FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE / PARAMEDIC

About the role

The City of Stockton is recruiting for FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE / PARAMEDIC positions. Applicants must possess a valid Paramedic license issued by the State of California or National Registry by the application deadline and be active on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) by July 31, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Provide a wide range of services including fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency services to protect the lives and property of the diverse community.
• Develop staffing that reflects the rich make-up of the diverse population residing within the City of Stockton.
• Positively interact with the public and foster respect, dignity, and fairness.
• Successfully complete the Fire Academy and achieve the sworn status of Firefighter.

Requirements

• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• College-level fire science course work and/or previous experience fighting fires in a volunteer or paid capacity is desirable.
• Maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license.
• Obtain a Firefighter endorsement from the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 17 months of appointment.
• Pass a background investigation, including a polygraph and psychological examination, a medical examination, and obtain a California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
• Successfully complete the FCTC written exam with a score of 75% or higher and obtain a valid CPAT card issued between 7/31/2025 and 7/31/2026.
• Possess a valid Paramedic license issued by the State of California or National Registry at the time of application.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong commitment to public service and quality service provision.

Skills

• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong teamwork and leadership abilities.

Benefits

• Vacation: 120 hours per year
• Holidays: 13 fixed and 1 floating per year
• Sick leave: 12 hours per month of service
• Health benefits: Choice of plans for medical and hospitalization, dental and orthodontia, vision, and prescription coverage for employees and dependents
• Life insurance: $50,000 policy value
• Retail: California Public Employees' Retirement Systems (CalPERS)
• Section 125 (Flexible Spending Account): Available at employee's option
• Education assistance program: Up to $1,500 per fiscal year
• Uniform allowance: $950.00 yearly allowance

Pay

• FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE: $69,281.58 annually during the Fire Academy
• After successful completion of the Fire Academy, salary steps are as follows:
• Step 2: $72,844.89 annually after six (6) months at step 2
• Step 3: $76,593.27 annually after six (6) months at step 3
• Step 4: $80,526.23 annually after six (6) months at step 4
• Step 5: $84,677.54 annually after one (1) year at step 5
• Step 6: $89,030.82 annually after one (1) year at step 6
• Step 7: $93,602.71 annually after one (1) year at step 7
• Step 8: $98,409.36 annually after one (1) year at step 8
• Step 9 (Top Step): $103,469.13 annually after six (6) months at step 8

Schedule

• Non-sworn apprentice-level position in the Fire Department.
• Must satisfactorily pass all requirements of the Fire Academy before becoming a sworn Firefighter.
• Assignment to this classification is temporary; incumbents must complete the Fire Academy and pass all requirements to become a sworn Firefighter.

Additional Information

• Class Characteristic: Apprentice-level, non-sworn position in the Fire Department.
• Eligible candidates must be on the FCTC SEL on 7/31/2026.
• Applicants must adhere to the requirement of maintaining primary residence within 45 minutes of City Hall.
• Employee benefits are subject to change through the collective bargaining process and are not guaranteed.