Firefighter Paramedic - Professional Experience

Orange County Fire Authority; California (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero out-of-pocket medical

Low-cost dental insurance ($6/mo)

Job summary

Orange County Fire Authority is hiring a Firefighter Paramedic in a Professional Experience track. The role includes a two-year post assignment commitment and requires current California or National Registry Paramedic licensure, plus a valid Class C driver license.

Academy and extensive EMT/paramedic duties are involved. Salary progresses from academy levels with yearly bonuses for EMT and Paramedic credentials; a multi-year outlook is provided with periodic adjustments and benefits to cover

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED is required.
• Current California or National Registry Paramedic License is required.
• Valid Class C California Driver License or out-of-state equivalent is required; CDL if applicable.
• Currently employed as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic with a government agency by Oct 18, 2026; six months minimum experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform a full range of firefighting duties for structural, aircraft, and wildland fires.
• Provide emergency paramedical services to the community.
• Complete required training, certifications, and commitment requirements as specified.

Skills

Firefighting

Paramedic duties

Emergency response

Teamwork

Education

HS diploma or GED

Paramedic License (CA or NREMT)

Driver License Class C (or out-of-state)

Commercial Driver’s License (if out-of-state)

Job description

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently accepting applications for Firefighter Paramedic - Professional Experience. Candidates must agree to a two-year assignment in a paramedic post position. Please review the entire recruitment bulletin for important information before applying.

Salary (during academy):

$8,312.57* per month (Step 7 of Firefighter Classification) + 9% EMT Bonus = $9,060.70* per month

Salary upon paramedic accreditation/activation (approximately week 22 of employment):

$8,312.57* per month (Step 7 of Firefighter Classification) + 9% EMT Bonus + 17.5% Paramedic Bonus = $10,515.40* per month

24-Month Salary Outlook:

Effective July 21, 2029, a candidate who is hired as part of this selection process, may be making up to $13,385.44* per month (step 12, $10,376.31* + 9% EMT Bonus + 20% Paramedic Bonus). This salary does not include possible, future negotiated cost of living increases.

*Estimates based on the following base salary adjustments this classification is scheduled to receive:

• 4.5% effective March 19, 2027
• 4.5% effective March 17, 2028
• 4.5% effective March 16, 2029
• 4.5% effective March 15, 2030
• 4.5% effective March 14, 2031

Medical, Vision, and Dental Benefits:

• ZERO ($0) out of pocket for PPO Medical and Vision
• Optional PPO Dental insurance is only $6.00 per month

OCPFA Benefits

OCFA FIRE ACADEMY:

Candidates who successfully complete the selection process and are selected for employment with the Orange County Fire Authority must successfully complete a nineteen (19) week firefighter academy.

ORANGE COUNTY PARAMEDIC ACCREDITATION:

MUST complete Orange County Paramedic Accreditation.

PROBATION PERIOD:

Fifty-two (52) weeks / 364 days from the date of appointment (first day of fire academy).

PARAMEDIC POST POSITION COMMITMENT REQUIRMENT:

All candidates selected for this position must agree to a 2-year commitment in an OCFA Firefighter/Paramedic position. The 2-year commitment for Firefighter Paramedic - Professional Experience recruits begins upon obtaining OCEMSA Paramedic Accreditation specifically through or sponsored by OCFA, not through any other agency. All newly hired paramedics must promptly complete the OCEMSA and OCFA accreditation process directly following the OCFA recruit academy or at the next available accreditation session. Throughout this commitment period, these individuals are not intended to fill BLS roles. Additionally, if a member is Administratively Assigned by OCFA during the commitment, the assignment period counts toward their 2-year obligation. Should a member promote within OCFA, specifically through FAE promotions—such advancement will also be counted as part of the commitment time.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To review the entire Firefighter job description please go to www.ofa.org.

CLASS SUMMARY:

Under supervision, to perform a full range of firefighting duties in the suppression of structural, aircraft, wildland, and other types of fires; and/or to provide emergency paramedical services to the community; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Incumbents perform a full range of firefighting and paramedic duties and may serve in a technical assignment performing one of the following: fire prevention, training, arson investigation, communications, and others. Paramedic and hazardous materials emergency response duties required additional qualifications and receive special compensation.

EDUCATION (position requirements at time of application)

• Possession of a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)

EXPERIENCE:

• Currently employed as a full-time, paid Firefighter/Paramedic (dual role) for a minimum of six (6) months with a government agency by October 18, 2026

Examples of government experience includes cities, counties, public education institutions, special districts/authorities, Tribal, and state and federal government.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS (position requirements at time of application)

• Possession of a valid, current California or National Registry Paramedic License
• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License or out of state equivalent

• Candidates who possess an out of state equivalent license must possess a Commercial Driver’s License at time of appointment.

