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Basic Firefighter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PT Firefighter/EMT

Kingsburg, CA ยท On-site

$21.49/hr

Administers Basic Life Support and participates in fire prevention activities based on his or her skill and certification level. The Part-Time Firefighter EMT also participates in regular training ...

PT Firefighter/EMT

Kingsburg, CA ยท On-site

$21.49/hr

Administers Basic Life Support and participates in fire prevention activities based on his or her skill and certification level. The Part-Time Firefighter EMT also participates in regular training ...

... an approved Basic Firefighter I Academy from an Accredited Regional Training Program by California State Fire Training, or IFSAC / PROBOARD Firefighter I or Firefighter II. 2 5. Possession of ...

Firefighter

San Luis Obispo, CA ยท On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Renders skilled, compassionate first aid, Basic Life Support, and assists with Advanced Life Support and or mental health clinician. Firefighters licensed as a Paramedic provide Advanced Life Support.

Valid CPR Healthcare Professional/ Basic Life Support (BLS) ACLS, PALS or PEPP and BTLS or PHTLS provider. * Valid Firefighters Physical Agility Test consisting of a Biddle or CPAT Desired ...

Firefighter/EMTs play a crucial role in rescuing and protecting thousands of visitors and the ... Provide immediate medical care at emergency scenes, including basic life support and advanced life ...

Fort Irwin Firefighter/Paramedics work in the extreme climate of the Mojave Desert and may be ... Provide immediate medical care at emergency scenes, including basic life support and advanced life ...

Firefighter - Paramedic Under supervision of the Fire Captain, Firefighter - Paramedic accomplishes ... Basic knowledge of computers and programs to include MS Office, PowerPoint and Outlook.

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Showing results 1-20

Basic Firefighter information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$58.8K

$98.7K

How much do basic firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for basic firefighter in California is $58,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a basic firefighter?

Basic firefighters are trained professionals who respond to fires, emergencies, and hazardous situations to protect life, property, and the environment. They perform tasks such as extinguishing fires, rescuing people, providing first aid, and conducting fire prevention activities. Basic firefighters typically work as part of a team and follow standard operating procedures to ensure safety. Their training includes fire suppression techniques, emergency medical response, and the use of firefighting equipment.

What are some typical challenges a basic firefighter faces during their shifts?

Basic Firefighters often face physically demanding conditions, unpredictable emergencies, and the need to make quick decisions under pressure. They must adapt to rapidly changing situations, such as responding to fires, medical emergencies, or hazardous material incidents, often with limited information. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as firefighters rely heavily on each other for safety and effective response. Additionally, balancing long or overnight shifts with personal life can be challenging, but strong camaraderie among crew members helps foster a supportive work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a basic firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Basic Firefighter, you need physical fitness, knowledge of fire safety procedures, and completion of firefighter training and certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, emergency response systems, and hazardous materials protocols is essential. Teamwork, resilience, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing high-pressure situations and collaborating with crew members. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure quick, safe, and coordinated responses during emergencies, protecting lives and property.

What is the difference between Basic Firefighter vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectBasic FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter I & II, EMT certification often requiredMay have similar certifications, but sometimes less formal training
Work EnvironmentFull-time, paid position at fire departmentsPart-time or on-call, often in community-based departments
Employer & IndustryMunicipal fire departments, government agenciesCommunity organizations, volunteer fire departments

Basic Firefighters are full-time, paid professionals with formal training and certifications, working in municipal fire departments. Volunteer Firefighters typically serve part-time or on-call roles, often with similar certifications but less formal training, and work in community-based departments. Both roles are vital for fire safety, but differ mainly in employment status and training intensity.

Infographic showing various Basic Firefighter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,826 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

