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Cadet Program


Menlo Park Fire Protection District Cadet Program 
If you are interested in starting a career as a Firefighter, you will not want to miss the opportunity to join this program. Our Cadet program has placed over 50 firefighters into entry level positions with our District as well as a number of others throughout California. In addition to gaining valuable hands on training, this one year program meets the manipulative training and experience requirements in obtaining a California State Fire Marshall’s Office State Firefighter I certification.

The Cadet program is an unpaid volunteer work experience program hosted by the Menlo Park Fire Protection District in conjunction with the College of San Mateo.

About the District:

Located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, between San Jose and San Francisco, the District serves Menlo Park, Atherton, East Palo Alto and parts of unincorporated San Mateo County. The District’s core mission is to deliver essential, first-responders, and fire suppression services in response to land and structural fires, and medical emergencies. 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 and an administrative office with 140 full-time employees.


In order to be eligible you must: 
• Have a State of California EMT or National Registry EMT certification (or currently enrolled)
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record with minimal violations
• Have a Firefighter I Academy certification (or proof of “student in good standing” letter signed by an Academy Instructor if currently enrolled)

To apply (beginning Late July): 
• Go to  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/menlofire/ search Fire jobs, and apply to the Menlo Park Fire Protection District Fire Cadet position.

Hiring Process: 
• Application Period: July-August
• Invitations to Interview: e-mailed to best qualified applicants in early September
• Interviews: Mid-September
• Notification of status: Late September
• Selected applicants will complete a LiveScan (fingerprinting)
• Orientation will begin the 1st week of January. (The beginning of the one-year term will coincide with the College of San Mateo Spring school semester.)

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 will be required to purchase uniforms after a conditional offer is made and by their 1st day of their Cadet time.
• Personal Protective equipment will be provided on Orientation day.
• Each Cadet must remain in “good standing” with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District or the Cadet may be removed from the voluntary position at any time.