Firefighter/Paramedic I

City of Vacaville; Vacaville (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vacaville is seeking an entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic I to join the department. The role includes primary patient care at medical emergencies, station and equipment upkeep, and support of fire suppression and prevention activities.

Vacaville firefighters work a 48/96 shift. Minimum qualifications emphasize a high school diploma and Firefighter I training; paramedic licensure is required at appointment with ACLS, PALS/PEPP, and PHTLS/BTLS/ITLS certifications encouraged.

Qualifications

• Education: Completion of 12th grade or equivalent.
• Firefighter I training or equivalent curriculum desirable; Fire Science coursework desirable.
• Experience: None required; one year of experience as Firefighter/Paramedic or two years in EMS transport desirable; possession of Firefighter I certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide emergency fire suppression and EMS care.
• Engage in fire prevention and investigations; participate in ALS transportation.
• Maintain stations, apparatus and equipment; support department operations.

Skills

Paramedic EMS

Teamwork

Empathy

Public service mindset

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Firefighter I training desirable

Fire Science coursework desirable

Job description

The City of Vacaville invites applications for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic I.

Three (3) or more vacancies are anticipated within the department. The academy is expected to begin early 2027. This recruitment will also be used to establish a list for future vacancies that may occur over the next 12-month period.

Vacaville Firefighter/Paramedics perform skilled work in emergency fire suppression, emergency medical care, fire prevention, investigation activities, ALS transportation, and other tasks that support the protection of life and property. Firefighter/Paramedics assume primary responsibility for patient care at the scene of a medical emergency, assist in the maintenance and care of all stations, apparatus, and equipment, and perform other related duties normally associated with the position of a professional Firefighter/Paramedic.

Firefighter/Paramedic I is the entry classification of the series. Incumbents are promoted to Firefighter/Paramedic II upon successful completion of the Vacaville in-house training academy (20 weeks). The City of Vacaville no longer requires the completion of the Firefighter I training curriculum to be eligible for this position. Please see the new minimum qualifications below.

Firefighter/Paramedic I salary: $108,348.62/annually (during in-house academy) Firefighter/Paramedic II salary: $121,892.84 - $148,161.98 /annually

Vacaville Firefighter/Paramedics currently work a 48/96 shift schedule, resulting in an average work week of 56 hours.

Additional information, including benefit details and incentive pay, can be found on our website at www.cityofvacaville.gov.

The City of Vacaville values the service Veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses through our Veterans Preference Points Policy.

Ideal Candidate

The City of Vacaville is seeking an enthusiastic, entry-level fire service professional with a positive attitude who is eager to join a community-focused, service-driven team.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a collaborative team player who demonstrates empathy for both the community and coworkers, and possesses strong emotional intelligence;
• Be an experienced paramedic-level EMS provider with a proven record of delivering skilled, compassionate patient care;
• Have a clear career goal of becoming a firefighter; and
• Bring dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public service to our department.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Equivalent to the completion of 12th grade.

Certification of successful completion of California State Fire Marshal approved Firefighter I training, or equivalent, curriculum is desirable. College-level coursework in Fire Science is desirable.

Experience: None required. The following qualifications are desirable: One (1) year of paid experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic, two (2) years of experience in emergency response ambulance transport Paramedic, and/or possession of the California State Fire Marshal Firefighter 1 Certification.

License and Certificate Requirements (at time of application)

• Current, valid California Paramedic License

At the time of appointment to the position, successful candidates must possess the following

• Current, valid ACLS certificate (issued by American Heart Association or equivalent)
• Current, valid PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) or PEPP (Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals) Certification
• Current, valid PHTLS (Prehospital Trauma Life Support) or BTLS/ITLS (Basic Trauma Life Support/International Life Support) Certification
• CFF JAC CPAT "Card of Completion" indicating completion of the CPAT within 12 months prior to the appointment date

To view full job requirements, please review the class specification found here.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: 5:30 pm, Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Paramedic Skills Test and Department Interviews: Week of October 12, 2026

Chief's Interviews: November 2026

Background Process for Selected Candidates: November/December 2026

Anticipated Start of Employment: January/February 2027

These dates, including the final filing date, may be changed due to business or administrative necessity.

Applicants must submit all required documentation with their City of Vacaville application, and meet minimum requirements for the position, to continue in the process. Candidates who have met all requirements may be invited to continue in the examination process which will include the paramedic skills test, oral board interview, comprehensive background investigation and a post-offer, pre-employment medical and psychological evaluation.