Firefighter - Lateral

City of Fullerton; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up front sick leave bank

Education incentive pay (3% assoc. deg

Education incentive pay (6% bachelor’s

Paramedic Pay up to 15%

Bilingual Pay up to 2%

Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500/yr

6% Longevity Pay

CalPERS Retirement Plan

Job summary

The City of Fullerton’s Fire Department invites applications for a Firefighter Trainee/Lateral position. Under supervision, trainees develop qualifications for a Firefighter role while receiving academy instruction and performing related duties.

Starting monthly salary ranges from $6,636 to $8,469, with progression based on experience. Compelling incentives include education pay, Paramedic pay, bilingual pay, and tuition reimbursement, plus strong retirement benefits.

Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience as a full-time, paid professional firefighter with a municipality, county or state agency.
• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Possession of a California SFT Fire Fighter I certificate.
• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License and acceptable driving record.
• Possession of a valid CPR certification at time of application and throughout employment.
• Possession of a current EMT license at time of application.
• CPAT/BPAT dated Oct 18, 2025 – Oct 18, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Develops qualifications for the position of Firefighter as a trainee.
• Participates in Fullerton Fire Department Academy instruction.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Supports emergency medical services, fire suppression, disaster response and rescue operations.

Education

California SFT Fire Fighter I certificate

EMT license (State of California)

CPR certification (Red Cross/Heart Association)

CPAT/BPAT valid

Valid Class C Driver's License (California)

Job description

Join the Fullerton Fire Department and become part of a proud tradition of service, where we invest in our community, protect our people, and work together to shape a safer, stronger future.

The Fullerton Fire Department serves as a vital pillar of safety, resilience, and unity within the Fullerton community. Operating from six fire stations, the department provides essential services to 143,000 residents across a 22-square-mile area. Its team of 88 dedicated professionals works tirelessly to protect lives and property through emergency medical services, fire suppression, disaster response, and rescue operations. Beyond emergency calls, the department is actively engaged in public education, disaster preparedness, and community outreach, fostering a strong sense of trust and connection. Guided by the belief that investing in the city means investing in its people, the Fullerton Fire Department remains committed to making Fullerton the very best it can be—ensuring a safer, stronger future for all who live and work here.

Why Fullerton Fire?

Fullerton Fire is more than just a workplace—it’s where purpose, community, and professional growth come together. Here, your career comes with a competitive salary, comprehensive healthcare, a solid retirement plan, education incentives, and a variety of other benefits to support you in your work and daily life. The department is equally committed to your career development, providing ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities to expand your skills through specialty assignments and other avenues for professional success. You’ll serve alongside a skilled and dedicated team of highly trained professionals, supported by strong leadership and equipped with modern resources, all while building a career that is both meaningful and rewarding.

The Position:

Under direct supervision, in a training, non-safety capacity, a Fullerton Firefighter Trainee develops qualifications for the position of Firefighter; receives Fullerton Fire Department Academy instruction and performs related work as required.

Firefighter - Lateral

$6,636 - $8,469 Monthly

Starting salary will be based on years of experience as a full-time paid professional firefighter with a municipal, county or state agency:

• Range 20/Step 2 ($6,967) for 1-2 years of qualifying experience
• Range 20/Step 3 ($7,316) for 3-4 years of qualifying experience
• Range 20/Step 4 ($7,681) for more than 4 years of qualifying experience

In addition:

• Up front bank of 56 sick leave hours available for use after 89 days of employment
• Time as a full-time firefighter with a municipal, county or state agency will count towards vacation accrual rate; vacation may be used after completion of 6 months of service.
• Education Incentive pay of 3% for an associate's degree from an accredited college and 6% for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a job related major upon appointment.
• Paramedic Pay of up to 15% of base hourly rate of upon appointment (must meet qualifications)
• Bilingual Pay of up to 2% of top step Firefighter base pay upon appointment (must meet qualifications)
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,500 per year after completion of academy

