Paid Call Program

About the Program

In addition to full-time professional firefighting personnel, Central Fire District also utilizes a staff of Paid Call Firefighters on an as-needed basis to increase and supplement staffing when community needs require. Paid Call Firefighters work under the leadership of full-time professional firefighting personnel and receive on-going training to meet and maintain established minimum standards of physical fitness, personal discipline, training, and emergency response. 

Accepting an appointment as a Paid Call Firefighter is the acceptance of responsibility to serve as a Firefighter of the Fire District and expresses a commitment to meet and maintain the minimum standards required by any Firefighter serving in the State of California. 

Paid Call Firefighters provide fire protection, emergency medical service, hazardous materials responses and other services to the communities of Capitola, Live Oak, Soquel, Aptos, Rio Del Mar, and La Selva Beach. Each individual should take pride in the services they provide to their community and should strive to perform at the highest level of proficiency and professionalism.

Abilities, Education & Minimum Requirements

Effective communication skills, situational awareness of personal safety and the safety of others, and professionalism both on and off the job, are requirements of individuals who seek any level of employment with Central Fire District, including Paid Call Firefighters. Candidates applying for the District’s Paid Call Firefighter Program must meet additional minimum requirements, including: 

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Possess a valid California Class C Driver's License and pass an "insurability" check by the District's insurance carrier. 
  • Copy of current Driving Record issued by CA DMV- available online at CA DMV.
  • Successful completion of the Central Fire Paid Call Firefighter Academy within 12 months of date of hire. During the probationary period, the recruit will attend a PCF Academy provided by the District.
  • Must live within Santa Cruz County.
  • Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
  • Possess and maintain a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification card.
  • Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Current CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) certification. For CPAT information visit the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center website.
  • Passing score from FCTC written exam.
  • Must pass a District-provided medical physical exam including a drug screening and background investigation.

Desirable Qualifications:

  • EMT, or EMT-P (National Registry)
  • Courses toward, or a degree in, Fire Protection Technology or a related field.
  • Successful completion of a District approved, fulltime Fire Academy.

Prepare Ahead - EMT Programs

  • Cabrillo College - Aptos
  • Mission College - Santa Clara
  • Foothill College - Palo Alto
  • San Jose City College - San Jose
  • South Bay Regional Training Consortium - San Jose
  • The EMT Academy - San Jose
  • National University Polytechnic Institute - San Jose
  • Cal JAC Academy - Livermore

For more information about our Paid Call Firefighter Program, please email the Human Resources Division. You may also sign up for our email list to receive notifications about upcoming opportunities in our Paid Call Firefighter Program.