Seasonal Firefighter

THE CITY OF ATASCADERO

IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF

SEASONAL FIREFIGHTER - 2026

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications may be obtained from the City of Atascadero website at www.atascadero.org/jobs; by the final filing deadline stated above; A résumé of three pages or less may supplement the application but may not be substituted for it. PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT include any training or other job-related certifications at this time. All statements made on the application are subject to verification; false statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge. Please note: Once the recruitment has been announced and posted for ten (10) calendar days, the City reserves the right to stop accepting applications prior to the initially posted deadline, if a sufficient number of well-qualified applications have been received. Therefore, to ensure application consideration, all prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

All City application forms received by the final filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, neatness, work experience and job-related qualifications.  Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process that may include, but is not limited to, the initial paper screening, a written test and/or a supplemental questionnaire and an oral interview.  Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background investigation.

THE POSITION

The Seasonal Firefighter position is a temporary/part-time position to augment Engine Company staffing during the summer fire season.  Shifts will be 56-hour workweeks, conforming to current paid staff schedule.  The initial start date will be determined by the Fire Chief.  The duration of Fire Seasonal employment will be 6 months or less, depending on the length of the fire season.  

Under general supervision, the seasonal firefighter will fight fires and perform emergency medical and rescue work as part of a fire crew. May also perform fire prevention activities, stations and grounds maintenance, general maintenance and work projects, including weed abatement, painting, cleaning, and light carpentry for the City.  Must have a working knowledge of basic suppression techniques and practices. Must have the ability to learn and apply firefighting principles related to fire suppression and rescue situations; work effectively and cooperatively with others; understand and follow verbal and written direction.

Desired Qualifications Include: 

State Certified EMT-1, CPR, Haz-Mat Fro/Decon, experience and/or training in wildland and structural firefighting, Firefighter I Certificate, a clear DMV driving record and a valid Class C driver’s license.  

Mandatory Qualifications at Time of Appointment Include: 

• Title 22 First Aid or higher certification and proof of completion of Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT); and,
• Proof of having had a Hepatitis B vaccination and a TB clearance. If necessary, the City will provide a Hepatitis B vaccination series and TB exam.  

Other Requirements: 

• Employee must not have tattoos which are visible while wearing the City of Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services uniform.  Any tattoos containing profane and/or inappropriate messages and/or images are strictly prohibited. 
• Employee shall agree to refrain from using any tobacco products while employed with the City of Atascadero Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Fire and Emergency Services Department is comprised of the Fire Chief, Battalion Chiefs, the Administrative Assistant, Fire Captains, Fire Engineers, and Firefighters. 

THE CITY

The City of Atascadero, California is a beautiful, small, central coast community with a population of 30,000. We are situated in San Luis Obispo County along Highway 101, halfway between the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Francisco. The community is located in the Paso Robles wine region and is a short 20-minute drive to the beach and Highway 1, within a three-hour drive to Yosemite or Sequoia National Parks and only about two hours to Big Sur, Monterey or Carmel. For those that enjoy the outdoors, we are close to four local lakes, a national forest and endless hiking and biking trails. Our community is truly a great place to live, work and raise a family! Become a member of an organization consisting of hardworking individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact through public service. City offices are located in the beautiful and historic City Hall Administration Building near the picturesque Sunken Gardens Park, located in the heart of downtown Atascadero.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

This position is temporary part-time with the City and is not eligible for benefits, but is covered for Worker's Compensation, Paid Sick Leave in accordance with the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 and enrolled in a FICA substitute program, as mandated by law.   

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS  

Upon hire, new employees are required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States and must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification form.  Employee must be at least 18 years of age. Employee must present a valid Class C California Driver License (CDL), a DMV driving record printout, and proof of vehicle insurance coverage upon hire. The documents must be presented prior to starting work. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Please contact the City of Atascadero City Manager's Office by the final filing date if you will need special accommodations due to a legally defined disability to participate in this selection process.