VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Due to precautions the Department is taking related to COVID-19, some items/programs described below are not currently available. Please call (408)378-4010 for more information.

Santa Clara County Fire Department provides emergency response and non-emergency response volunteer opportunities for those seeking a career in the fire service. Our Volunteer programs provide practical experience through regular training, ride-a-longs and participation in organized public education activities.

Emergency Response Volunteer

Qualifications:

  • Prospective Emergency Response Volunteers must have one of the following:

Successfully completed a California State Fire Marshal Accredited Firefighter 1 Academy held at either an accredited California Community College that is approved as an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) or an Accredited Local Academy (ALA) hosted by an authority having jurisdiction. For a current list of ARTPs and ALAs, visit the State Fire Training website at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/state-fire-training/accredited-academies

OR

Possess a California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I Certification or out-of-state IFSAC and/or Pro Board Fire Fighter I certification or Department of Defense (DoD) issued Fire Fighter I which includes IFSAC and/or Pro Board seal(s). For more information on Firefighter I reciprocity, please visit the State Fire Training website at: https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/osfm-website/what-we-do/state-fire-training/professional-certifications/fire-fighter-1-2019/fire-fighter-1-reciprocity-application2019.pdf?rev=f0881def38e44a26ac68a107df69ed5a&hash=A3FE519E8B608F01736D173A307C8F11

  • Must successfully complete a California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee, Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within 12 months of their appointment date (as evidenced by a CPAT card),
  • Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation.
  • Must successfully complete the Volunteer Academy and a six (6) month probationary period.
  • Successful completion of the six (6) month probationary period will include required skills completion, documented via the Volunteer Firefighter Taskbook.
  • Must reside within 30 minutes of a Department fire station. The method for determining time and distance of travel will be accomplished using standard commonly accessible web-based map services that use Global Positioning Satellite data technology (Google Maps, MapQuest, Apple Maps).
  • Additionally, all volunteers must maintain a current DMV license and American Heart Association CPR certification.

Non-Emergency Response Volunteer

Non-Emergency Response Volunteer assignments will be based on the needs of the Department and at the Direction of the Training Division Chief.

Examples of non-emergency response assignments may include:

  • Community Education

Non-Emergency Response Volunteers must reside in Santa Clara County.

Apply to Become a Volunteer

Please follow the steps below to create a profile on our server so that we can contact you when the position opens:

1. Go to our website: www.sccfd.org
2. Select the pull-down tab at the top, ‘Employment and Careers’.
3. Select ‘Current Openings’.
4. Use the ‘Menu’ in the upper left hand corner to navigate to ‘Job Interest Cards.’
5. Check the ‘Fire/EMS” check box and then select the green ‘Subscribe’ button. This will require you to submit your name and email.
6. You can also use the ‘Sign In’ in the upper right hand corner to log in or create a profile. Once a profile is created, you can select all positions of interest or update any of the selections by logging into your profile.

You will be notified when a selected position opens.

For more information about our Volunteer Programs, please contact the Training Division (408) 378-4010 or email.