The minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements to become a member of the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Team are as follows

• Firefighter (non-probationary status)
• “satisfactory” or higher rating for the last employee performance rating period
• Not on a Performance Development Plan
• Not on a Last Chance Agreement or “Conditions of Continuing Employment” within the last two years
• No sustained discipline of suspension consistent with the bar to promotion in Article 43 (c) of the Local 145 MOU or higher within the last two years

Hazardous Materials Technician

• California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Accredited Hazardous Materials Technician
• This course is a 160-hour program that is designed to provide the requisite knowledge, fundamentals of chemistry, and monitoring and manipulative training to prepare trainees for duty on a Hazardous Materials Response Team.
• A minimum two-year commitment in a permanent or relief capacity on the hazmat team.

Recruitment

• The Hazmat program is proactive in recruitment to maintain a high level of staffing in all ranks. It is the Hazmat Program Manager's responsibility to monitor team members' status regarding promotions, leaves of absence, or any other factors that may cause vacancies.
• Once vacancies are identified, the Hazmat Program Manager, with permission from the Deputy Chief of Special Operations, will advertise the recruitment via a bulletin on the department’s communication platform. The bulletin will clearly specify the ranks needed, along with the application process and training details.