Firefighter

Tulare County, CA; Tulare (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tulare County Fire Department in Tulare County seeks a firefighter to respond to fire and medical emergencies, operate equipment, and assist in suppression and incident management. The role includes performing inspections to identify fire hazards and support community safety.

Applicants must meet minimum education and licensing requirements, including EMT-B within a year and CPAT within 12 months, with pre-employment screening and background checks as part of the process.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Must obtain EMT-B certification within the first year of employment.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
• CPAT certification must be current within 12 months at interview.
• Pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening may be required.
• Background investigation may be conducted; E-Verify may be used.

Responsibilities

• Respond to fire, medical, and other emergency alarms.
• Operate equipment and assist in suppression of fires and medical emergencies.
• Operate pumps, padders, and other mechanical equipment as required.
• Assist in tactical incident management and direct activities of firefighters until relieved by a Fire Officer.
• Assist in residential and commercial inspections to identify fire hazards.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

EMT-B certification within 1 year

California driver’s license

CPAT certification within 12 months

CPAT proof of registration for written exam

State Fire Marshal Firefighter 1 Certificate

CCEMSA EMT Certificate or Paramedic

Associates degree in Fire Technology

Job description

Current vacancies are with the Tulare County Fire Department located in multiple locations throughout Tulare County. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

• Respond to fire, medical, and other emergency alarms.
• Operate equipment and assist in the suppression of fires, medical emergencies, and in the protection of life, property, and the environment.
• Operate pumps, padders, and other mechanical equipment as required.
• Assist in performing tactical incident management and assist in directing the activities of fire fighters until relieved by a Fire Officer.
• Assist Fire Officer in conducting residential and commercial inspections to discover and eliminate potential fire hazards.

For a full list of duties for this position, please click Firefighter.

Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Special Requirement:

• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application submission.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of a CCEMSA EMT-B certification within the first year (end of probation) of employment as a firefighter.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

CPAT Requirement:

• Possession of a valid CPAT Certificate at time of first interview. In addition, the CPAT certification must have been issued within 12 months at time of first interview. For information on how to obtain a CPAT Card of Completion, visit www.cpatonline.org or call 1-877-648-CPAT.
• Proof of being scheduled for the CPAT exam or a copy of a current valid CPAT card will be required for admittance to the Written Exam.

Note: Copies of all required certificates must be turned in prior to the closure of the recruitment. Certificates will not be accepted after August 31, 2026.

Written Exam:

• A valid CPAT or proof of registration to take the CPAT will be required for admittance to the written exam.
• There is no study guide for the written exam, and no prior knowledge of the fire service is required to be successful on the written exam.
• The top 80 scores will move on to the Oral Interview portion of the recruitment process.

Skill/Ability to:

• Successfully pass and complete Department EMT course and obtain EMT-1 certification through Central California Emergency Medical Services Agency (CCEMSA) within 1 year of employment with Tulare County (prior to the end of probation).
• Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
• Plan, direct, and organize fire suppression and support activities during emergencies.
• Effectively apply fire suppression and prevention methods and techniques.

See the full list in the link.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education:

• Associates degree in Fire Technology or closely related field.

License or Certificate:

• State Fire Marshal Firefighter 1 Certificate

• CCEMSA EMT Certificate or Paramedic

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected may be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan service or visit https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER