Ambulance Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $38,480.00 - $46,779.20 Annually
Location : Fountain Valley, CA
Job Type: Non-exempt FLSA
Job Number: 2026- 21
Department: Fire
Division: Ambulance Operator Program
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 300
Description
FOUNTAIN VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT - MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHERE IT MATTERS MOST.
Recruitment will close on June 28 OR after 300 applications are received (whichever comes first) so apply immediately!!
Come be the driving force behind the Fountain Valley Fire Department emergency response team. As an Ambulance Operator with the Fountain Valley Fire Department, you are the reassuring presence our neighbors depend on during their most critical moments. This role goes far beyond driving; you are a frontline ambassador of care, compassion, and safety for the families who call Fountain Valley home. You will work directly alongside firefighter paramedics, embedded within the fire station, as a valued member of a high-performing emergency response team. If you are looking for a career where your work directly saves lives and strengthens the community you serve, this is your opportunity. This position can also serve as a jump start to a rewarding career as a full-time firefighter, with leave of absence available for fire academy and paramedic school. The department is seeking to fill twelve (12) Full-Time limited-term vacancies and six (6) Part-Time limited-term vacancies.
About the Department
The Fountain Valley Fire Department is a team of 46 dedicated professionals committed to delivering outstanding service to our community. We operate from two strategically located fire stations, fielding two Advanced Life Support fire engine companies, one ALS truck company, and a Battalion Chief, all operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our team responds to approximately 8,500 all-risk emergency calls annually, making every shift meaningful and every role essential.
About the Ambulance Operator Program
The Fountain Valley Fire Department will operate two 24-hour ambulances, with both full-time and part-time Ambulance Operator positions available.
The department is seeking to fill twelve (12) Full-Time limited-term vacancies and six (6) Part-Time limited-term vacancies.
Full-Time Ambulance Operator: This position is a limited-service, non-represented, at-will position with a two-year limited term. Full-time Ambulance Operators will work two consecutive 24-hour shifts (48 hours on duty), followed by four consecutive days off (96 hours off duty) - a 48/96 Schedule.
Part-Time Ambulance Operator: This position is a limited-service, non-benefited, non-represented at-will position with a two-year limited term. Part-Time Ambulance Operator's hours will be assigned by the department.
Job Overview

• Operate city-owned ambulances and other department vehicles as directed and within policy, including driving to and from medical emergencies as part of the ambulance transportation team; responsible for the safe operation of vehicles and adhering to related laws, regulations, and department policy; may drive ambulance or other department vehicle during non-emergency situations.
• Lift, carry, and push/pull ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients to transport.
• Communicate with dispatch, emergency services staff, and hospital medical personnel.
• Perform appropriate field procedures utilizing EMT-1 level skills such as attaining and documenting vital signs, bandaging, splinting, lifting patients into ambulance and assisting paramedics as directed.
• Maintain and inventory emergency ambulance supplies, equipment and routine vehicle components.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of logs, records, and reports including patient care reports and equipment and station logs; support patient billing operations.
• Operate within Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; maintain confidentiality under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Attend and successfully complete department and hospital training sessions and drills.
• Participate in station, city vehicle, and equipment clean-up and maintenance.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES:

• May provide technical training to fire department personnel.

• Assist City personnel in various program functions assigned, including, but not limited to, community events and similar activities.

• May perform a variety of non-sworn, non-firefighter duties as needed to assist the Fire Department in support of various activities and duties.

• At the direction and supervision of a Fire Captain, may participate in non-IDLH fire department training, drills, and classes as well as routine equipment maintenance.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

To access the full class specification, including a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required, please click on the following links: and
Qualification Guidelines
EDUCATION: High School graduation or equivalent or possession of a General Education Development Test (GED) certificate is required.
EXPERIENCE: Emergency medical experience in the 911 field is desired.
LICENSE / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED: (Incumbents in this position must maintain all of the certifications listed below and a satisfactory driving record. Failure to do so may result in separation from employment.)

• Possess and maintain a California Class C driver's license and an Ambulance Driver certificate from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

• Obtain a valid Orange County Ambulance Driver Attendant License within 30 days of hire.