Applicants MUST attach a copy of their valid, current California or National Registry Paramedic License at time of application submission. Failure to submit required documentation at time of application will result in disqualification.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS*:

• Monday, September 21, 2026: Recruitment Opens
• Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.: Last day to apply on-line
• November 7 - 15, 2026: Biddle Physical Agility Test coordinated by the OCFA (possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed on or after April 15, 2026 WILL be substituted for this portion of the selection process)
• December 7 – 18, 2026: Paramedic Assessment Center (Interview/Skills/Written)
• TBD: Eligibility List Established
• January 1 – 31, 2027: Chief's Interview
• February 15 – April 30, 2027: Background Investigation, Pre-employment Medical Examination, and Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment
• June 11, 2027 (Preferably May 28): Academy On-Boarding Orientation
• July 23, 2027: First Day of Fire Academy/Family Orientation

*Please note, all dates are subject to change.

ONLINE APPLICATION:

Human Resources will screen all applications for minimum qualifications as listed above.

BIDDLE PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMINATION

Candidates must pass the Biddle Physical Ability Test in a time of 9 minutes and 34 seconds or less. The Biddle Physical Ability Test will be coordinated by the OCFA at a nearby Orange County college (TBD) and proctored by the college staff.

• Possession of a current Biddle Certificate within the last 6 months may be substituted for this portion of the selection process (April 15, 2026 – Current).
• Candidates MUST attach a copy of their valid Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed between April 15, 2026 through October 18, 2026 to their application in order to substitute for participation in this portion of the selection process.
• Possession of a CPAT will NOT be accepted in lieu of the Biddle Physical Agility Examination portion of the selection process.

Human Resources will notify candidates byEMAILof the scheduled dates, times, and locations. Candidates will be required to pay the cost of the Biddle Physical Ability Test (approximately $40.00) at time of examination. All candidates who pass the Biddle Physical Ability Test (or attach a valid copy of a Biddle to their application) will be invited to the Paramedic Assessment Center.

Candidates who want to obtain a Biddle on their own can find more information on how to schedule a Biddle locally at Rio Hondo College, Santa Ana College, and Mt. San Antonion College.

PARAMEDIC ASSESSMENT CENTER:

The Paramedic Assessment Center consist of:

• Paramedic Written Exam
• Oral Interview
• Practical Paramedic Skills Examination

PARAMEDIC WRITTEN EXAMINATION:

The minimum passing score is 80%. The written exam will have a weight of 15% of the candidate’s overall score.

PANEL ORAL INTERVIEW:

The minimum passing score is 80%. The panel interview will have a weight of 50% of the candidate's overall score.

PARAMEDIC SKILLS EXAMINATION:

The minimum passing score is 80%. The paramedic skills examination will have a weight of 35% of the candidate's overall score. Candidates who achieve passing scores on all portions of the paramedic assessment center will be placed on the eligibility list.

Human Resources will arrange the Paramedic Assessment Center. Human Resources will notify referred candidates byEMAILof the scheduled dates, times, and locations.

ELIGIBILITY LIST:

Placement on the eligibility list will be established based on a combination the written examination (15%), panel oral interview scores (50%) and paramedic assessment examination (35%). The Biddle Physical Ability Test is pass/fail. The eligibility list will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of establishment or until all the names on the list are exhausted. The eligibility list may be extended or abolished at the discretion of the Assistant Chief of Human Resources.

CHIEF'S INTERVIEW:

Candidates who successfully complete the Chief's interview may be invited to begin the pre-employment background process.

Human Resources will arrange the Chief’s interview. Human Resources will notify referred candidates by EMAIL of the scheduled dates, times, and locations.

SELECTION:

Tentative selections will be completed after the Paramedic Assessment Center. Final placement in any academy will be determined based on successful completion of:

• Pre-employment medical examination
• Background check
• Pre-academy physical fitness assessment

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION:

Candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment medical exam including a drug screen through the OCFA's designated physician.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND:

Candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation including but not limited to fingerprinting, current and previous employment history check, reference check, DMV check, criminal history check, and licensure/certification check.

PRE-ACADEMY PHYSICAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT:

Candidate must complete a comprehensive Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment through the OCFA's designated assessment vendor.

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal conviction check (Live-Scan), comprehensive pre-employment medical exam and drug screen, and pre-academy physical fitness assessment.

LOYALTY OATH:

All new employees must take an oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA ACCOMMODATION):

In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at (714) 573 - 6816 or via email at [e-mail] within 72 hours prior to the need for the accommodation.

TOBACCO PRODUCTS:

Employees represented by the OCPFA hired after September 1, 2016 are not permitted to use tobacco products on or off duty.

QUESTIONS:

All questions regarding this position should be directed to Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at (714) 573 - 6816 or via email at [e-mail].

NOTE:

The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.