Discover the Opportunity and Our Community

 

Welcome to Tuolumne County and the District

Tuolumne County, located on the west slope of the Central Sierras in California, is home to approximately 55,000 people. This beautiful area is rich in natural resources and offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Yosemite National Park is about 90 minutes southeast via Highways 108 and 120. Just 20 minutes east lies Pinecrest Lake, and nearby is the Dodge Ridge Ski Resort with its world-class ski runs. The region features hiking trails, U.S. Forest Service lands, and the Tuolumne and Stanislaus Rivers, providing diverse activities such as hunting, fishing, off-roading, snowmobiling, skiing, camping, and horseback riding. Traveling east from the county takes you over Sonora Pass at 9,600 feet elevation to intersect with US Route 395.

The mountain communities of Mi-Wuk Village and Sugar Pine are situated at about 4,600 feet above sea level, roughly 14 miles east of the county seat in Sonora along State Highway 108. The Mi-Wuk Sugar Pine Fire Protection District spans approximately 1.2 square miles and serves around 2,750 residences. Through an agreement with Tuolumne County, the district responds to calls for assistance and emergencies in neighboring communities, including Confidence, Leisure Pines, Whispering Pines, Sierra Village, Odd Fellows Park, and Long Barn. As an integral part of the mutual aid system in Tuolumne County and throughout California, the district handles an average of 500 calls per year. It is staffed by one paid Chief, one Station Captain, two paid Engineers (Duty Officers), and supported by interns, volunteer firefighters, and engineers.

Nature of the Work

Engineers at the Mi-Wuk Sugar Pine Fire Protection District serve the community by responding to and mitigating a wide variety of situations, from immediate threats to life or property to routine requests for information or assistance. They participate in training and drills, and contribute to the day-to-day decision-making and operations of the department. The district actively assists in mutual aid responses across California each year, with potential deployments lasting up to three weeks.

As the lead position on their shift, Engineers work under indirect supervision from the Station Captain and/or Fire Chief. They lead volunteer and intern firefighters in emergency situations, operate fire engines, pumps, and other apparatus, and make rational decisions under adverse conditions to eliminate or reduce hazards while directing firefighters. Engineers must be capable of assuming command at emergency scenes and communicating efficiently via radio.

Additionally, the Engineer serves as the lead at the fire station, handling routine maintenance, minor repairs, greeting the public, and resolving problems. The role follows a 3-platoon system: 48 hours on-shift followed by 96 hours off-shift.

Typical Duties Include:

• Driving fire engines and other vehicles
• Operating fire pumps
• Report writing
• Responding to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous material spills, and emergency standbys
• Conducting training and public education

 

Qualifications and Compensation

Minimum Qualifications

(The full job description includes all minimum qualifications; this is a partial list.)

• State Fire Training Driver/Operator 1A and 1B
• Current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or EMR Certificate
• Current Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate / AED
• California Driver's License with Fire Fighter endorsements
• Hazardous Materials: First Responder Operational*
• Confined Space Awareness*
• Auto Extrication
• State Firefighter 1

*May be completed within the first year of appointment.

Desirable Qualifications

• S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (FSTEP)
• SFM Training Instructor Certificate
• SFM Company Officer or Fire Officer 2
• S-212 Wildland Fire Chain Saws (FSTEP)
• State Fire Training SFM - Low Angle Rescue
• Engine Boss (CICCS ENGB) *

*May be completed within the first year of appointment.

 

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Base Wages: $46,576, with plenty of overtime opportunities
• Employee-funded 457(b) contribution retirement plan
• Life Insurance
• Eligibility for health, dental, and vision coverage, subject to future funding

 

How to Apply

If you're passionate about protecting a vibrant mountain community and thrive in high-stakes environments, this is your chance to make a difference. The Mi-Wuk Sugar Pine Fire Protection District invites your application for the Engineer (Duty Officer) position.

Please stop by the station or email info@mwspfire.us for an application. Applications must be received by US Mail at Mi-Wuk Sugar Pine Fire Protection District, PO Box 530, Mi-Wuk Village, CA 95346; or in person at 24247 Highway 108, Mi-Wuk Village, CA 95346 by Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, by 5 PM.

 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Posted: January 7, 2026