2026 Summer Lateral Firefighter Paramedic

About the role

Unified Fire Authority (UFA) is offering opportunities for lateral Firefighter/Paramedics to join our organization. Compensation may start up to step 10 based on UFA's firefighter pay plan. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license in good standing at the time of employment.

Recruitment Timeline (Summer 2026)

• Registration: August 7 – September 4
• EMS and Fire Skills Assessments, Oral Board Interview, and Firefighter Physical Agility Test: September 21-25 (applicants required to attend only one of these dates)
• Background Investigations: October-November
• Final Job Offers: November-January 2027
• New Hire Orientation: January 5, 2027 (4-week orientation begins February 1, 2027)

Our primary means of contacting you throughout the process will be by email. It is your responsibility to ensure your email address is correct and updated with the Human Resources Division.

Assessment Process

Oral Board Interview

The oral board interview will consist of structured, behaviorally-based interview questions. Your responses will be evaluated by fire officers and other firefighters or firefighter specialists.

Skills Assessment

• Paramedic Skills Assessment: Applicants must successfully pass the paramedic skills assessment process conducted by the UFA EMS Division (per NREMT guidelines).
• Firefighter Skills Assessment: Applicants must successfully pass the firefighter skills assessment process conducted by the UFA Fire Training Division.

Firefighter Physical Agility Test

The Firefighter Physical Agility Test is based on general firefighting duties and includes lifting, carrying, pulling, and climbing components. The test is designed to simulate the endurance required at the scene of a fire.

• Applicants must pass with a cut-off time of at least 13:00 minutes.
• View the Firefighter Physical Agility Video for details on each event.

Note: Applicants should be in good physical condition to participate and prevent injury. All applicants will be required to sign a release of liability.

Additional Requirements

• Reference and Background Check: Comprehensive review of applicant history.
• Psychological Examination: Required as part of the hiring process.
• Medical Physical and Drug Screening: Applicants must meet NFPA-1582 standards.
• Orientation: Successful completion of a 4-week orientation and 10 shifts of field orientation as an extra crewmember in Operations.

Pay

Applicants will be placed appropriately on the Firefighter Pay Plan based on years of service and qualifications. Compensation may start up to step 10.

Policies

Full details for the Paramedic Lateral Process can be found in our Paramedic Lateral Process Policy.