Lateral Entry Firefighter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Paramedic Firefighter (Entry/Lateral)

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Paramedic Firefighter (Entry/Lateral)

Salary

$102,564.80 - $124,675.20 Annually

Location

Carlsbad, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

4043-2026-2

Department

Fire

Opening Date

08/17/2026

Closing Date

9/7/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

The Position

REQUIRED: Successful completion of the FCTC testing and eligible status on the Statewide Eligibility list as of September 26, 2026.

Eligible candidates must be an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) with the State of California. California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I certificate or equivalent or completion of a California State Fire Marshal accredited fire academy or equivalent is required.

Carlsbad - The Community

The City of Carlsbad is ideally situated in north San Diego County where a great climate, beautiful beaches and lagoons, and abundant natural open space combine with world-class resorts, family attractions, well planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a charming village atmosphere to create the ideal California experience. Covering nearly 40 square miles, the City of Carlsbad is currently home to about 115,000 residents. The city sets the standard for high-quality local government services and is home to corporate headquarters in technology, life sciences and action sports, supported by a thriving tourism market and nearly 40 percent preserved open space. Thanks to an award-winning growth management plan, the city's infrastructure and services keep pace with development and promote an excellent quality of life.

The Fire Department's mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community by delivering exceptional services in safeguarding lives, property, and our environment. Opportunities within the Carlsbad Fire Department include operations on truck, engine and ambulance companies, wildland firefighting, urban search and rescue and rescue task force assignment, SWAT medics, Ocean Lifeguard programs and more.

The Ideal Candidate

State of California Certified Paramedic. Completion of a California State Fire Marshal accredited Firefighter I academy is highly preferred. High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of college-level courses or equivalent in Fire Science in compliance with departmental policies.

Under supervision, the Paramedic Firefighter will provide basic and advanced life support services to ill or injured persons in accordance with the policies established by the Department of Emergency Medical Services of San Diego County; fight fires and participate in fire prevention activities for the protection of life and property; operate and maintain vehicles, apparatus, equipment, stations and communication systems; teach fire safety to the public; and perform other duties as required.

This is an entry-level into the professional fire service series. The paramedic/firefighter is a uniformed member of the public safety/fire suppression/EMS division of the department. This position supports dual responsibilities as a paramedic and as a firefighter and is utilized in both types of assignments as needed.

You Belong in Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

Selection Process:

This is a competitive process. Those applicants considered most qualified will be invited to continue further in the selection process, which consists of paramedic skills testing and a panel interview.

Please Note: Copies of Driver's License, Firefighter I certificate, and California State Paramedic certification must be submitted with application. Other certification documentation will be requested once the application review process is complete.

Assessment Center and Panel Interviews:

Week of September 21, 2026; exact dates to be determined.

Internal Fire Academy:

Anticipated start date January 4, 2027.

Key Responsibilities

Responds to medical emergencies.

Conducts or assists in the extrication of trapped persons.

Performs primary and secondary physical assessment of ill or injured persons.

Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Maintains an effective airway for patients with compromised breathing.

Immobilizes injured limbs and spinal vertebra where injury is suspected.

Controls bleeding of external injuries.

Assists with emergency childbirth.

Provides emotional support to distressed persons.

Administers oxygen to support respiratory functions.

Utilizes adjunctive ventilation devices, such as endotracheal tubes.

Analyzes electrocardiograms and recognizes cardiac arrhythmias.

Administers medications by intravenous, intramuscular or topical means.

Performs electrical defibrillation.

Operates radio-telephone equipment and communicates medical information to base hospital medical personnel and others.

Serves as a preceptor for paramedic and emergency medical technician trainees.

Compiles necessary reports and records; drives an ambulance vehicle.

Responds to and performs skilled tasks at the scenes of emergency calls including: fire, medical assistance, rescues, hazards identification, hazardous materials identification and spills, public assistance and service.

Safely drives and operates vehicles, apparatus and equipment.

Teaches fire safety, CPR and other classes and participates in public education demonstrations and activities.

Conducts inspections and school exit drills.

Writes reports and maintains records; maintains, inspects, and repairs fire stations and fire grounds, emergency and support vehicles, apparatus, equipment, fire hydrants, radios, and alarm systems.

Participates in department physical fitness program.

Performs emergency medical procedures.

Participates in proficiency training to develop and maintain emergency skills.

Uses computers in performing required duties, performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Basic and advanced life support principles and procedures.

• San Diego County Emergency Medical System (EMS) regulations, protocols and procedures.

• Fire-based operations, such as rescue, firefighting, radio communications, Incident Command System (ICS), fire protection equipment and systems, fire behavior, hazardous materials and water systems.

• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations and standards.

• Maintenance and repair of vehicles, apparatus, equipment and fire hydrants.

• Local geographical response factors.

• Correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation.

• Basic mathematics, chemistry, and physics of fire behavior and hazardous materials.

• Safety practices and procedures.

• Personal computer operating systems and software applications.

• Requirements and standards as defined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1002 preferred.

