Fire Cadet

Summary

Location : 300 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park, CA
Job Type: Temporary- Non-Benefitted
Job Number: 202605
Department: Fire Suppression
Opening Date: 08/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/15/2026 12:00 PM Pacific

Description
Menlo Park Fire Protection District

Cadet Program

RECRUITING NOW!

Recruitment closes September 15th at noon.

Our Cadet program has placed over 50 firefighters into entry level positions with our District as well as a number of others throughout California. During this one-year program, you will gain valuable hands-on experience to help prepare you for a successful career in the fire service. The Cadet program is a volunteer program hosted by the Menlo Park Fire Protection District in conjunction with the College of San Mateo.

About the District:
The District's mission is to preserve and protect life and property from the impact of fire, disaster, injury and illness. The Fire District also provides fire prevention services and engages with the community in the areas of emergency preparedness and natural disaster response. The district staffs 7 stations within the south zone of San Mateo County.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have a State of California EMT or National Registry EMT certification (or currently enrolled)
• Must possess a valid CA Driver's License
• Must have a Firefighter I Academy certification or current FF1 Academy enrollment with expected completion date of January 2027
• Have not been previously enrolled as a Cadet through the College of San Mateo

Cadet Requirements

• Each Cadet will be required to attend a specific day of the week Monday - Saturday for a 24-hour shift. Attendance shall be in accordance with semester dates as determined by the College of San Mateo.
• Cadets must register with the College of San Mateo for spring, summer and fall semesters.
• Each Cadet must remain in "good standing" with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District and the College of San Mateo or the Cadet may be removed from the program at any time.

Hiring Process

• Application Period: 8/01 - 9/15; Invitations to interview will be emailed to applicants on September 17, 2026.
• Interviews will be held September 25-26. Selected applicants will complete LiveScan (fingerprinting).
• There will be two mandatory orientations: (1) mid-December and (2) the first week of January 2027. (The beginning of the one-year term will coincide with the College of San Mateo Spring school semester.)

For more information visit
This position is not eligible for benefits.
01

Do you have a valid State of California EMT or National Registry EMT certification?

• Yes
• No, but I am currently enrolled.
• I have a paramedic license.
• No, it is currently expired, but I am working on renewing it.
• No

02

If currently enrolled in an EMT course, what is your expected completion date?
03

Do you have a Firefighter I Academy certification?

• Yes
• I am currently enrolled in a Firefighter I Academy
• No

04

If currently enrolled in a Firefighter I Academy, what is your expected completion date?
05

Have you previously enrolled as a Cadet through the College of San Mateo?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes, I have a valid CA driver's license.
• Yes, I have a valid out-of-state driver's license.
• No

Required Question

Job Description

Location : 300 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park, CA
Job Type: Temporary- Non-Benefitted
Job Number: 202605
Department: Fire Suppression
Opening Date: 08/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/15/2026 12:00 PM Pacific

Description
Menlo Park Fire Protection District

Cadet Program

RECRUITING NOW!

Recruitment closes September 15th at noon.

Our Cadet program has placed over 50 firefighters into entry level positions with our District as well as a number of others throughout California. During this one-year program, you will gain valuable hands-on experience to help prepare you for a successful career in the fire service. The Cadet program is a volunteer program hosted by the Menlo Park Fire Protection District in conjunction with the College of San Mateo.

About the District:
The District's mission is to preserve and protect life and property from the impact of fire, disaster, injury and illness. The Fire District also provides fire prevention services and engages with the community in the areas of emergency preparedness and natural disaster response. The district staffs 7 stations within the south zone of San Mateo County.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have a State of California EMT or National Registry EMT certification (or currently enrolled)
• Must possess a valid CA Driver's License
• Must have a Firefighter I Academy certification or current FF1 Academy enrollment with expected completion date of January 2027
• Have not been previously enrolled as a Cadet through the College of San Mateo

Cadet Requirements

• Each Cadet will be required to attend a specific day of the week Monday - Saturday for a 24-hour shift. Attendance shall be in accordance with semester dates as determined by the College of San Mateo.
• Cadets must register with the College of San Mateo for spring, summer and fall semesters.
• Each Cadet must remain in "good standing" with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District and the College of San Mateo or the Cadet may be removed from the program at any time.

Hiring Process

• Application Period: 8/01 - 9/15; Invitations to interview will be emailed to applicants on September 17, 2026.
• Interviews will be held September 25-26. Selected applicants will complete LiveScan (fingerprinting).
• There will be two mandatory orientations: (1) mid-December and (2) the first week of January 2027. (The beginning of the one-year term will coincide with the College of San Mateo Spring school semester.)

For more information visit
This position is not eligible for benefits.
01

Do you have a valid State of California EMT or National Registry EMT certification?

• Yes
• No, but I am currently enrolled.
• I have a paramedic license.
• No, it is currently expired, but I am working on renewing it.
• No

02

If currently enrolled in an EMT course, what is your expected completion date?
03

Do you have a Firefighter I Academy certification?

• Yes
• I am currently enrolled in a Firefighter I Academy
• No

04

If currently enrolled in a Firefighter I Academy, what is your expected completion date?
05

Have you previously enrolled as a Cadet through the College of San Mateo?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes, I have a valid CA driver's license.
• Yes, I have a valid out-of-state driver's license.
• No

Required Question