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Employment Opportunities
The San Marcos Fire Department is dedicated to providing a well-trained, motivated, and diverse team of professionals that delivers excellence in prevention, educational programs, and emergency response services to our community in a safe, responsible, and efficient manner.
The San Marcos Fire Department tests annually. The next testing process has not been set yet, please stay tuned for updates.
The eligibility list will be in effect for a period of one year from the test date or until the list has been exhausted, whichever occurs first.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and not over thirty-five (35) years of age on the date of the entrance examination.
- Must be a high school graduate or have an equivalency certificate certified by the issuing agency (i.e.: Texas Education Agency).
- Must possess a Basic (or above) Structure Fire Suppression Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection or documentation from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection stating that the candidate is certified as a firefighter on the date of examination.
- Must hold a Texas Department of State Health Services “DSHS” Emergency Medical Services Certification EMT-Basic or higher (National Registry, DSHS Licensed, or DSHS Certification) on the date of examination.
- Must be able to obtain a Class B Texas Driver’s License within one year of employment.
- Must comply with all applicable Civil Service Requirements and Regulations.
- Proof of valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Firefighter Entrance Physical Ability Exercise
The physical ability exercise consists of three separate events. Applicants must successfully complete each event to pass the Physical Ability Exercise (PAE).
Apply and for additional information online.
If you have further questions, please contact City of San Marcos Human Resources Department Phone: 512-393-8066.
- What is the fire department work & pay schedule?
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A San Marcos Firefighter works one of three shifts that are designated as A-Shift, B-Shift, and C-Shift. They work 24 hours on/48 hours off.
From the latest job posting (entry test date 11/04/22), the firefighter entry pay was set at $4,673.63 monthly or $56,083.57 annually. All City of San Marcos employees are paid biweekly on Friday.
Other useful documents are located in the Human Resources Department - Civil Service Recruitment section.
- Do you have/host a fire academy?
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No, San Marcos does not have a fire academy. You must already have gone through a Texas fire academy and have your TCFP Firefighter certificate.
Please reference TCFP's (Texas Commission on Fire Protection) steps on how to become a certified Texas firefighter.
https://www.tcfp.texas.gov/services/new-fire-suppression-fighter
- Can I pick up an application now? How do I apply?
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No. Applications are only available on-line during the application period. Firefighter Civil Service Exams are posted on the City of San Marcos' "Careers" page and the SMFD Employment Opportunities page.
Testing determines and eligibility list which will be in effect for a period of one year from the test date or until the list has been exhausted, whichever occurs first. Please apply at www.sanmarcostx.gov/jobs. Questions? Contact our Human Resource Department, Ph: 512.393.8066.
- Do you take applications throughout the year?
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No. Applications are only accepted when a test date is established. The eligibility list will be in effect for a period of one year from test date or until the list has been exhausted, whichever occurs first. Questions? Please contact our
- Can I transfer my state fire certification from another state to Texas?
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The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) is the certifying agency in Texas, and they will help you determine what steps need to be taken to become a certified Firefighter in Texas. For more information visit the TCFP website.
- Will I get paid more if I have a degree?
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Yes. Effective October 1, 2012, the City will provide monthly incentive payments to Firefighters for higher education or Certification by the Texas Commission of Fire Protection.
- Is there an age limit to apply?
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Yes, you must be at least 18 years of age and not over 35 years of age on the date of the entrance examination.
- If I am already a certified Firefighter, will I have to go through firefighting training?
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Yes, all San Marcos Fire Department recruits are required to complete eight weeks of an 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. orientation, and then will be assigned to a shift while successfully completing a yearlong probationary firefighter curriculum.
- Do I have to be a certified Texas Firefighter?
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Yes. You will be required to possess a Basic (or above) Structure Fire Protection Personnel Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) or documentation from the TCFP stating that you are a certified firefighter at the time of entrance examination. For more information visit the TCFP website.
*WE DO NOT HAVE AN ACADEMY* You must already have your Basic (or above) Structure Fire Protection Personnel TFCP Certification & DHSH EMS Certification before applying.
- Do I need to be a licensed paramedic to take the Civil Service Exam?
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Depends on the particular hiring process. You must at least hold a Texas Department of State Health Services DSHS Emergency Medical Services Certification but the level of EMT can change each hiring process. The hiring requirements will be outlined with each hiring announcement posted on the City of San Marcos HR page. If you have any questions about your status with the Department of State Health Services, contact them through Texas DSHS Website.
- Is there one civil service test for all the cities in Central Texas?
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To our knowledge, each city administers its own test. The San Marcos Fire Department does not participate in a group test with other cities.
- Where can I obtain study material for the civil service test?
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Study material is available at bookstores and public libraries. Ask for the study guides for firefighter tests. Also, a study guide is available for purchase from our test provider, IPMA-HR.