an application.

9. What are the main qualities you (SJFD) are looking for in a candidate? Personality or Skills or both?

It is a combination of several things. The background investigation gives a clear picture of a candidate as well as the written and oral psychological exams that are given close to the completion of the background process. Please read additional information on the qualifications. Also read more details on the selection process.

10. What type of experience will you be looking for in your candidates in order to be highly qualified candidates?

Review the qualifications featured on the SJFD website for information on the minimum and desirable qualifications.

11. Will letters of recommendation be considered during the hiring process? And if so, when should we submit these?

You may submit letters of recommendations to the background investigator should you reach that stage in the process.

12. Is there a guide or preparation sheet for the PHQ?

Please visit our website at www.sjfd.org, click on Recruitment, and then click on Selection Process to get information regarding the Personal History questionnaire.

13. What questions (PHQ) need to be date/time specific? (i.e. employment)

You will answer these questions based on the age of 18 and up.
Driving questions are from the age of 16 or the time that you got your license up to the present.

14. On the background investigation, what kind of crime would disqualify me?

Each individual’s situation is based on its own merits. Please review the information under Selection Process Phase II.

15. What is the process for EMT’s who are certified in another county in order to work for SJFD?

If you receive a job offer from San José Fire you will be required to get accreditation in the County of Santa Clara. For information go to http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/ems/agency and under Quick Links click on EMT Certification & Paramedic Accreditation.

16. Do we get paid during the academy?

Yes. While in the Academy, Firefighter Recruits receive wages and are eligible to enroll in various medical benefits.

17. Do we have to relocate?

You are not required to live in the City of San José in order to work for the San José Fire Department.

18. How much time in advance do we need to schedule a ride-along?

You may schedule a ride-along at your convenience provided the station is able to accommodate your request. Please call to schedule a ride-along before going to the station.

19. How many ride-alongs can we do?

You may not request a ride-along within sixty (60) days of a prior one. However, it’s a good idea to visit as many stations as your schedule permits to give you an overview of the Fire Department’s 33 stations. Please call first.