Entrylevel Firefighter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $118,130.22 Annually
Location : Fremont, CA
Job Type: Full-time, regular
Job Number: 26FIR04
Department: Fire
Division: FIR-Fire Academy
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 8/7/2026 12:00 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 600
Description
The Fremont Fire Department is recruiting for the position of FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE (Paramedic).
VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT FLYER
THE CITY
Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, Fremont is a vibrant, innovative community known for its exceptional quality of life, strong economy, and diverse population of more than 230,000 residents. The City offers outstanding schools, expansive parks and open space, a low crime rate, and a thriving business community anchored by advanced manufacturing, clean technology, biotechnology, and other emerging industries.
As a full-service city, Fremont is committed to providing high-quality public services through innovation, fiscal responsibility, and strong leadership. Operating under a council-manager form of government, the City combines visionary elected leadership with professional management to deliver exceptional service and enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Fremont.
THE DEPARTMENT
Join an innovative, service-driven fire department dedicated to protecting one of the Bay Area's most vibrant and diverse communities. is comprised of five divisions that work together to provide exceptional emergency response, fire prevention, training, and support services. The Department's mission is to protect life, property, and the environment through emergency response, public education, fire prevention, and community partnerships.
Emergency operations include 11 engine companies, 3 ladder companies, Type 1 Hazardous Materials Response Unit and a Type 1 Heavy Rescue Company comprising the Fremont Fire Departments Special Operations Task Forces. Every engine and truck company is staffed with at least one licensed Paramedic. The Fremont Fire Department provides Wildland Fire Suppression by staffing 6 specialty engine companies and 1 tender company.
OUR CORE VALUES
Dedication • Cooperation • Professionalism • Integrity • Leadership • Respect
These values guide everything we do and define how we serve our community, support one another, and carry out our mission every day.
IS THIS THE ROLE FOR YOU?
This is an exceptional opportunity for individuals who are passionate about serving their community, thrive in fast-paced and challenging environments, and are committed to making a difference when it matters most.
We're looking for candidates who:

• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Have a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous learning
• Are compassionate and service-oriented
• Communicate effectively and work well in team environments
• Remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure
• Are physically and mentally resilient
• Are adaptable, coachable, and eager to grow
• Treat others with respect and foster positive working relationships

If you're ready to build a rewarding career serving one of the Bay Area's most diverse communities while working alongside dedicated professionals who value teamwork, leadership, and excellence, we encourage you to apply.
TENETATIVE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE:
Closing Date: Friday, August 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PST (or 600 applicants)
Oral Board Panel Interviews: August 24 - September 4
Executive Panel Interviews: September 14 - September 25
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS (PLEASE READ!)
This position will remain open until August 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (PST) or once 600 applications are received. Since the recruitment may close without notice once the applicant cap is reached, interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A detailed outline of the recruitment process and application requirements is below. Please read the full process and requirements carefully before applying.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Applications must be submitted online by 12:00 p.m. (PST) on Friday, August 7, 2026. Applications will be reviewed for completeness. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Before submitting your application, you must:

• Be listed on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List. For information on joining the list, visit www.fctconline.org/find-a-job/fctc-statewide-list/.
• Have a valid FCTC Written Test completed within 12 months of the application deadline (between August 8, 2025, and August 7, 2026).
• Have a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card issued within 12 months of the application deadline (between August 8, 2025, and August 7, 2026).

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
Please do not submit your application until you have all required documents. Applications missing required materials will not be considered. Once submitted, applications and attachments may not be edited.
All applicants must complete the online application and supplemental questionnaire available at www.fremont.gov/cityjobs.
Firefighter Trainee (Paramedic) Applicants
Applicants must attach:

• Resume
• California or National Registry Paramedic License (or equivalent as determined by the Fire Chief)
• CPR Card
• Current certifications in one of each of the following:
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Pediatric Education for Prehospital Personnel (PEPP)
  • Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), International Trauma Life Support (ITLS), or Assessment and Treatment of Trauma (ATT)

SELECTION PROCESS
Qualified applicants will be screened based on their application materials and FCTC Written Test scores. A limited number of qualified candidates will advance through the following process:

• Oral Board Interviews: August 24 - September 4
• Executive Panel Interviews: September 14 - September 25
• Comprehensive Background Investigation (approximately 3-6 weeks)
• Medical Examination
• Psychological Examination