Ability to:

• React quickly and calmly to fight fires and perform emergency medical techniques and procedures.

• Perform rescues.

• Operate, maintain, inspect and repair vehicles, apparatus, equipment, communication systems and fire hydrants.

• Clean and maintain fire station and grounds.

• Conduct fire inspections and school exit drills.

• Teach classes and participate in public education demonstrations and activities.

• Write comprehensive reports and maintain accurate records.

• Relate effectively to those contacted in the course of work.

• Learn local conditions, locations and regulations.

• Operate computers, understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.

Experience & Education

Any combination equivalent to education and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.

To be considered a Lateral Paramedic Firefighter, 1 year of full time paid municipal firefighting experience is required.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Within one year from date of hire, employee must possess appropriate, valid California Class B Firefighter Driver's License, to include a water tank and air brake endorsement OR Class C California Driver’s License with Firefighter Endorsement, and when required, a valid Medical Examiner's Card must be maintained.

• Completion of a California State Fire Marshal Firefighter 1 Academy or equivalent within six months of hire. Employees shall not be assigned to firefighting functions until all Firefighter 1 requirements have been met.

• Must possess and maintain current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician in the State of California and County of San Diego.

EDUCATION INCENTIVE:

Level 1 - Compensation: Satisfactory fulfillment of the below requirements shall be compensated at 4.5% of the top step Paramedic Firefighter biweekly base salary.

Evidence of the award of each in at least one of the following categories:

• Category 1 - a. Firefighter I, Firefighter II and b. [Driver Operator 1A and Driver Operator 1B] and (c. [Instructor I] OR [Fire Instructor 1A and Fire Instructor 1B] OR [Training Instructor 1A and Training Instructor 1B] ) OR

• Category 2 - State Fire Marshal certificate or course completion for Fire Inspector 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D OR

• Category 3 - a. Associate degree

Level 2 - Compensation: Satisfactory fulfillment of the below requirements shall be compensated at 6.9% of the top step Paramedic Firefighter biweekly base salary.

Evidence of the award of each in at least one of the following categories:

• Fire Officer 2 (2025-present): Fire Officer 2A Human Resource Management, Fire Officer 2B Administration and Community Risk Reduction, Fire Officer 2C Command of Initial Incidents, OR

• Company Officer (2014- December 31, 2026): Company Officer 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and Instructor 1, OR

• Fire Officer (2013-2016): Fire Command 1A, Fire Command 1B, Fire Command 1C, Training Instructor 1B or Fire Instructor 1A, Training Instructor 1A or Fire Instructor 1B, Fire Investigation 1A, Fire Management 1, and I-300 OR

• Fire Officer (2010-2016): Fire Command 1A, Fire Command 1B, Fire Command 1C, Fire Instructor 1A or Training Instructor 1B, Fire Instructor 1B or Training Instructor 1A, Fire Investigation 1A, Fire Management 1, Fire Prevention 1A, Fire Prevention 1B, and I-300 OR

• Fire Officer (2009): Command 1A, Command 1B, Command 1C, Instructor 1A, Instructor 1B, Investigation 1A, Management 1, Prevention 1A, Prevention 1B, and I-300 OR

• State Fire Marshal certificates of course completion for Fire Inspector 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D OR

• A baccalaureate degree

The salary schedule does not reflect the 78 hours of FLSA time and half required O.T. payment.

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account

• Life Insurance

• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

• Retirement under the CalPERS program, 2.7% @ 57 formula (retirement formula may vary depending on prior California public sector service)

• Pension contribution limitations set by PEPRA are currently $151,549 for new members or $280,000 for classic members

• Bilingual Pay

• Holidays - 11 scheduled

• Paid vacation

• Computer purchase loan

• Tuition reimbursement

• Education Incentive Pay

A detailed list of our benefits can be found here: Carlsbad Benefits (https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/human-resources/compensation/full-time-benefits)

01

As an applicant for a position with the Carlsbad Fire Department, you are required to complete this Backgrounds Pre-Screening Form. You are admonished with the following: "I am aware that any false statement or omission on this questionnaire will cause my name to be removed from the eligibility list, or be considered for immediate dismissal if an appointment is made." All of your answers will be scrutinized during a thorough background investigation. PLEASE NOTE: one-word answers are NOT acceptable for questions that ask you to provide details. You must include dates if answered in the affirmative. If you do not fully explain your affirmative answers, your application will be rejected. Please initial below indicating your understanding.

02

Please indicate the option that best describes your status with regards to eligibility status. Confirmation of FCTC eligibility will occur at the interview.

• I am currently on the FCTC eligibility list and have taken the CPAT test after March 21, 2026 and the written test after September 21, 2025.

• I am currently or will soon be in process of taking the FCTC written and/or CPAT test and expect to become eligible on the FCTC statewide eligibility list prior to September 26, 2026.

• I am unable to complete the FCTC testing requirements at this time and understand I will not be considered for this position.

03

If applicable, please provide the date(s) with status of your successful eligibility test and/or your scheduled date to test. If not applicable, indicate "n/a".

04

Are you a licensed