Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District is currently hiring!

Download the fillable application here (in PDF format)

Download the document submission checklist here (in PDF format)

Please review the information below prior to completing an application:

We are now taking applications for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic.

Bonita-Sunnyside is seeking enthusiastic individuals interested in establishing a challenging career in the Fire Service or are looking for a lateral opportunity.

Annual Salary Range: $99,470 – $125,166 Firefighter/Paramedic

Lateral entry salary will be offered to current Firefighter/Paramedics from outside agencies and will be based on prior years of paid Firefighter/Paramedic work experience.

OPEN DATE: 08/11/2025 AT 8:00 AM
CLOSE DATE: 09/11/2025 AT 4:30 PM

Minimum Qualifications:
All candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Hold a current ACLS and CPR certification
  • Possess a valid California Paramedic license and a San Diego County Paramedic Accreditation. San Diego County certified EMTs currently enrolled and actively participating in an accredited Paramedic program are encouraged to apply.

Recruitment Process:

Step 1: Application Review

To be considered for a position with the Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District, applicants must submit a completed application along with all required certifications by the application deadline.

The application period opens on August 11, 2025 at 8:00 AM, and closes at 4:30 PM on September 11, 2025. Incomplete applications or those submitted without legible copies of the required documents may be disqualified.

 Reference to information contained in your résumé will not be accepted in lieu of complete answers.

To apply, please submit the following:

  • A completed District application
  • Your résumé
  • Copies of all required certifications/licenses

Applications will be screened to ensure all minimum requirements are met. Those who are determined to be most highly qualified may be invited to participate in the next steps of the selection process, which may include:

  • A paramedic assessment center
  • A physical ability test
  • Interviews

Submission Options

Applications may be submitted by any of the following methods:

  • Hand-delivered to:
    • Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District
      4900 Bonita Road
      Bonita, CA 91902
  • Emailed to: jobs@bonitafd.org
  • Mailed to:
    • Attn: Captain Smith – Recruitment
      Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District
      4900 Bonita Road
      Bonita, CA 91902

Minimum Requirements:

  • Copy of your valid California or national Registry Paramedic certification. Must be attached to application if applicable.
  • Copy of your valid County of San Diego Paramedic Accreditation. Must be attached to application if applicable.
    • If applying as a Paramedic Student – attach a copy of your current EMT card/certification and either proof of enrollment in a paramedic program, or proof of successfully completion of the program.
    • If applying from outside of San Diego County, you must be eligible to obtain a California Paramedic certification AND San Diego County Paramedic certification by time of hire.
  • Copy of your valid Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (CPR-BCH) card. Must be attached to application.
  • Copy of your valid Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) card. Must be attached to application.
  • Copy of your CPAT certificate dated within 12 months of application deadline. If applicable, please attach to application. Candidates currently employed by a fire agency in San Diego County: a CPAT is Not Required. In-lieu of a current CPAT, Bonita will be hosting a Physical Abilities Test tentatively scheduled for October 1, 2025, for those who qualify.
  • Copy of your valid California Driver’s License. Must be attached to application.
  • Current DMV (within 1 month) record printout which can be obtained HERE. Print and attach to application
  • Copy of your High School Diploma or GED. Must be attached to application.

Step 2: Paramedic Assessment – The paramedic assessment test will test the candidate’s knowledge and skill in patient evaluation and treatment. All patient simulations will be based on San Diego County Treatment Guidelines, which can be found HERE. 

Tentatively scheduled for: September 22-26, 2025.

Step 3: Physical Abilities Test (Pass/Fail) – Candidates who do not have a current CPAT will be required to take the Physical Abilities Test, administered by Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District.

Tentatively scheduled for: October 1, 2025.

Step 4: Appraisal Interview – The interview process will evaluate the candidate’s education, experience and professional qualifications for the position.

Tentatively scheduled for: October 21, 2025.

Step 5: Chief’s Interview – Tentatively scheduled for: October 27, 2025

Step 6: Conditional Job Offer/Background Investigation – Following the successful completion of all prior steps, candidates may be made a conditional job offer. Candidates will be required to complete a thorough background investigation which includes completing a Live Scan through the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Step 7: Conditional Job Offer/Psychological and Medical Examination – Qualified candidates shall undergo a psychological assessment by a qualified professional to determine their suitability for the position. In addition, qualified candidates will complete a full medical examination, including drug screening.

PLEASE NOTE, ALL DATES LISTED ABOVE ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Once you submit your application, refer back to this page regularly to confirm the dates for subsequent steps in the process.

Benefits:

12 Hours/Month Vacation Accrual
24 Hours/Month Sick Leave Accrual
2.7% @57 CalPERS Retirement
Medical, Dental, Uniform Allowance
$5,000 longevity stipend after 5 years of employment

For more detailed information regarding the benefit package, please contact the district office at:

619-479-2346

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE HERE AND CAN ALSO BE FOUND AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

APPLICATION DOCUMENT CHECK LIST CAN BE FOUND HERE.