Firefighter

About the role

The City of Chico is holding a recruitment to fill 6-9 positions for an academy with a start date of in mid-to-late September and create an eligibility list for future positions.

Responsibilities

• Respond to all fire alarms with designated equipment.
• Connect and appropriately place fire hose lines.
• Enter burning buildings with hose lines.
• Operate nozzles to direct the stream of water on fire surfaces.
• Raise, lower and climb ladders.
• Auxiliary in overall salvage operations.
• Render emergency medical treatment.
• Maintain fire apparatus.
• Clean and test equipment.
• Perform basic maintenance of vehicles.
• Operate radio-telephone equipment as required.
• Clean and maintain station facilities and quarters.
• Study Fire Department rules, regulations and procedure.
• Explain fire hazards, firefighting techniques, fire codes and related subjects.
• Conduct fire prevention inspections and programs.
• Participate in fire drills and training exercises.
• May be required to act as Fire Apparatus Engineer, if authorized, in identifying hazardous materials and mitigating such emergencies.
• Operate fire station computers.
• Performs related duties as necessary.

Requirements

• Must be current on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) on 07/12/2026.
• Must have a valid Class C California Driver License (Firefighter Endorsement is desirable).
• Must successfully complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within previous 12 months.
• Must have a valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) card.
• Must have a valid Hazardous Materials First Responder-Operational Certification.
• Must have a valid Healthcare Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification.
• Must have a valid Automatic External Heart Defibrillator (AED) Certification.
• Must have proof of completion of Firefighter 1 coursework (must be certified by the CA State Board of Fire Services).
• Must have a valid California State Firefighter 1 certification.
• Must have completed an accredited fire academy.
• Must have a level of college education.
• Must have been a Chico Fire Volunteer.
• Must have volunteer/ reserve/intern Firefighting experience.
• Must have paid seasonal (career/combination department) Firefighting experience.
• Must have paid full-time (career/combination department) Firefighting experience.
• Must have formal training or experience in a trade.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Basic principles, practices and purposes of fire, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical services to a basic life support level at the emergency medical technician level.
• Ability To: Understand and act in accordance with Fire Department rules and instructions;
• Demonstrate physical endurance, agility and strength in accordance with established standards;
• Endure extremely high emotional and physical stress;
• Perform in emergency and potentially dangerous situations;
• Demonstrate a high degree of mechanical aptitude in the operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment;
• Learn firefighting techniques and the operation of fire apparatus;
• Learn emergency medical and rescue techniques;
• Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Medical Technician certification;
• Analyze fire and driving situations and employ effective courses of action;
• Think and act quickly and appropriately in emergency situations;
• Apply emergency medical treatment;
• Operate fire equipment as necessary;
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Deal effectively and courteously with the general public;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Benefits

The City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at: City of Chico - Employee Benefits.