Seasonal Firefighter - Engine

About the Department

Marin County Fire Department: Our employees are important assets in the actualization of our mission. They each play a vital role and carry the responsibility to express our department values in their daily work. Click on the “MCFD” link to learn more about our department and the people who make our organization a great place to work: MCFD

Service - Teamwork - Operational Readiness - Professionalism

Position Duties

Under supervision and depending on assignment, Seasonal Firefighters perform a wide variety of firefighting duties. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience working for one of the finest fire departments in the state.

Seasonal Firefighters perform firefighting duties including fire suppression, maintenance and lookout duties and assist regular hire employees. Seasonal Firefighters initially work under close supervision while receiving training. This is a great entry level position, and as knowledge, skills and abilities increase, incumbents are expected to work with more independence.

Seasonal Firefighter (Engine) assignment differs from Seasonal Firefighter (Crew) in that the Seasonal Firefighter (Engine) employee works on an engine in a station assignment, while the Seasonal Firefighter (Crew) employee functions in a crew capacity, working on fuels reduction projects and hand crew fire suppression. Marin County Fire is an all-risk department, Firefighters on an engine assignment are expected to respond to a variety of emergencies, which can include wildfires, motor vehicle accidents and rope rescues. Additional responsibilities include repairing equipment and general housekeeping. 

There are temporary positions for staffing during the peak wildland fire season (3-9 months). 

Shifts are 24 hours a day, 3 days per week, with potential of being held on duty if the need arises.

Minimum Qualifications

Our Highly Qualified Candidate: We are looking for Seasonal Firefighter professionals with a passion for working together as a team and serving the community. Ideal candidates will be able to function effectively in potentially dangerous and life-threatening situations for extended periods of time. They will also be able to read and interpret complex technical documents such as maps, diagrams, and textbooks; as well as perform basic mathematical calculations. Sound judgment and the ability to operate all firefighting equipment and tools used in vegetation/fuel removal such as chippers, mowers, weed eaters, wildland hand tools, and chain saws safely is a must. We look for Seasonal Firefighters who can follow both verbal and written instructions, engage effectively with the public, and work harmoniously with our team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to: 

• Operate all firefighting equipment and tools used in vegetation/fuel removal; chippers, mowers, weed eaters, wildland hand tools, chain saws.
• Communicate effectively in English both verbally and in written form.
• Function effectively in potentially dangerous and life-threatening situations for extended periods of time.
• Read and interpret complex technical documents such as maps, diagrams, and textbooks; perform basic mathematical calculations
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the public.
• Work and live harmoniously with co-workers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• In accordance with State legal requirements, applicant must be at least 18 years old by the application filing deadline.
• High school graduation (or equivalent GED).

Required Certificates & Licenses

• A current valid California Driver’s Class C (Basic) License. Applicants are required to furnish a recent DMV driving record.
• Possession of a valid California Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card of completion issued within 12 months prior to date of hire.

Highly Desired Certificates & Licenses

• College level coursework in Fire Science or a related field.
• A California Fire Marshal Firefighter 1 Certificate or Completion of a California Fire Marshal Accredited Firefighter 1 course. 
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification

• Healthcare Provider CPR certificate issued by a training center approved by the California EMS Authority. Healthcare Provider cards issued by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross meet the CPR requirement.

• California Class B Driver’s License
• Completion of a wildland fire academy or certificate program

Special Requirements
Ability to successfully pass Pre-Employment Conditions, such as controlled substance screen, medical exam, and complete a request for LiveScan.

Other Qualifications

If you have questions concerning this position announcement, please contact Linda Kline at linda.kline@marincounty.gov. For more information about this position, please contact Alex Gibbons at alex.gibbons@marincounty.gov or by phone at (415) 473-2921. 

This recruitment is for the Seasonal Fire (Engine) Assignment only. A separate application must be completed if you are interested in being considered for the Seasonal Fire (Crew) assignment. Candidates who are invited to an interview will be required to submit a copy of their valid California Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or proof of intent to take the test (such as a receipt for a scheduled test) and a copy of their DMV Driver Record that was obtained within the last six months at the time of interview. 

All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process. Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

Testing and Eligible List: Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination may consist of a highly qualified review, application screening, online assessment, written examination, oral examination, performance examination, or any combination to determine which candidates' names will be placed on the eligible list.  The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill the current vacancy, and any future temporary position vacancies which may occur while the list remains active.

As part of the interview process, candidates will be asked to perform a Readiness Hike test. Failure to pass the Readiness Hike will result in being disqualified from the interview process. The test consists of a 3-mile hike over areas of various terrain, inclines and declines, while carrying a 45-pound pack and must be completed in 50 minutes or less (no running or jogging). 

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of March 1, 2026.

Note: Seasonal Firefighter (Engine) and Seasonal Firefighter (Crew) interviews will take place within the same timeframe. If you apply for both positions, we will work with you to accommodate interview and testing schedules.

Disaster Service Workers: All County of Marin employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:  If you have questions regarding equal employment opportunities, please contact Roger Crawford, Equal Employment Opportunity Director, at 415-473-2095. 

Independent local government focused on public safety and community services.