Ambulance Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $21.94 - $24.20 Hourly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 26017251
Department: FIRE
Opening Date: 01/16/2026
DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.
Join a public safety department that prides itself as an integral part of the Torrance community. is dedicated to protecting and providing for life safety, environmental protection, and property conservation through education, hazard reduction, and emergency response.
TFD has an ISO Class 1 rating and achieved accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.
Ambulance Operators operate city owned ambulances and provide patient transport services to and from medical emergencies as part of the ambulance transportation team. This position performs appropriate field procedures utilizing EMT-1 level skills such as attaining and documenting vital signs, bandaging, splinting, lifting patients into an ambulance and assisting firefighter/paramedics.
The Ambulance Operator is a full-time, non-safety, at-will position in the Torrance Fire Department.
Hours of Work
Ambulance Operators may work a fixed 48/96 schedule and average 48 to 56 hours per week. Ambulance Operators who are assigned to peak staffing will work a 40-hour work week.
This position requires availability to work irregular hours or shifts, weekends, holidays, or overtime as assigned.
Term of Employment
The length of employment for Ambulance Operator is limited to a time period not to exceed twelve (12) months. The Fire Chief is authorized to extend the 12-month period up to four times, for a maximum total service time of five (5) years in the Ambulance Operator position.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the necessary knowledge and abilities is:
Equivalent to the completion of high school supplemented by college-level coursework and/or specialized training in fire science.
Completion of a State of California Fire Academy is preferred.
Experience as a Fire Explorer, Auxiliary Firefighter, and/or Fire Cadet in the Torrance Fire Department is highly desirable.
Licenses and Certifications

• Possess and maintain a California Class C driver's license and an Ambulance Driver certificate from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• Possess and maintain a current Emergency Medical Technician-1 (EMT-1) certificate from Los Angeles County*.
• Possess and maintain a valid Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate.

*Note: Currently, the County will allow any California accredited EMT to work in Los Angeles.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online City application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
After review of the applications received, only those candidates whose training and experience best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process.
The examination process for this position will consist of a written test (qualifying) and a panel interview (100%).
Written Test: The written test (Ambulance Operator (EMT)) is administered through National Testing Network (NTN). Scores will only be accepted through NTN and should be submitted around the time of application to be considered for examination. For more information regarding the Ambulance Operator testing process through NTN, go to
You must pass the written test to be invited to the interview process which will be determined at a later date.
SPECIAL NOTES
Visitto find out more information about our community.
Must be 18 years of age.
This position is part of the Torrance Fire Department's "Grow Our Own" program, which provides training for entry into a fire service career.
Successful candidates must qualify in a background investigation and medical exam prior to selection.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to any of the examination processes.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Certain Full-time Salaried and Hourly Employees bargaining unit, visit::
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a current EMT-1 certificate from Los Angeles County?

• Yes
• No

03
If you do not have a current EMT-1 certificate from Los Angeles County, do you have an EMT-1 certificate from another county/agency?

• Yes
• No

04
If yes, provide the name of the county/agency (type N/A if not applicable).
05
Do you have a valid California Class C Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you have a California Ambulance Driver certificate from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)?

• Yes
• In Process
• No

07
Do you have a valid Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate?

• Yes
• No

08
Have you completed a Fire Academy?

• Yes
• in Progress
• No

09
Provide the name of Academy if answered yes or in progress.
10
Do you have experience as a Torrance Fire Department Explorer, Auxiliary Firefighter, and/or Fire Cadet?

• Yes
• No

11
If yes, list titles and dates of employment (month/year)? If no, type N/A.
12
Do you have experience as a volunteer, Explorer, Cadet or Auxiliary Firefighter with another agency?

• Yes
• No

13
If yes, list Title of Position, Agency & dates of experience/employment (include # of hours and/or shifts worked). If no, type N/A.
Required Question