If you are motivated to serve your community and begin building a career in the fire service, the San Miguel Reserve Firefighter Program is an excellent place to start.

This unpaid, volunteer position provides valuable training, mentorship, and real-world operational exposure while working alongside career firefighters in one of San Diego County’s busiest fire districts. 

What to Expect

Following a competitive interview process and completion of our in-house Reserve Academy, Reserve Firefighters are assigned to a Reserve Group Leader who will guide and mentor them through the onboarding process.

Reserve Firefighters complete supervised ride-outs before transitioning into operational assignments as the fourth firefighter assigned to a San Miguel apparatus.

Reserve members are issued full structural PPE and respond alongside career personnel to a wide range of emergency incidents, including:

• Structure fires
• Traffic collisions
• Vegetation fires
• Medical emergencies
• Public service calls

Through operational experience, training, and mentorship from experienced firefighters and company officers, the program provides an excellent opportunity for EMTs, Medics and aspiring firefighters to build skills and prepare for a career in the fire service.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid California Driver’s License
• San Diego County EMT Certification
• CPR Certification – Healthcare Provider (AHA or equivalent)
• Valid CPAT or Biddle test completed within the past year

Highly Desirable Qualifications

While not required, the following certifications strengthen an application:

• Firefighter I Academy Completion
• Paramedic License

Required Commitment

Reserve Firefighters are expected to maintain active participation in the program through:

• 48 hours of ride-along shifts each month (two 24-hour shifts)
• Attendance at scheduled Reserve drills
• Participation in special events, training opportunities, and department activities when available

Upcoming Opportunities

Reserve Firefighter hiring occurs on an as-needed basis. Complete the Reserve Firefighter Interest Form to receive notification when recruitment opens.  Reserve Academy tentatively scheduled for Summer 2026.