Additional benefits include:

• 6% Longevity Pay at the start of 6th year for Fullerton Fire Department
• CalPERS Retirement Plan

See the Fullerton Firefighters' Association Memorandum of Agreement for additional benefits information.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

• One (1) year of experience as a full-time, paid professional firefighter with a municipality, county or state agency
• High school diploma or recognized equivalent
• Possession of a California SFT Fire Fighter I certificate
• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License and acceptable driving record at time of application and throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid and appropriate Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR certification at time of application and throughout employment in this position
• Possession of a current State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license at the time of application and throughout employment in this position. An EMT basic license is the minimum acceptable credential.
• Successful completion of a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Biddle Physical Ability Test (BPAT) dated between October 18, 2025 and October 18, 2026.
• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of appointment
• Eyesight not less than uncorrected 20/100, correctable to 20/30 with contacts or glasses. Must have color vision sufficient to recognize red, green, and yellow colors.
• Must be able to work a variety of shifts and a flexible schedule to include 40-hour workweeks or other shifts as assigned, overtime, emergency call back, holidays, and weekends to accommodate City needs.

EVALUATION PROCESS

Structured Oral Board

Tentatively scheduled for the week of November 30, 2026. Candidates who achieve a passing score on the Structured Oral Board will be placed on the eligible list for Firefighter Trainee.

Biddle Physical Agility Test

Candidates will be required to complete a BPAT administered by the Fullerton Fire Department tentatively scheduled for December 10, 2026.

Fire Chief Interview

Tentatively scheduled for the week of December 14, 2026. Candidates on the eligible list may be invited to the Fire Chief interview. Please note that not all candidates on the eligible list may be invited to the Fire Chief interview.

Please review the full job description for additional requirements and information.

Assessment Process

Applicants must provide specific and complete details about their qualifications. Based on the information provided in the application, other required materials, and the ability to follow the instructions provided in this posting the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process. The City reserves the right to revise any portion of the examination process. Candidates will be notified of any changes before the related examination step. Candidates who successfully complete the assessment process for this recruitment will be placed on an eligible list, which will remain in effect for at least one year or until an insufficient number of candidates remain on the list.

Appointment

Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion of an extensive background check and a medical examination conducted by the City’s designated physician at the City’s expense. The background check will include fingerprinting, verified by the State of California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Medical examinations assess an individual’s ability to meet the physical requirements of the position. Additionally, all new hires and employees appointed to safety-sensitive classifications must undergo a drug screening.

Newly appointed firefighters will serve a 12-month probationary period.

This bulletin does not form an express or implied contract. Any provisions outlined are subject to modification or revocation without prior notice.

Per California Government Code §3100 - 3109, all public employees are declared to be disaster service workers and must take and subscribe to the oath or affirmation required.

Employees who drive for City business are enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles Government Pull Notice Program.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires that you must be a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully authorized to work in the United States to be eligible for hire.

The City of Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, other non-job related physical or mental disability, medical condition, or other functional limitation in employment or the provision of service.

The City is committed to making its programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with qualified disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete the employment application and/or participate in the testing process, please contact Human Resources at [phone] before the filing deadline. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

Fullerton is renowned for its unique mix of residential, business, educational, and cultural environments. Boasting a population of approximately 143,000 citizens, Fullerton is a community with a strong sense of tradition and takes pride in providing an atmosphere that allows for both the preservation of its historic past and opportunities to meet the challenges of the future. Known as the "Education Community", Fullerton is also home to award-winning elementary and secondary school systems, plus five universities and colleges, including Cal State Fullerton.

We are a full-service city comprised of nine departments, that include our own city staffed Fire and Police departments. Additionally, the city oversees a general aviation airport, a library, and a variety of recreational buildings, facilities, and activities. As a mid-sized organization providing a variety of services to both internal and external customers, employees are afforded the opportunity to perform varied work within their job classifications.

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