• Possess and maintain a current California EMT-1 certification and CPR certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include overtime, emergency call back for personnel coverage or to assist in emergency scene management, shift work, holidays, weekends, and attend meetings on days off.
Recruitment Information
To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure that all required certifications and licenses are scanned and attached to the application. After certificates and licenses are scanned and saved as a file on your computer, you can click on the "Add Attachments" link in the Job Application step of the employment application in order to upload the files. Certifications and licenses must be entirely legible. Faxes, postmarks and hand delivery will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete your application and consider having your profile created and/or updated before applying for the position. Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. If you require technical assistance, please review the Government Jobs or contact their toll-free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer, or browser used to submit the application.
SELECTION PROCESS:

• ACCEPTING THE FIRST 300 APPLICANTS
• APPLICATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REVIEW: A review of each application and required licenses/certifications will be conducted.
• ORAL INTERVIEW: Evaluates the candidate's experience, training, and qualifications that are essential for successful performance on the job.
• ELIGIBILITY LIST: Once interviews are completed and graded, an eligibility list will be established for future hiring needs.
• INTERVIEW DATES: The oral interviews are tentatively scheduled for Monday, July 13, Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
• ACADEMY DATES: The academy dates are tentatively scheduled for November 2-6, 9-13 2026.

EEO/ADA STATEMENT: The City of Fountain Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Candidates with a disability who may need accommodation during the selection process must notify the Human Resources Department at least 72 hours in advance of the exam date.
IMPORTANT SELECTION INFORMATION: All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing all components of the pre-employment process which may include but is not limited to: Background Investigation, reference checks, California Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting), post-offer drug test, and pre-employment medical examination.
QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO
Employment Status: This full-time position is classified as a non-represented, limited-service, and at-will classification not to exceed two (2) years. Please view City for more details.
Work Schedule: Ambulance Operators shall work 24-hour rotating shifts that mirror the City's Fire Suppression schedule.
Merit Increase: Ambulance Operators shall be eligible for a step increase after completing twelve (12) months of continuous satisfactory full-time service, until they reach the fifth step of the salary schedule. Any additional step increases shall be established by separate City Council action.
Health Insurance: Full-time Ambulance Operators have a choice to select a medical plan under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. Please visit for more information regarding the various plans offered under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, as well as the current premium rates.
The City will contribute towards the lowest cost, employee-only premium.

• For those employees who reside in Region 2 (Orange County and San Diego), the City contributes $857.14 per month in 2026.
• For those employees who reside in Region 3 (Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino), the City contributes $740.11 per month in 2026.

Employees will be responsible for covering the remainder of the premium in excess of these amounts.
Vacation Leave: Ambulance Operators shall accrue vacation as follows:
First Year of Service - During the first year of service, employees will earn 80 hours of vacation annually, accrued at 3.08 hours per pay period.
Second Year of Service - During the second year of service, employees will earn 120 hours of vacation annually, accrued at 4.62 hours per pay period.
Sick Leave: Pursuant to the Health Workplaces, Healthy Families Act, Ambulance Operator accrue sick leave at the rate of one (1) hour for every 30 hours worked for a maximum of 40 hours per fiscal year. Part-time employees may begin using accrued sick leave on the 90th day of employment or later and may carry into the next fiscal year, up to 80 hours of accrued sick leave.
Retirement: All full-time employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) - a defined benefit program. Most new Ambulance Operators will be enrolled as follows:
New Members / PEPRA: As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), "New Members" have never been a member of any California public retirement system, were hired by a CalPERS agency after January 1, 2013, moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than six months. New Members are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 retirement formula and pay a contribution rate of 50% of the total normal cost of the PEPRA member benefits for their retirement pension. This rate is determined annually based on the actuarial valuation of the retirement benefits provided to active PEPRA employees. For Fiscal Year 25/26, employees pay a mandatory 7.75% pre-tax contribution for this retirement benefit. Note: In 2026, the pensionable compensation limit for PEPRA is $191,679 (pursuant to GC § 7522.10). This limit is adjusted on an annual basis.
The City contracts for the three-year average for final compensation, a 2% Cost-of-Living adjustment in retirement, and service credit for unused sick leave.
Uniforms and Equipment: The City shall provide employees with uniforms and equipment, including personal protective equipment necessary to perform their duties.
Social Security: City employees are not covered by Social Security; therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary.
Medicare: Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare.
Employee Assistance Program: Employees have access to no-cost confidential 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week personal counseling, financial, and legal advice, through Lincoln Finance Group. This benefit is available to employees and members of their family members.
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Retirement Contract, Insurance Policy Contract, or any othe...