Entry Level Search Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applications are being accepted for the position of Paramedic/Firefighter – Entry-Level with the City of South San Francisco in the Fire Department.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026 AT 5:00 PM, OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPLICATIONS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE, AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Fire Department operates five (5) fire stations throughout the City which are staffed 24-hours per day, plus an Emergency Operations Center and Fire Training Tower. Two fire stations have paramedic ambulances. The City of South San Francisco is the only Fire Department in San Mateo County providing its own paramedic transport services. The Paramedic ambulances respond to medical emergencies, as well as structure fires and other hazardous incidents. The department cross-staffs a Type I/Heavy Urban Search and Rescue, an OES Type VI Engine, and two Fire/Rescue Boats.

The Fire Department is an active participant in the San Mateo County automatic aid system and responds regularly in support of neighboring jurisdictions throughout the county, including the San Francisco International Airport. Department members are eligible to participate on FEMA USAR California Task Force 3, sponsored by the Menlo Park Fire Protection District. The department is also an active participant in the Bay Area Maritime Search and Rescue Council and regularly trains with other fire agencies and the United States Coast Guard.

The City is planning for the replacement and expansion of two of its existing fire stations, modernizing and relocating the facilities to better serve the public.

In support of the San Mateo County automatic aid agreement, all entry level candidates will attend a regional, county-wide, fire academy where they will be introduced to all agencies in the county and rotate through a variety of training sites. The roughly 12-week academy also includes specialized training depending on candidate certifications.

MISSION STATEMENT

The South San Francisco Fire Department exists to protect the members of our residential and business communities, our neighbors and visitors, their property, and environment. We will work to prevent injury and damage through education, fire prevention and to respond to the impact of fire, medical emergencies, natural and human-caused disasters, and release of hazardous materials.

THE POSITION

An eligible employment list will be created for the position of Paramedic/Firefighter and will be used to fill current and future vacancies. This classification encompasses the full range of firefighter duties and Paramedic Ambulance Transport Services. Incumbents currently work a 2/4 work schedule with a 24-hour work cycle (2/24 hour shifts with 4 days off). Training is provided to protect life, property, and the environment from the risks of fire, explosion, and hazardous materials.

THE DUTIES

Incumbents perform paramedic ambulance transport services, engage in medical aid, firefighting, and all other suppression and prevention activities to protect life and property; drive, operate, and maintain fire apparatus and equipment; assist and participate in training, inspections, and related fire prevention and public education activities.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal Paramedic/Firefighter should be able to:

• Operate in physically and emotionally demanding environments associated with firefighting, rescue, emergency medical, and related duties.
• Learn to drive and operate pumpers, trucks, ambulances, and aerial apparatus with care and safety in accordance with traffic laws.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies.
• Comfort and deal effectively with distraught victims and families.
• Learn basic operation and mechanics of firefighting equipment, locations, streets, and the location of hydrants, mains, and major traffic and fire hazards.
• Demonstrate clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Learn and effectively apply city and state fire codes and associated laws.
• Commit to a rewarding career which requires excellent customer service skills, ethical habits, and lifelong learning.

QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

• Experience: No direct experience required. Two years of work experience as a field paramedic is preferred.
• Training: High school diploma or GED. Successful completion of Firefighter I curriculum or 6 units of college-level fire science coursework.

All licenses and certifications must be maintained as a condition of employment.

1. Possession of a current State of California EMT-P or current National Registry Paramedic Certification prior to time of appointment. With National Registry Certification, you must also obtain a current State of California EMT-P prior to appointment.

2. Ability to meet California Department of Motor Vehicle and departmental requirements to operate fire apparatus.

3. Possession of current certification or successful completion of the equivalent of the following prior to appointment:

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) curriculum or Pediatric Education for the Pre-hospital Provider (PEPP) curriculum.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR Health Care Provider (AHA & AED)
• Advanced Cardiac Life support (ACLS) curriculum.
• Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) or Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) or International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) curriculum.
• Possession of a current and valid CPAT card (Candidate Physical Ability Test) earned within 12 months of conditional offer.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License, with ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment.
• California Firefighter I certification or 6 units college-level fire science coursework.

4. Accredited by San Mateo County EMSA within six months of appointment.

5. May be required to obtain CPR Instructor's Certificate.

Age: Minimum of 21 years of age at time of the interviews.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

To be considered, the following REQUIRED items must be submitted at time of application:

• City application
• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
• Resume

NOTE: Applications must be completed in full. All work experience and education or training must be listed directly on the City application. Applications that state "See Resume" or omit required information will be considered incomplete and subject to disqualification. Resumes may be attached separately; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Only application materials and documents that are specifically required within this job announcement will be reviewed as part of the application process.

THE SELECTION PROCESS:

The selection process will consist of the following independent parts:

1. Applicants must be active on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List at the time of application closing. The South San Francisco Fire Department will receive a list of eligible candidates from FCTC. If you are currently not on the list, visit www.FCTConline.org to register and to find out the minimum qualifications to be placed on the Statewide Eligibility List.
2. Examination process will consist of a review of application material and responses to supplemental questionnaire.
3. Candidates with a complete application packet as well as a verified FCTC score of 70% and above will be placed on the City of South San Francisco's Eligible Employment List which is valid for one year.

Candidates must pass all parts of the qualification and selection process in order to be considered for employment. Top scoring candidates placed on the eligible list will be invited to a final selection interview with the hiring department, tentatively scheduled for the week of June 15, 2026. Candidates invited to the departmental selection interviews will need to submit all required certifications mentioned on this job announcement.

To review complete job descriptions which include all special requirements, go to http://www.ssfca.gov