CA-TF5 US&R Medical Specialist

Orange-County-Fire-Authority; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County Fire Authority is seeking qualified candidates for the US&R Medical Specialist role. The position supports medical functions of the US&R Task Force and requires deployment in disaster zones and challenging environments.

Candidates must be OCFA personnel or non-probationary firefighters with paramedic certification and FEMA training. The role involves coordination with multiple sections, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to work in adverse weather and hazardous settings

Qualifications

• Current OCFA Captain, Apparatus Engineer, or non-probationary Firefighter.
• Participation in OCFA WE FIT program.
• Basic knowledge of US&R and GPS operations.
• Ability to follow orders and manage personnel.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Willingness to work and live in challenging conditions for extended periods.
• Basic computer skills (Word/Excel).
• Two years as a certified Paramedic.
• Follow the US&R Code of Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Support practical medical functions of the US&R Task Force.
• Represent local, state and federal government under diverse conditions.
• Coordinate with Medical Team Manager and other sections during deployments and training.

Skills

Communication skills

Follow orders

Personnel management

Flexibility/ resilience

Written communication

Education

Paramedic certification (2+ years)

FEMA Medical Team Course

FEMA IS100/IS200/IS700/IS800

GPS/operational training

ACLS/PALS/PHTLS certifications

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The US&R Medical Specialist recruitment is open to current, Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Fire Captains, Fire Apparatus Engineers, and non-probationary Firefighters. Successful candidates will be placed on a Candidate Pool List, which will be used to fill current and future vacancies. The list may be retained for up to two (2) years.
California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5) is currently recruiting for the position of Medical Specialist. The Medical Specialist, under the direction of the Medical Team Manager, is responsible for supporting the practical medical functions of the US&R Task Force.

The position requires participation in rigorous physical and mentally challenging base camp and field operations, encompassing multiple disciplines of medical functions in extremely varied and potentially hazardous working conditions. Medical Specialists require the ability to provide both verbal and written interaction with all Sections of the US&R Task Force, including local, state and federal officials. The position also requires working in disaster zones, in adverse weather conditions, hazardous atmospheres and flight in military or civilian aircraft (fixed and rotary).
As a Member of the US&R Task Force you will be asked to represent the local, state and federal government, under extremely diverse conditions.

Minimum requirements for US&R Medical Specialist (pre-appointment):

• Current, OCFA Fire Captains, Fire Apparatus Engineers, or non-probationary Firefighters.
• Participation in the OCFA \"WEFIT\" program
• Have a basic knowledge of US&R and GPS operations
• Demonstrate the ability to follow orders and personnel management skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Have the ability to be flexible, resolve conflicts, and solve problems
• Possess basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Be willing to work and live in poor conditions for extended periods of time
• Follow the Federal \"Code of Conduct\" for US&R Task Forces”
• Two (2) years as a certified Paramedic

Position Requirement (post selection)

• Must maintain a basic knowledge of the use of specialized Task Force equipment and support resources related to your position
• Meet and maintain qualifications for Medical Specialist per the FEMA Position Descriptions
• Completion of the FEMA Medical Team Course
• Completion of FEMA classes IS100, IS200, IS700 & IS800 and FEMA Orientation class
• Completion of GPS operational, WMD Enhanced Ops classes (on-line)
• Completion and maintenance of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
• Participate in air operations – Helicopter and fixed wing during deployments or training
• Assist with regular, and as needed, medical cache upkeep and restocking
• Maintain/respond by timely communication with Task Force and section administration through email and phone
• Successfully complete Confined Space Rescue Technician class and be able to work and function in that environment.
• Complete Annual Confined Space Rescue Refresher training
• Attend a minimum of three quarters (¾) of Medical Specialist Trainings and quarterly meetings annually.

All materials must be submitted with your online application no later than 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

• September 29, 2026 at 12:00 pm (noon) – Last day to submit online application, memo of interest, resumé, and applicable certificates
• Week of October 19, 2026 – Oral Interviews
• Week of October 27, 2026 – Notification to Candidates
• Selected individuals are anticipated to begin training in February 2027.

If there is a change in the recruitment process, Human Resources will notify affected candidates.

QUESTIONS:

All questions regarding this position should be directed to Fire Captain Brian Hsieh.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH NEOGOV

Please contact the assigned recruiter, Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at [e-mail] or 714-573-6816.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at [e-mail] within 72 hours of the need for an accommodation.

WITHDRAWING FROM RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Whenever an applicant chooses to withdraw from a recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to the assigned recruiter, Brad Stephens, at [e-mail] requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicant's current phone number.

EQUAL OPPORTUNIY EMPLOYER:

The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.