Job Abstract

The Fire Department is a family-oriented department with 88 sworn personnel. The department responds to over 15,000 calls annually, providing all-risk emergency mitigation (e.g., fire, medical, vehicle accidents, technical rescues, wildland fires, etc.). Vista Fire is constantly improving its efficiency, updating equipment, and providing up-to-date training for EMS and firefighting crews.

Fire/EMS Operations:

• 6 Stations
• 5 Type I Engines
• 1 Aerial Truck
• 3 Type III Brush Engines
• 4 Paramedic Rescue Ambulances

Event Purpose

The purpose of the "Ignite Your Potential" program is to introduce young women to various aspects of the fire service while developing important character traits. The program prepares participants for the competitive path to a career in the fire service or whatever career they may pursue.

Through hands-on training, workshops, and mentorship from experienced female firefighters, participants gain valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of this demanding profession. By providing a supportive and empowering environment, "Ignite Your Potential" encourages young women to explore their interests in firefighting and emergency response. Moreover, the program emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the fire service. It seeks to break down stereotypes and barriers, showing that women can excel in this traditionally male-dominated field. By fostering a strong network of female firefighters and allies, "Ignite Your Potential" helps pave the way for greater gender equality in the profession. All genders are welcome to participate in this program.

Ultimately, this program serves as a springboard for young women who aspire to make a difference in their communities through a career in the fire service. It helps equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue their dreams and ignite their potential as future firefighters and leaders in emergency response.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, community-oriented individual who will uphold the department’s mission statement in serving the City of Vista, as well as:

• Be 16-22 years of age
• Be in 10th grade or above
• Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher

Candidate Expectations
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an attendee to successfully perform the essential functions of this program. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this program, the attendee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner, observe and interpret data, and analyze and solve problems. The attendee must be able to work in indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments. Working conditions include exposure to loud noises such as, but not limited to, sirens, alarms, diesel engines, pumps, power saws, and hydraulic tools; the attendee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 100 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). All activities will be supervised by the City of Vista, North County, Oceanside, and Cal-JAC proctors.

Selection Process:
All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the first forty (40) qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. A waiting list will be maintained during the process. A pre-event live scan fingerprint (background check), paid by the City, will be required for individuals over 18 years of age.

After completing the application, please complete the authorization and release forms located here: Ignite Your Potential Authorizations. Send all completed authorization and release forms to VistaFireAdmin@cityofvista.com.

For more information, please email Emily Feneis at edowning@cityofvista.com or call Vista Fire Administration at (760) 643-2801.