How to Become a Santa Monica Firefighter

Join Us!

Work alongside the fire industry’s leading professionals to serve one of California’s pre-eminent urban coastal communities. The hallmark of the Santa Monica Fire Department is extraordinary customer service and cutting-edge fire and emergency services to 93,000 residents and 8 million visitors annually. In 1974, SMFD became the first fire department in the nation to deliver paramedic services via a fire engine company; today it offers not only fire and paramedic services, but also full-time hazardous materials response, urban search and rescue, and a dedicated airport response unit. The team is constantly evolving to better serve the dynamic Santa Monica community.

We are looking for a diverse set of candidates to apply to join the ranks of SMFD. This page offers details on application requirements, the process and timeline. If you are at the beginning of exploring a career change, this page is also for you. Learn about what it takes to be a part of SMFD and apply during a future recruitment cycle. We encourage people who are transitioning careers to consider the fire service.