FIRE CAPTAIN

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 71,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits (health, dental, and/

Paramedic Bonus

Job summary

State of California—CAL FIRE seeks a PARAMEDIC Fire Captain in the San Mateo County unit. This permanent, full-time position commands advanced paramedic duties within fire suppression and emergency medical response.

Minimum requirements include a valid California EMT-Paramedic license and a Class B CDL. The department offers competitive pay ($5,934–$8,483 monthly), full benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid California EMT-Paramedic License.
• Position requires Fire Captain certification eligibility and passing the FC exam.

Responsibilities

• Lead paramedic duties within Fire Captain role.
• Oversee emergency medical response and firefighting operations as a Captain.
• Ensure compliance with CAL FIRE policies and safety regulations.

Education

California EMT-Paramedic License

Job description

Job Posting: PARAMEDIC

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

JC-534053 PARAMEDIC FIRE CAPTAIN

$5,934.00 - $8,483.00 per Month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/11/2026

Job Description and Duties

For questions related to the duties of these positions, contact Deputy Chief Ryan West by phone at (650)-865-0077 or by email at [e-mail]. This position is located in San Mateo, CA.

Eligibility Information In order to be appointed to a Fire Captain – Paramedic position, at least one of the eligibility criteria listed in the section titled "Who May Apply" must be met. However, lack of eligibility does not preclude interested parties from applying and competing for positions, and all applicants will be included in the selection process as long as all documents are submitted completely, correctly, and timely. To establish list eligibility, candidates must take and pass the Fire Captain (FC) examination. Upon successfully completing and passing the examination, names are placed on a certification list establishing “list eligible” candidates. Obtaining list eligibility does not guarantee employment. In order to obtain employment, candidates must apply to job vacancies and compete through the State recruitment process. The exam is currently available and can be found by following the link below: Fire Captain Exam Bulletin

This job control is for PARAMEDIC positions only, applications submitted to this advertisement will not be considered for non-paramedic FC position vacancies.

Working Conditions

The incumbent is required to wear respiratory protection equipment (including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The use of such equipment may place a physiological burden on the incumbent that varies with the type of equipment used, the job and workplace conditions in which the equipment is used, and the medical status of the incumbent. As such, Cal/OSHA requires that the incumbent be annually medically cleared to be fit-tested for respiratory protection equipment. This clearance process consists of a comprehensive medical evaluation including a review of the incumbent's medical history, a complete physical examination, and vision, hearing, spirometry, and exercise treadmill test.

The incumbent typically is required to perform psychologically stressful and/or physically demanding duties consistent with firefighting, disaster response, and emergency medical response, including working in isolated areas, walking or running on uneven rough terrain, and remaining on duty 24 hours or longer without a break while performing these duties. Maintains the Arduous Fitness Standard in accordance with Department Policy.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• FIRE CAPTAIN

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-534053

Position #(s): 542-117-1095-633

Working Title: PARAMEDIC

Classification: FIRE CAPTAIN

$5,934.00 - $8,483.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: San Mateo County

Telework: In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Facility: San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit

Department Information

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California. When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co-workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunites. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!

Department Website: www.fire.ca.gov

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) a(n) Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Possession of a valid California Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic (EMT - P) card.

Must be able to obtain accreditation from Local Emergency Medical Services (LEMSA) for assigned work location.

Benefits

• $6199 - $8033 Base Salary (paid every month)
• $2192 - $2900 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
• $250 - $6000 Paramedic Bonus (paid every November; amount based on months worked)
• $105,884 – $140,096 Annual Compensation
• In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: www.fire.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:
Northern Region Hiring
[phone]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

BU 08 Considerations

The Bargaining Unit 8 Memorandum of Understanding regarding Voluntary In-Class Transfer Policy (Inter-Unit) (Section 9.2) will be followed. Transfers may require a two-year commitment.

Additional Information

Please include position number 542-117-1095-633 on your STD 678.

Candidates may be selected by resume review.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.