Every year or two the Oceanside Fire Department completes a basic recruit fire academy. Academy’s typically span over a 12-week period, and they usually consist of 12-20 recruits.

During a fire academy the training division is augmented with two additional Captains and an on-shift training cadre of nine officers and firefighters. Working in three shifts, the cadre is divided into hose, ladders, and ventilation divisions, encompassing the basic essentials of structural firefighting. With an emphasis on drill ground activities the Oceanside Fire Academy is considered one of the most challenging and rigorous in existence.

As a result, the Oceanside Fire Academy has earned the reputation of producing the most driven, focused and well-trained firefighters. This has resulted in a prideful organization with a commitment to excellence.

The main focus is to expose recruits to the most modern firefighting equipment and techniques, in addition to preparing them to be a self-motivated, integral part of the OFD team upon graduation from the academy.

Oceanside fire recruits are also put through a rigorous EMS academy. Hundreds of hours of training, evaluation and testing are done before they are cleared to work independently in the field.

BECOMING AN OCEANSIDE FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

 Fire Department recruiting, testing and hiring of employees is handled by the City of Oceanside Personnel Department. For information, contact Personnel at 760-435-3500. For information on current job openings, the City's Job Hotline telephone number is 760-435-3505 or on the internet at www.ci.oceanside.ca.us

The current entry-level position for the Oceanside Fire Department is firefighter/paramedic. The minimum qualifications for this classification include, but are not limited to, State of California or National Registry Paramedic licensure and the ability to obtain San Diego County accreditation as a paramedic.  For entry-level candidates the successful completion of an accredited basic fire academy is also required.  The academy requirement is waived for lateral applicants.  Additionally, a current CPR and ACLS card is required, along with a valid State of California Class C Driver’s License.

All prospective Oceanside Fire Department employees must undergo a thorough personal background investigation.  They will be required to complete a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a drug screen.