Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit

About the role

The Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit position is a non-sworn, non-safety, at-will role designed to prepare candidates for a career as a sworn Firefighter-Paramedic with the City of Ventura.

Responsibilities

• Attend an 18-week Fire Academy
• Participate in additional departmental training
• Provide an introduction to the fire service, including firefighting techniques, emergency medical response, physical fitness, and applicable rules, regulations, and procedures
• Be assigned to a 40-hour work week during the academy and training period
• Attend the Firefighter-Paramedic Trainee classification based on overall academy performance and evaluations
• Perform emergency medical services as a certified paramedic, along with fire service duties including fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, station and equipment maintenance, fire prevention, and public education
• Advance to the Firefighter-Paramedic classification after one year of full-time firefighting experience, performing the full range of journey-level Firefighter-Paramedic duties

Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Age: At least 18 years old at the time of application
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or provide proof of application for U.S. citizenship at least one year prior to applying
• Background: Comprehensive background investigation must be successfully completed
• Physical Requirements: Must be physically capable of performing all tasks required of a Ventura Firefighter-Paramedic, including the rigorous demands of emergency operations. Must meet California Department of Motor Vehicle visual acuity standards necessary to maintain required licenses. Fitness will initially be determined by possession of a Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) certificate and the ability to pass a medical evaluation.

Qualifications

• Desirable Qualifications: Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Technology certification, or California Firefighter I certification. One year of experience as a 911 emergency paramedic. Some prior firefighting experience.

Skills

N/A

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Retirement: CalPERS retirement system
• Wellness Program

PAY (DOQ)

• Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit: $37.9776 hourly
• Firefighter-Paramedic Trainee: $42.37–$51.50 hourly (40-hour week)
• Firefighter-Paramedic Trainee: $30.26–$36.78 hourly (56-hour week)
• Firefighter-Paramedic: $44.49–$56.78 hourly (40-hour week)
• Firefighter-Paramedic: $31.78–$40.55 hourly (56-hour week)

About the Department

The Ventura Fire Department proudly serves the vibrant and diverse community of Ventura, providing all-hazards emergency response from six strategically located fire stations covering approximately 32 square miles. Each year, our firefighter-paramedics respond to more than 18,000 incidents, including fires, medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous materials responses, and mutual aid calls. As the county seat and home to roughly 110,000 residents, Ventura offers an unmatched quality of life with scenic beaches, parks, trails, and a historic downtown.

How to Apply & Selection Process

• Required to Be Placed on the City’s Eligibility List
• Step 1: Upload Paramedic License
• Step 2: Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT)
• Step 3: FCTC Written Examination
• Step 4: Submit City of Ventura Application
• Step 5: Department Selection Interviews
• Step 6: Background Check & Conditional Offer
• Step 7: Fire Academy