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the selection process will be placed on the City's Firefighter Eligibility List. Due to the volume of applicants, individual feedback will not be provided.
FIRE ACADEMY
The Fremont Fire Department Firefighter Trainee Academy is tentatively scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. Please review your settings in government jobs to ensure that you receive all updates regarding your status in the recruitment.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing
CONTACT US
For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at:
The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE
Definition
Under immediate supervision, actively participates in the Firefighter training academy, completion of which is required for appointment to the classification of Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic). Performs all educational and testing activities necessary for the successful appointment to the Firefighter classification. Appointments to the Firefighter Trainee classification are for the duration of the Firefighter Training Academy (Training Academy) and appointments to this classification will terminate automatically upon conclusion of the Training Academy. Incumbents successfully completing the Training Academy, may be appointed and sworn in to the Firefighter classification where they will be required to serve a probationary period of 18 months.
Class Characteristics
The Firefighter Trainee is a temporary, non-sworn trainee-level classification in the Firefighter series, characterized by the responsibility to obtain the training and education necessary to provide emergency services in fire suppression, fire prevention, first responder medical services, hazardous material response, and emergency rescue.
Firefighter Trainees are hired into this classification for the duration of the Training Academy and any additional, subsequent training programs deemed necessary to be eligible for appointment to the Firefighter classification. As a condition of employment, incumbents shall obtain and maintain an Emergency Medical Technician certification or Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Accreditation.
Through a combination of general and specialized classroom instruction, and hands-on training, Firefighter Trainees develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform a wide range of fire service tasks in accordance with Fremont Fire Department policies, procedures, and standards.
The work performed is physically demanding, involves potential risk to health and safety, and is performed under close supervision with regular evaluation and feedback. Firefighter Trainees must graduate from the Training Academy and be appointed to the Firefighter classification to retain employment with the Fremont Fire Department. Incumbents who do not successfully complete the Firefighter training Academy will be terminated automatically.
The Firefighter Trainee classification is distinguishable from the Firefighter classification in that the former is a temporary classification for recruiting and training purposes only, and incumbents are not engaged in emergency response.
Essential Functions

• Receive training in firefighting lectures, and practical training sessions as directed by the cadre coordinator and assigned training companies.
• Receive training in firefighting activities such as fire suppression, wildfire operations, wildland operations, hose evolutions, nozzle evolutions, use of extrication tools such as chain saws, axes, jaws of life, ladder raises, ropes and knots, fire extinguishers, water supply systems, fire prevention, public safety education, radio operations, salvage and overhaul operations.
• Learn Fremont Fire Department policies, procedures, standard operating guidelines, and applicable administrative regulations.
• Successfully complete Training Academy requirements and other training assigned by the Fire Department.
• Develops proficiency in the following areas: emergency medical services, rescue work, firefighting and other emergency services, physical conditioning and training, and any other subjects included in the Training Academy.
• Understands and interprets laws and regulations.
• Safely operate firefighting equipment including, but not limited to, hoses, nozzles, ladders, pickaxes chain saws, crowbars, hydraulic rescue tools, and sledgehammers.
• Climb stairs with hose bundle/pack or other necessary equipment in order to facilitate the extinguishment of fires. Advance and maneuver charged and uncharged house line up ladders.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Training Academy classmates, cadre, supervisors and other fire service officials.
• Follows oral and written instructions in a timely and effective manner.

Minimum Qualifications
Basic Competencies

• Communication Skills - Communicates and listens effectively and responds in a timely, effective, positive and respectful manner; written reports and correspondence are accurate, complete, current, well-organized, legible, concise, neat, and in proper grammatical form responds to statements and comments of others in a way that reflects understanding of the content and the accompanying emotion; asks clarifying questions to assure understanding of what the speaker intended, ensures consistent communication takes place within area of responsibility.
• Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including, but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
• Building Trust - Communicates an understanding of the other person's interests, needs and concerns; identifies and communicates shared interests and goals; identifies and communicates differences as appropriate; demonstrates honesty, keeps commitments and behaves in an appropriate manner.
• Continuous Improvement - Stresses accountability and continuous improvement.
• Decision Making - Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing approp