Cal Fire Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site:
www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs. Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Pay & Benefits

Whether you're starting your career journey or seeking new opportunities, we welcome all and offer:

• Competitivepayandbenefits
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Retirement:CalPERS retirement system
• Wellness Program

PAY (DOQ)

Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit: $37.9776 hourly

Firefighter-Paramedic Trainee: $42.37-$51.50 hourly (40-hour week)

Firefighter-Paramedic Trainee: $30.26-$36.78 hourly (56-hour week)

Firefighter-Paramedic:$44.49-$56.78 hourly (40-hour week)

Firefighter-Paramedic: $31.78-$40.55 hourly (56-hour week)

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit position is a non-sworn, non-safety, at-will role designed to prepare candidates for a career as a sworn Firefighter-Paramedic with the City of Ventura.

Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit
Recruits attend an 18-week Fire Academy and may participate in additional departmental training. Training provides an introduction to the fire service, including firefighting techniques, emergency medical response, physical fitness, and applicable rules, regulations, and procedures. Recruits are assigned to a 40-hour work week during the academy and training period.

Firefighter-Paramedic Trainee
Appointment to the sworn Firefighter-Paramedic Trainee classification is based on overall academy performance and evaluations. Trainees are assigned to a 56-hour work week (24-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays), serve a 12-month probationary period, and perform emergency medical services as a certified paramedic, along with fire service duties including fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, station and equipment maintenance, fire prevention, and public education.

Firefighter-Paramedic
Trainees who successfully complete one year of full-time firefighting experience advance to the Firefighter-Paramedic classification, performing the full range of journey-level Firefighter-Paramedic duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

Education & Experience

High school diploma or G.E.D. is required.

Age

Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

Citizenship

Must be a U.S. citizen or provide proof of application for U.S. citizenship at least one year prior to applying.

Background

Candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation.

Physical Requirements

Must be physically capable of performing all tasks required of a Ventura Firefighter-Paramedic, including the rigorous demands of emergency operations.

Must meet California Department of Motor Vehicle visual acuity standards necessary to maintain required licenses.

Fitness will initially be determined by possession of a Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) certificate and the ability to pass a medical evaluation.

Desirable Qualifications

Associate's degree in Fire Science, Fire Technology certification, or California Firefighter I certification.

One year of experience as a 911 emergency paramedic.

Some prior firefighting experience.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

Required at the Time of Application:

Current and valid California Paramedic (EMT-P) license or National Registry Paramedic license

Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification

Required Prior to Start of the Fire Academy:

Current and valid California Class C driver's license with an acceptable driving record

Current and valid Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Pediatric Education for Pre-Hospital Providers (PEPP) certification, with expiration beyond Academy graduation

Current and valid Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, with expiration beyond Academy graduation

Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) certificate

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Ventura Fire Department proudly serves the vibrant and diverse community of Ventura, providing all-hazards emergency response from six strategically located fire stations covering approximately 32 square miles. Each year, our firefighter-paramedics respond to more than 18,000 incidents, including fires, medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous materials responses, and mutual aid calls.

As the county seat and home to roughly 110,000 residents, Ventura offers an unmatched quality of life with scenic beaches, parks, trails, and a historic downtown.

Built on character, integrity, and accountability, the Ventura Fire Department offers a rewarding career for those committed to protecting others and making a lasting impact in their community.

HOW TO APPLY & SELECTION PROCESS

Required to Be Placed on the City's Eligibility List
In addition to the above, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Obtain a valid Cal-JAC Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card dated between 08/06/25 and 08/07/26. Achieve a passing score on the FCTC Written Exam administered between 08/07/25 and 08/07/26. Be active on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) by 08/07/26.

• For details on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List, visit: https://www.fctconline.org/becoming-a-firefighter/fctc-statewide-list/

Step 1: Upload Paramedic License
Candidates must upload a current and valid California Paramedic (EMT-P) license or National Registry Paramedic license directly to their Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) profile. FCTC will validate all uploaded documents prior to placing candidates on the statewide eligibility list.

Step 2: Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT)

• Complete the CPAT between 08/06/25 and 08/07/26.
• Possess a valid Cal-JAC CPAT certificate issued by the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center.
• Check testing availability: Upcoming CPAT Schedules
• CPAT test fees are the responsibility of the candidate. Financial aid may be available: FCTC Financial Aid

Step 3: FCTC Written Examination

• Complete the FCTC Written Exam between 08/07/25 and 08/07/26 with a minimum passing score of 70%.
• Candidates must be active on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List on 08/07/26.
• Register for exams and view test schedules: FCTC Written Test | Upcoming Test Dates
• Fees are the responsibility of the candidate. Grants may be available through the California Fire Foundation (proof of financial hardship required).
• Study resources are available: Written Test Study Guide

Step 4: Submit City of Ventura Application

• Submit a completed online City application and supplemental questionnaire by Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
• Ensure your application includes all relevant education, training, and experience.
• Resumes, CVs, and cover letters may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.
• Incomplete applications or supplemental questionnaires may result in disqualification.
• Candidates must have a valid Cal-JAC CPAT certificate, meet the written exam requirement, and be active on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List to be certified on the City's eligibility list.
• Important: All future communication will be via email. Check your inbox and junk/spam folders regularly. Update your contact information, if necessary, by emailing recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov.

Step 5: Department Selection Interviews

• A limited number of candidates will be invited for department selection interviews, tentatively scheduled for the week of August 24, 2026.
• Candidates must bring copies of their valid EMT-P and Healthcare Provider CPR certifications to the interview.
• A practical assessment will be administered as part of the interview process. Candidates will receive specific instructions on the day of the interview and can expect a scenario designed to evaluate hands-on skills and performance under high-pressure field conditions.

Step 6: Background Check & Conditional Offer

• Initial background checks are expected the week of September 14, 2026.
• Prior to hire, candidates must provide copies of:
  • California Class C driver license
  • PALS, PEPP, or HandTevy certification
  • ACLS certification

Step 7: Fire Academy

• Candidates selected for hire must complete the Fire Academy.
• This position is at-will, serving at the pleasure of the appointing authority, and may be terminated without cause or appeal.

All positions associated with this recruitment are contingent upon the City being awarded the FY25 SAFER grant.

This position is designated as "at-will", serving at the pleasure of the appointing authority, and subject to discharge without cause and without right of appeal. Learn more about the Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit on the job description here.

Additional Information

To learn more about the City's hiring process, visit the City of Ventura Hiring Process page.

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team:
recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov

(805) 654-7802