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Basic Firefighter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter Paramedic

Santee, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $120K/yr

Firefighter Paramedics will advance through the salary schedule in accordance with the current MOU ... of basic mathematics; knowledge of the use of hand tools; knowledge of emergency medical treatment ...

Under supervision of the Fire Captain, Firefighter accomplishes a variety of duties in the ... Basic knowledge of computers and programsto includeMS Office,PowerPointand Outlook. * Environmental ...

Firefighter 2 (Palmdale CA)

Palmdale, CA ยท On-site

$51K - $85K/yr

Basic Qualifications for Firefighter 2: High School diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of relevant experience Must have: Firefighter 1, HazMat Awareness and Operations and a current EMT-B ...

$50K - $65K/yr

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Support) assigned to a crew engaged in airfield and structural firefighting, crash-rescue ...

Showing results 41-60

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 15, 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.

Firefighter Paramedic

Santee, CA โ€ข On-site

City of Santee
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$91K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

The Position (The maximum annual salary above includes 6% educational incentive for those eligible to receive) Fire Recruit* $78,537.15/Annually Time In-Grade Schedule *All selected candidates will complete a paramedic assessment period and fire recruit training. Following successful completion of this recruit training, they will move from Fire Recruit to Firefighter Paramedic. Firefighter Paramedics will advance through the salary schedule in accordance with the current MOU between the City of Santee and the Santee Firefighters' Association

The City of Santee is currently seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Firefighter Paramedic. We offer a dynamic work environment and a competitive benefits package including additional incentives. Apply today to join our team.

The following are additional incentives that are available for those who are eligible: Educational Incentive - up to 6% of Base Pay Preceptor Pay - up to $2,500 Mentor Pay - up to $2,500 Under the general direction of a Fire Captain, incumbents respond to fire alarms, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, rescues and other emergency and non-emergency situations; participate in fire suppression, prevention, inspection, education, and related activities to protect life and property; perform fire station and equipment maintenance; serve in specialized departmental roles as assigned; provide information and assistance to the public; and perform other related duties as required. Learn more about this exciting opportunity. CLICK HERE to watch the Firefighter Paramedic recruitment video.

This is a continuous recruitment and interviews may be scheduled at any time, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. Representative Duties Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Safely respond to fire, medical, and other emergency calls with an emergency response team; Perform emergency medical patient assessment and treatment as indicated and necessary in accordance with San Diego County Emergency Medical Services Treatment Protocol/Policies for paramedic level care; Provide emergency medical care as needed on ALS fire companies and on the ALS ambulance, and assist in the maintenance and replenishment of medical equipment, drugs and supplies; Position ground ladders and climb ground and aerial ladders; Use various hand and power tools to ventilate and gain access to buildings; Work and assist with establishing water supply and advancing attack fire hoses, nozzles, and associated appliances; Assist in rescue, overhaul, salvage and clean-up operations; May assist in conducting hydrant inspections; Maintain records and prepare written reports; Perform duties required for fire prevention and pre-incident planning including inspection of commercial and appropriate residential occupancies; Obtain the required certifications to drive and operate staff vehicles and paramedic ambulances as required; Assist in the maintenance of vehicles (including fire apparatus), and equipment, fire station and grounds; Attend drills, trainings and conferences; Learn fire department rules, regulations, policies, procedures and techniques; and Perform other duties as assigned. ~ For a detailed list of responsibilities, please visit the City's website at http://www.cityofsanteeca.gov ~ Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: Knowledge of safe working practices and procedures; knowledge of San Diego County pre-hospital paramedic policy, procedures and protocols; ability to appropriately document workplace activities using computers and electronic devices; knowledge of basic mathematics; knowledge of the use of hand tools; knowledge of emergency medical treatment and CPR techniques; ability to follow orders and directions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, emergency medical patients, hospital staff, the public and members of other agencies; ability to learn firefighting techniques, policies, practices and operation of equipment

Ability to: Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to interpret and make effective decisions by correctly applying policies, procedures and technical knowledge in an emergency; ability to work independently; ability to work in stressful and hazardous conditions; ability to safely operate vehicles; ability to manage multiple patients at medical scenes; ability to physically perform the full range of duties of this classification; and ability to demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required. Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF HIRE: All candidates for this classification must: Be at least 18 years of age at time of hire, and Possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and Possess a current ACLS and CPR card, and Possess a California paramedic licensure with accreditation in San Diego County at time of hire, all of which must be maintained for the duration of their assignment. APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants must complete the standard City application, including all recent work experience for the past five years.

Omission of any work experience, even if unrelated to the position of Firefighter Paramedic, will result in disqualification. Applicants must also attach the following when submitting the City application: 1. Submit a copy of one of the following: Valid CPAT certification (must submit at time of application or time of interview) OR Valid Biddle certificate (must submit at time of application or time of interview) OR Proof of completion of the Heartland Training Academy within a year 2.

Submit a copy of a valid driver's license 3. Submit a copy of each of the following: CA Paramedic license San Diego County accreditation must be submitted prior to conditional offer OR a letter from your paramedic school certifying you are in the clinical/internship portion of the paramedic program. Candidates who are currently in paramedic school must be in the clinical or internship portion of the program to be considered for this recruitment.

4. Submit a copy of a current ACLS card. Candidates who are currently in paramedic school must submit their ACLS card at time of interview.

5. Submit a copy of a current CPR card. DO NOT SUBMIT ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS OTHER THAN WHAT IS REQUIRED IN THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT WRITTEN EXAMINATION: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this job announcement and whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the position will be invited to participate in the examination process.

Please note the examinations are scheduled on a monthly basis. You will be notified by Human Resources of the scheduled examination dates. To prepare for the examination, please study the San Diego County protocols located here.

Candidates who successfully complete all components (application, written exam, and interview) of the recruitment process will be placed on an eligibility list for the position of Firefighter Paramedic with the City of Santee. This list will be used to fill any vacancies occurring within 6 months of the date of the list. Special Requirements Candidates must possess a Class C California driver's license by date of hire and must have California paramedic licensure with accreditation in San Diego County at time of hire (San Diego County paramedic accreditation must be maintained throughout employment).

Candidates will be required to present a valid and current (current means within the past 12 months) CPAT certification or Biddle Physical Ability Certificate at time of application and at time of hire, or proof of completing the Heartland Training Academy within one year prior to time of application. If candidates with proof of completion of the Heartland Training Academy are placed on an eligibility list and considered for employment and the date of completion of the Heartland Training Academy is more than one year from a potential date of hire by the City of Santee, the candidate must also possess a valid, current CPAT or Biddle at the time of hire by the City of Santee. The applicant(s) selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check.

The applicant(s) selected will also be given a conditional offer of employment pending the outcome of a medical evaluation and drug test. Any applicant(s) who tests positive for illegal or non-prescribed medically beneficial drugs will not be hired. Employees shall not smoke or use any tobacco products either on or off-duty while employed by the City of Santee.

City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.