Location
Description
San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department
The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department commenced operations on January 13, 2019. The Fire Department is proud to serve the Cities of Belmont, Foster City and San Mateo as a Joint Powers Authority. The Department collectively has ten engines and two trucks operating out of nine fire stations. There are 164 full-time employees assigned to one of the following divisions: Administration, Community Risk Reduction, Training, Emergency Preparedness, Fire Operations and EMS. The Department serves nearly 164,000 residents daily with a day-time population around 230,000. Additionally, the department participates in a mutual aid program throughout the county, helping to serve a million people daily. The Department has a healthy collaborative atmosphere and encourages participation at all levels. For more information visit: www.smcfire.org.
Proudly Serving the Communities of
The City of Belmont
Belmont is home to approximately 27,000 residents. Known for its wooded hills, views of the San Francisco Bay and stretches of open space, Belmont is a quiet residential community in the midst of the culturally and technologically rich Bay Area. For more information about the City, visit Belmont’s website at: www.belmont.gov.
The City of Foster City
Foster City is home to approximately 33,000 residents and a wide array of industry, including some of the bay area’s elite businesses. Conveniently located midway between San Francisco and San Jose, Foster City prides itself on its well-planned neighborhoods, shopping centers, and a supreme quality of life. Foster City’s temperate climate, diverse cultural attractions, beautiful parks, excellent school district and unique waterfront setting offer a quality of life that is unsurpassed. For additional information about the City, visit Foster City’s website at: www.fostercity.org.
The City of San Mateo
San Mateo is a city of approximately 101,000 residents, strategically located midway between San Francisco and San Jose, and is within the Silicon Valley. One of the City’s strengths is its diversity, both in the ethnic makeup and the physical development of the community. San Mateo has a vibrant business and retail environment with national and international businesses, two major shopping centers and an active downtown. The community values its historic and new residential neighborhoods and a recent major development added 1,500 new homes, 300,000 square feet of new retail and approximately 1.5 million square feet of commercial office space. For additional information about the City, visit San Mateo’s website at: www.cityofsanmateo.org.
Ideal Candidate
The Position
The Firefighter/Paramedic is responsible for combating fires, providing medical response and care for the sick or injured, protecting life and property, and operating and maintaining firefighting equipment and fire stations. The Firefighter/Paramedic will actively participate in fire prevention, code enforcement, public education, and training programs. Lateral Firefighter/Paramedics will participate in a three week in-house academy. Following completion of the academy, their probationary period may last up to eighteen months.
The Qualifications
Any combination of experience, education, and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience, Education and Training:
- You are currently employed or have been employed as a Firefighter/Paramedic within the last twelve months
AND
- You possess Firefighter 1 certification
AND
- You possess a valid Paramedic Licensure (National Registry acceptable) or will obtain one by date of appointment
AND
- You have at least 3 years equivalent to CA Firefighter 1 experience (seasonal firefighting experience will be considered on a case by case basis)
AND
- You have a high School diploma or equivalent
License or Certificate:
- Valid California Driver’s license or equivalent upon appointment
- Valid EMT card or if a paramedic, proof of valid Paramedic Licensure (National Registry acceptable) by date of appointment
Highly desirable:
- An Associate Degree from an Accredited College or sixty (60) semester units
ADA Special Requirement:
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, run kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach, crawl, twist, climb, drive, and lift 150 pounds; exposure to cold, heat, extreme noise, outdoors, confining work space, electrical hazards, vibration, chemicals and dust, toxic waste, mechanical hazards, explosive materials; availability for shift work, on call and stand-by call.
Knowledge of and Ability to:
· Learn rules, regulations and operational procedures of the fire department.
· Learn and apply emergency medical procedures.
· Demonstrate physical endurance, agility, strength, and stamina in the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions.
· Demonstrate a high degree of mechanical aptitude.
· Learn and demonstrate the operating and mechanical principals of fire apparatus, fire alarm systems, automatic fire extinguishing equipment, and other fire equipment.
· Learn to effectively and safely drive and operate the full range of fire apparatus and equipment used by the fire department.
· Learn to perform field calculations of hydraulics for the proper and effective operation of equipment at emergency scenes.
· Learn and effectively demonstrate fire combat methods and techniques, the operation of firefighting equipment, street location and physical layout of the communities and major traffic and fire hazards.
· Think and act quickly in emergencies.
· Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
· Effectively impart knowledge of materials learned to others.
· Deal courteously and effectively with the public.
· Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Benefits
Benefits will be in accordance with the Memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreed upon by Local 2400 and the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:
- CalPERS retirement: 2.7% at 57 based on three years final compensation. Employee contributes 13% to CalPERS.
- Health benefits: Department contribution of up to $2,880 per month toward family coverage in a CalPERS Health Plan. (This will increase to $3,052 in January 2025.)
- Dental: Department paid coverage for employee and dependents.
- Vision: Department paid coverage for employee and dependents.
- Vacation: 6-13 shifts (144 to 312 hours) of vacation leave accrual each year, depending on length of service
- Sick leave: 6 shifts (144 hours) of sick leave accrued each year
- Holiday in Lieu: differential of 5.25% of employee base pay
- Retirement Health Savings Account: Department contribution of 2%, employee contribution of 1%
- Life Insurance: Department paid $200,000 policy and access to voluntary supplemental coverage for employee, spouse, and dependents
- Deferred Compensation: voluntary program offered to employee
Special Instructions
The Selection Process:
Upon verification that an applicant meets the minimum qualifications for this position, candidates will be placed on an employment list. The employment list will be updated as candidates become eligible. Current and future vacancies may be filled from this list. This list will remain in effect for twelve months, unless sooner abolished and may be extended for up to twelve months. Applicants will be contacted by the Human Resources Department if selected to participate in a department interview process. Following a departmental interview and Chief’s interview, successful candidates that receive a conditional job offer are required to pass a criminal history review, background investigation, psychological examination, and a medical examination that includes a drug screen.
Note: This recruitment process is limited to experienced Firefighter/Paramedics. San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department reserves the right, at its discretion, to limit the number of qualified candidates invited to the selection process and this recruitment may close at any time.
To Apply:
Click on the apply button to complete an online employment application. Be prepared to attach a résumé, a copy of your EMT/Paramedic license, a copy of CA Driver’s license and copies of any relevant certifications.
***NOTE REGARDING ATTACHMENT(S): You can upload your resume as a stand-alone attachment. CalOpps will only allow one additional attachment for certifications/license. Please have these documents saved as one (1) .pdf file prior to attaching to your application. You can upload your resume separately (so you will have two attachments total).
Alternatively, you may also send your application package consisting of a completed employment application, résumé, EMT/Paramedic license, and any relevant certifications to: San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, Human Resources Department, 1040 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City CA 94404 or fax all to (650) 522-7901.
Failure to attach a résumé, licenses, and relevant certifications to the application by the deadline may result in disqualification of the applicant.
Unless otherwise specified, ALL RESPONSES WILL BE CONDUCTED VIA THE EMAIL ADDRESS PROVIDED IN YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION. Therefore, it is imperative that you provide an email address to which you have access, and it is recommended that you frequently check your email for notices from: smcfire@CalOpps.org.