Firefighter/Paramedic I

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

Job summary

City of Vacaville invites applications for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic I, an entry-level role in a department handling fire suppression, EMS, and prevention. The incumbent will serve as primary patient care provider at medical emergencies, support station/equipment upkeep, and pursue advancement after the 20-week in-house academy.

The position currently anticipates multiple vacancies with an academy starting early 2027 and 48/96 shift schedule, averaging 56 hours per week.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Current, valid California Paramedic License is required at time of application.
• ACLS, PALS/PEPP, PHTLS/BTLS/ITLS certifications are required at appointment.

Responsibilities

• Emergency fire suppression and emergency medical care.
• Fire prevention and investigation activities.
• ALS transportation and related duties.
• Maintenance and care of stations, apparatus and equipment.

Skills

Team player

Emotional intelligence

Paramedic EMS

Public service

Education

12th grade

Firefighter I training

Fire Science coursework

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.

The 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;
• 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.

Final Filing Date: 5:30 p.m., October 6, 2026.

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