PT Firefighter/EMT

Kingsburg, CA โ€ข On-site

$21.49/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Salary: $21.49 Hourly
Location : 1460 Marion Street, Kingsburg, CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 20250001
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 05/01/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Recruitment is continuous.
Program Description:
The Part-Time Firefighter EMT is a part-time, at will, paid position with the City of Kingsburg Fire Department. These positions are designed to provide supplemental staffing for the department.
Job Description:
This position is under a Fire Captain's or assigned supervisor's general supervision. The Part-Time Firefighter EMT responds to alarms, rescue, and other emergency calls. May be required to drive emergency ambulance apparatus, and or department utility and support vehicles in both non-emergency and emergency situations. Assist in protecting life and property endangered by fire or other hazards. Administers Basic Life Support and participates in fire prevention activities based on his or her skill and certification level. The Part-Time Firefighter EMT also participates in regular training, drills, and related activities. Assists in maintenance of fire stations, apparatus, and equipment. May participate in public education activities, community risk reduction efforts, and perform other duties as assigned. Part-Time Firefighters / EMTs are scheduled to work by the staffing officer and shall be assigned as best as possible to a particular shift or time that best suits the city's staffing needs. Monthly staffing for the Part-Time Firefighter EMT program will vary to account for staffing shortages, vacation relief, sick calls, or unforeseen emergencies. The primary mission is to assist staffing the city's transport paramedic ambulances; however, this does not preclude the assignment from including specialized projects (i.e., hydrants, fire prevention inspections, and other duties within the scope of the purview of the Kingsburg Fire Department, and the training of the employees). Part-time personnel will be allowed to work a maximum of 960 hours per fiscal year. Once 960 hours are reached, the Part-Time Firefighter EMT will no longer be able to work until the hours reset to zero on July 1st of the next fiscal year.
Minimum Qualifications & Examples of Duties
Minimum Applicant Requirements:
1. Must be at least 18 years of age by date of appointment.
2. High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
3. Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record, and an ambulance driver certificate.
4. Possession of a Fire Fighter I certification or completion of an approved Basic Firefighter I Academy from an Accredited Regional Training Program by California State Fire Training, or IFSAC / PROBOARD Firefighter I or Firefighter II.
5. Possession of Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations certification
6. Possession of a valid EMT-1 license issued by a California Emergency Medical Services Authority or National Registry.
7. Local EMT accreditation in Central California Emergency Medical Services Agency within 45 days of appointment.
8. Possession of a valid health care provider CPR certification.
Example of Essential Functions: (Illustrative Only)Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the job's essential functions.
โ€ข Responds to fire alarms, delivers all equipment, and implements fire suppression and firefighting techniques to rescue victims and protect private and public property.
โ€ข Responds to emergency medical calls and provides basic life support functions such as patient assessment, splinting, and safe patient transport.
โ€ข Serves within a command structure, requiring adherence to officers' orders in life-threatening situations.
โ€ข Responds to structural residential, commercial, industrial, chemical, petroleum, vehicle, aircraft, and wildland fires, and performs search and rescue operations to remove people from burning structures, and fire suppression techniques as appropriate; lays, connects, charges and uses supply lines and various water appliances to control and extinguish fires; places water curtains and performs ventilating and access maneuvers; uses foam and chemical extinguishers as required by the nature of the fire; operates fire streams as directed; raises and climbs ladders; ventilates roofs and windows.
โ€ข Operates all types of portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, smoke ejectors, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, aerial ladder equipment, emergency medical equipment, and other firefighting and medical equipment as required.
โ€ข Perform salvage duties at fire scenes by placing salvage covers, sweeping, vacuuming up water, and removing debris.
โ€ข Conducts daily inspections of condition and readiness of fire department ambulances and all equipment including medical and first aid equipment; cleans, washes, and services fire apparatus, vehicles and equipment; inspects, tests, and maintains equipment and pump motors including nozzles, appliances, fittings, hydrants, fire extinguishers, hand and power tools, ropes, emergency lighting equipment, generators, rescue and first aid, and related equipment.
โ€ข Assists in investigating fires; obtains and preserves evidence at a fire scene, secures fire scene and controls traffic, and participates in determining fire origin and cause; may be required to testify in court, as necessary.
โ€ข Assists in inspecting building structures to ensure code compliance; explains city fire codes and fire prevention policies and procedures to the public; identifies common, special, structural, and panic hazards and recommends pre-fire planning; issues orders to comply with codes; and prepares complete and accurate reports of inspection activities as required.
โ€ข Responds to emergency rescue calls, including auto accidents and collapsed buildings requiring extrication, search and rescue, gas system leaks, confined space rescues, and rope rescues.
โ€ข Performs overhaul operations to ensure the complete suppression of fire.
โ€ข Maintains firefighting and emergency equipment in a clean and operable condition, including performing daily equipment checks, and performing basic repair of damaged equipment as necessary; maintains inventories of apparatus, equipment, and supplies.
โ€ข Ensures the use of appropriate firefighting safety apparel and equipment and follows appropriate safety procedures as required.
โ€ข Works closely with other emergency medical staff, public safety, and fire personnel from other agencies, depending upon response situation.
โ€ข Responds to hazardous materials emergencies, including scene assessment, identifying the extent of damage and/or potential hazard to the community, implementing containment plans, and protecting fire personnel and civilians from chemical exposure.
โ€ข Responds to man-made and natural disasters, including fires, floods, earthquakes, crash rescues and other catastrophic events, including providing medical assistance and removing persons from harmful structures or exposure to fire, smoke, adverse weather conditions, and harmful materials.
โ€ข Performs all necessary training activities as assigned and in accordance with readiness and preparation for firefighting activities, including training in fire suppression, emergency medical training, hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, technical rescues, equipment use and maintenance, and other related functions; participates in fire drills.
โ€ข Operates and maintains a variety of fire vehicles, apparatus, and equipment on a training basis.
โ€ข Maintains station and personal living areas clean and orderly and maintains surrounding grounds to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for fire personnel and the public.
โ€ข Performs various administrative duties including maintaining proper records and documentation on all job-related activities, functions, apparatus, and equipment, preparing reports, forms, recommendations, and other required administrative procedures.
โ€ข Participates in various public awareness and education activities to promote good public relations and fire safety awareness, including providing tours of fire facilities and giving presentations at local schools as requested; responds to complaints and requests for information from the public; engages in public information activities.
โ€ข Performs other duties as assigned.
Physical:
Must possess mobility, physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and use all emergency apparatus and equipment. Perform medium to heavy physical work, work in confined spaces, around machines, and climb and descend ladders. Vision to discern colors and assess emergency situations, including medical incidents, to read printed materials and a 4 computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above-mentioned apparatus and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials, objects, and individuals necessary to perform job functions.
Environmental Elements:
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, extreme temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, substantial heights, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Other Requirements: Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation and pre-employment physical examination.
Five days of paid sick leave.
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