Firefighter Paramedic - Professional Experience

Orange-County-Fire-Authority; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine, CA is seeking a Firefighter Paramedic with a mandatory two-year assignment in a paramedic post position. Candidates must complete OCFA academy and attain Orange County Paramedic Accreditation.

The role includes duties across firefighting and emergency medical response, with a structured academy, probation, and the potential for increases as announced by the department.

Qualifications

• Must be currently employed as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic for at least six months by Oct 18, 2026.
• Must complete OCFA Firefighter Academy (nineteen weeks).
• Must obtain OCEMSA Paramedic Accreditation.
• Must commit to a two-year OCFA Firefighter/Paramedic position.

Responsibilities

• Perform firefighting duties in suppression of structural, aircraft, wildland, and other fires.
• Provide emergency paramedical services to the community.
• May serve in roles such as fire prevention, training, arson investigation, and communications.

Education

High school diploma or GED

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:

A Firefighter Paramedic with no dependents pays ZERO ($0)out of pocket for PPO Medical and Vision. Optional PPO Dental insurance is only $6.00 per month. Please use link below to learn more about benefits available for this position.

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:

MUSTcomplete 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.