Salary: $21.46 Hourly
Location : Carlsbad, CA
Job Type: Part-Time Hourly
Job Number: 4020-2026
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/2/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
The Position
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 Department
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. We measure our success in accomplishing our mission through customer surveys, comparative analysis operational effectiveness, and goal accomplishment.
The Position
Under supervision, the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) provides basic 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; operates and maintains ambulances, support vehicles, equipment, stations, and communication systems; attends classes and training; performs other duties as required.
This is an entry-level into Emergency Medical Services. The EMT/Ambulance Operator is a uniformed member of the EMS division of the Fire Department. This position supports and assists the roles of the Paramedic/Firefighter position and Fire Department personnel and any other assignments deemed necessary.
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.
Assessment Center and Panel InterviewsWeek of July 20, 2026; dates to be determined
Key Responsibilities
Responds to medical emergencies.
Assists Paramedic/Firefighter.
Assists in the extrication of trapped persons.
Performs primary and secondary physical assessment of ill or injured persons.
Operates under San Diego County EMS Protocol.
Provides emotional support to distressed persons.
Assists with logistical needs on the fire ground while maintaining a safe distance from IDLH.
Operates radio-telephone equipment and communicates medical information to base hospital medical personnel and others.
Responds to and performs skilled tasks at the scenes of emergency calls including medical assistance, hazards identification, public assistance, and service.
Safely drives and operates ambulances, support vehicles, and equipment.
Writes reports and maintains records.
Maintains, inspects, repairs, and restocks emergency and support vehicles, equipment, radios, and safety equipment (PPE).
Participates in department physical fitness program.
Participates in proficiency training to develop and maintain emergency skills.
Assist in station and facilities maintenance and cleaning.
Participates in and supports crew activities.
Participates in and delivers crew training.
Uses computers in performing required duties.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Basic life support principles and procedures
- San Diego County Emergency Medical system (EMS) regulations, protocols and procedures
- Carlsbad Fire Department Operations, such as radio communications, Incident Command System (ICS), and emergency medical services
- Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards
- Maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment
- Local geographical response factors
- Correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation
- Safety practices and procedures
- Personal computer operating systems and software applications
Ability to:
- React quickly and calmly to perform emergency medical techniques and procedures
- Operate, maintain, inspect and repair vehicles, equipment, and communication systems
- Clean and maintain fire station and grounds
- 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
- Perform physically strenuous work and tasks
Experience & Education
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Preferred:
- Six months of experience working as an EMT-Basic in a prehospital system;
- Previous Fire Explorer, Fire Cadet or public safety experience;
- Firefighter 1 Accredited Academy;
- Paramedic License
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
- Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License
- Current State of California EMT-B OR EMT-P license
- Current San Diego County EMT-B OR EMT-P accreditation
If assigned to Emergency Operations, must obtain a current valid Ambulance certificate issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles by first day of assignment
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical Characteristics: Maintain proper health and physical fitness required to perform all duties and responsibilities as described above. Must pass EMT physical ability and maintain physical fitness to perform job functions.
Other Characteristics: Must have willingness and ability to: work variable shifts and overtime as required; attend meeting and training activities, both on and off duty; work under possibly stressful conditions such as loud noises, crowds, in the presence of victims of death and dismemberment; work effectively as a team member of a company, battalion, department, special project group by following orders, consistently following through with duties/assignments and living harmoniously with co-workers; wear approved uniform.
If properly certified and eligible under department requirements may provide EMT-P level assessment, skills, and treatment.
Classifications not in the classified service
01
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent? (required)
02
Do you possess a valid Class C California Driver's License? (required)
03
Do you have a current State of California EMT-B or EMT-P license? (EMT-B required minimum)
04
Do you have a current San Diego County EMT-B or EMT-P accreditation? (EMT-B required minimum)
05
If assigned to Emergency Operations, will you be able to obtain a current valid Ambulance certificate issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles by the first day of the assignment? (required)
06
Do you have six months of experience working as an EMT? (preferred)
07
Have you completed the Firefighter 1 Accredited Academy? (preferred)
08
Do you have a Paramedic License? (preferred)
09
Do you have previous Fire Explorer, Fire Cadet or public safety experience?
10
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, indicate with which Fire Department. If you answered "No", indicate n/a.
Required Question
