FIRE ENGINEER
Cathedral City
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Job summary
Cathedral City is seeking a Fire Engineer to operate all fire apparatus and equipment, safely transport crew, and respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other incidents. The role includes performing maintenance, inspections, and training duties, with potential limited Captain responsibilities.
Candidates must have a high school diploma (or GED), a CA driver license with firefighter endorsement, and hold Firefighter I & II, CA Driver/Operator 1A-1B, CPR, and EMT/Paramedic certifications.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required with fire-related coursework preferred.
- Must possess CA Driver license with firefighter endorsement or ability to obtain.
- Must have completed CA State Fire Training Driver/Operator 1A and 1B.
- Must hold Firefighter I and II certifications.
- Current CPR certification required.
- State EMT or Paramedic license/certification with Riverside County eligibility.
- Cathedral City task book to be completed by end of probation.
Responsibilities
- Operate and oversee fire apparatus and equipment; transport crew to scenes.
- Respond to fires, medical and other emergencies; protect life and property.
- Perform routine inspections and maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
- Provide advanced life support as required; assist at fire scenes.
- Conduct building safety inspections and identify fire hazards.
- Maintain records and assist with training programs and drills.
- May assume Captain responsibilities on a limited basis.
- Participate in station maintenance and related duties.
Education
Tools
Job description
Under general direction, operates all fire apparatus and equipment; safely transports crew to the emergency scene; responds to fires, medical emergencies and other emergency and non-emergency situations and takes appropriate action to protect life and property; performs various support assignments in addition to normal emergency response activities; performs related work as assigned.
This is an advanced level class in fire suppression, fully qualified to operate any apparatus, vehicles and equipment in addition to performing all normal emergency response duties. This class is distinguished from Fire Captain in that the latter is a first-level supervisory class which provides work direction to a station during an assigned shift.
The following duties are the regular duties of this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required as assigned.
- Operates and oversees the use of numerous types of vehicles, equipment, tools and apparatus.
- Drives pumping and aerial ladder apparatus to alarms; operates pump at the fire; regulates water pressure through hose lines; maintains an awareness of City layout and the water system.
- Inspects vehicles, equipment and apparatus including aerial ladder and pumping equipment; performs maintenance and minor repair work; identifies the need for major repairs; maintains records of maintenance and overhauls.
- Responds to emergency medical incidents; analyzes patient needs and administers advanced of basic life support treatment.
- Performs the duties of a firefighter when apparatus is not being used at a scene.
- Performs periodic and follow-up inspection of new and existing buildings, strictures, protective systems, and installations requiring fire clearances; identifies fire hazards, recommend corrective actions.
- Obtains and otherwise preserves evidence at a fire scene.
- Uses hand and power tools to obtain entry to buildings.
- Provides information to the public concerning fire prevention practices and procedures.
- Conducts training programs and group presentations related to emergency medical services, fire prevention and fire suppression.
- Participates in drills and other training activities.
- Participates in station maintenance work.
- May have the responsibility of Captain on a limited basis.
- Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.
- Graduation from high school or GED equivalent, supplemented by courses in Fire Science or a related field; and two years of paid municipal, county, tribal or special district fire experience in fire suppression and prevention.
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain a valid California Class B driver license, or a California Class C driver license with a firefighter endorsement at time of appointment; must maintain a satisfactory driving record.
- Must possess successful completion of California State Fire Training Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A and 1B.
- Must possess a current/valid CPR certification.
- Possession of a valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certification/licensure with eligibility to work under the Riverside County.
- Completion of a Cathedral City task book by the end of their probationary period.
- Must be willing to work shifts as structured in the Fire Department.
- Certification as a Firefighter I and II is required.
- Experience as a Fire Engineer is desirable.
Must live within 150 miles of the city limits by the end of their probationary period. The calculation of the 150 miles shall be made using Google Maps driving directions.
Based upon the information presented on the applications, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.
- 09/22/2026 - Written Exam and Open House (Station 2)
- 09/28/2026 - Panel Interviews and Practical Exam
- 09/29/2026 - Fire Chief Interview
Candidates must successfully pass the Cathedral City Fire Department Apparatus Pre-Trip inspection. This exam is pass/fail and will be offered at the Fire Department Open House scheduled for September 22, 2026. A grade sheet will be emailed to candidates for preparation.
Candidates passing the written examination will be invited to participate in a practical exam and oral interview. The written exam is pass/fail.
The Pumping Evolution has failure points that are critical that will preclude candidates from proceeding forward making this exam a pass/fail. This exam will have a weight of 50% of the candidate's overall score. All candidates who achieve a passing score will continue to the oral interview.
The panel interview will have a weight of 50% of the candidate's overall score.
Placement on the eligibility list will be established based on a combination of the Pumping Evolution (50%) and the Panel Oral Interview scores (50%). The eligibility list will remain in effect for a period of (six) 6 months from the date of establishment.
The Fire Engineer written exam is divided into the following content areas:
- FIREFIGHTING ESSENTIALS (25)
- KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS (25)
- WATER SUPPLIES (25)
- HYDRAULIC PRINCIPLES AND CALCULATIONS (25)
The sources for this test include:
- IFSTA (2015)
- Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition. Fire Protection Publications.
- IFTSA (2018) Essentials of Fire Fighting, 7th edition. Fire Protection Publications*
- *NOTE: Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 6th Edition can also be used as a source list for this test.
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