Entry Level Firefighter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The City of Montclair offers a competitive salary range of $85,665.96 - $104,135.52 annually for this full-time position. The job is located at 5111 Benito Street, Montclair, CA.

Eligible firefighters may also receive additional longevity conduct pay of 2.5% for every five years of continuous city service.

Under supervision, responds to fire alarms, rescue, and other emergency calls; protects life and property endangered by fire and other hazards; assists in daily fire prevention inspections; participates in training, drill, and independent study activities; assists in maintenance of fire stations, grounds, and equipment; and performs related duties as required.

Responds to alarms; lays hose; fights fires under departmental procedures and directions; ventilates buildings and directs streams of water; cleans up and does salvage work after fires or other emergency situations; rescues endangered persons; administers first aid; operates fire trucks, resuscitators, and other apparatus; assists in simple maintenance, upkeep, and repairs to fire department apparatus and equipment; inspects commercial and residential structures regularly to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local fire prevention laws, codes, and regulations; maintains fire stations and grounds; attends drills and classes; studies applicable technical publications; makes necessary written and oral reports and maintains simple records. Periodically, a Firefighter (Paramedic) performs in acting positions above classification on a short-term or interim basis; assists in higher-level collateral responsibilities in areas such as recording, research, and development functions; assists in administering public school specialized educational programs; and performs other public relations educational activities in the interest of fire prevention as directed by department supervision.

Organizational responsibilities include reporting to a Company Fire Captain or Battalion Chief and being assigned to companies, stations, and platoons. Firefighters work a stated number of 24-hour rotating shifts per year, but may be assigned special 40-hour work weeks. Firefighters are subject to recall at any time, may be required to be on duty any combination of hours during emergencies, may be assigned any necessary work; and are expected to develop professionalism, increase their expertise; and prepare for advancement through special training and college courses.

Knowledge of elementary mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanics, and first aid techniques; federal, state, and local codes, and rules and regulations relating to fire fighting; city and departmental policies and procedures; basics of grounds maintenance and housekeeping functions; equipment operation and maintenance; and proper lifting, carrying, and climbing techniques.

Skills/Abilities to read and understand technical manuals and materials regarding fire fighting; learn principles of fire fighting and fire prevention; continue education in the field of fire science; understand and follow oral and written directions under conditions of stress and pressures; work effectively and use sound judgment in hazardous situations; work effectively as a team member and individually; maintain cooperative working relations; communicate courteously and effectively with the public; and write simple reports and keep records.

Education and experience include graduation from high school or completion of G.E.D., preferably supplemented by coursework in Fire Science, and graduation from California State Fire Marshal Accredited Fire Academy or possession of a California State Fire Marshal Accredited Firefighter I certificate. Licenses required include a valid Class C California driver's license, proof of insurability, copy of current and valid Paramedic license, ACLS certification, copy of current and valid CPR certification, and information on where and when the CPAT or Biddle physical ability test was taken (must be within the last 24 months). The position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for up to two hours at a time. Must be able to reach, grasp, twist, turn, and bend. The ability to climb, stoop, kneel, squat, run, and jump. Must be able to lift, drag, and pull heavy objects up to 150 pounds. The position must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions including cold, wet, and hot with extreme sun exposure.

1. All applicants must hold required licenses and certificates as required to be considered.

2. Upload proof of all required licenses/certificates listed below under the "Attachments" section of the application.

3. All applications received will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be the most qualified on the basis of experience, training, and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

4. Top candidates will be invited to a written examination on a future date (to be determined). The written examination will be a multiple choice pass/fail examination with a requirement of 70% in order to achieve a passing score.

5. Candidates passing the written examination will be invited to participate in a structured oral interview and paramedic assessment. The oral interview and paramedic assessment scores will be weighted according to the following: (Oral interview – 50% of total score, Paramedic Assessment – 50% of total score). Candidates must maintain a 70% or higher score on each section of the examination process for both the oral interview as well as paramedic assessment in order to move forward in the process.

6. Successful candidates' names will be placed on an eligibility list from which a selection will be made.

7. Candidates will be required to complete a Fire Chief's oral interview after the eligibility list is approved.

8. Final appointments will be made by the City Manager, upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief.

9. Candidate(s) must pass a thorough background investigation and pre-employment physical (including a drug screening) prior to hiring.

10. Station visits or contacting Montclair Fire Department employees will not be permitted during the recruitment process.

11. To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed.

The City of Montclair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full-time employees are currently covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System. The City contributes to medical, dental, and vision health plans for the employee with family coverage available. A term life insurance policy is paid by the City, as well as a long-term disability plan. To encourage employees to further their education in job-related fields, an educational subsidy is available upon completion of one-year probation. Nonshift employees receive 80 hours of vacation after one year of service; 120 hours after five years of service; 160 hours after ten years of service; and 200 hours after 20 years of service. Shift employees receive 145.21 hours of vacation after one year of service; 217.79 hours after five years of service; and 290.40 hours after ten years of service. Sick leave accumulates at the rate of eight hours per month. The City may credit an employee who is coming from another governmental agency with one half of his/her accumulated sick leave up to a maximum of 240 hours. Presently, 104 hours of paid holidays are provided each year for nonshift employees and 157.29 hours of paid holidays are provided each year for shift employees.