Firefighter Paramedic Trainee

Orange County Fire Authority; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Orange County Fire Authority is hiring for the position of Firefighter Paramedic Trainee. This role involves rigorous training in firefighting and emergency medical services, requiring candidates to complete a 19-week academy, obtain necessary certifications, and adhere to health and safety standards. A competitive salary with significant benefits is offered, along with opportunities for advancement within the organization.

Benefits

Medical and vision benefits

Dental insurance at low cost

Tuition reimbursement

Uniforms provided

Flexible spending account options

Retirement plan participation

Education incentives for degree holders

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid Paramedic License is required.
• Current California Driver License needed.
• No prior experience required.

Responsibilities

• Perform firefighting duties under supervision.
• Provide emergency paramedical services.
• Complete the prescribed firefighter academy.

Skills

Emergency response

Paramedic training

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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Description

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Paramedic Trainee.

Description

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Paramedic Trainee. 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)

$5,814.99 per month

Salary Upon Paramedic Accreditation/activation (approximately Week 22 Of Employment)

$7,953.95* per month (Step 7 of Firefighter Classification) + 9% EMT Bonus + 15% Paramedic Bonus = $9,862.90 per month

• Salary listed includes a 2.75% increase due on March 20, 2026 per Article XXIV, Section 2 of the OCPFA Local 3631 MOU.
  
  

24-Month Salary Outlook

Effective June 23, 2028, a candidate who is hired as part of this selection process, may be making up to $11,275.85 per month (step 12, $9,093.43 + 9% EMT Bonus + 15% Paramedic Bonus). This salary does not include possible, future negotiated cost of living increases.

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

MUST complete Orange County Paramedic Accreditation.

Probation Period

Probation period is equal to the completion of the Firefighter Basic Training Recruit Academy. Upon promotion from Firefighter Trainee promotional probation period is fifty-two (52) weeks from the date of promotion.

Essential Functions

To review the entire Firefighter Trainee job description please go to www.ocfa.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.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION (position requirements at time of application):

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

Experience

• No experience required
  
  

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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS*:

June, 29, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.: Last day to apply on-line

July 26 – August 3, 2025: Biddle Physical Agility Test coordinated by the OCFA

• Possession of a current Biddle Certificate within the last six (6) months may be substituted for this portion of the selection process (January 6, 2025 – Current)
  
  

August 11 - 29, 2025: Paramedic Assessment Center (Interview/Skills/Written)

TBD: Eligibility List Established

September 8 – 19, 2025: Chief’s Interview

October 1 – November 30, 2025: Background Investigation, Pre-employment Medical Examination, and Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment

December 12, 2025: Academy On-Boarding Orientation

February 6, 2026: Family Orientation/Date of Hire/First Day of Fire Academy (19-week academy)

June 18, 2026: Academy Graduation

• Please note, all dates are subject to change.
  
  

Online Application

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

Written Examination

The OCFA utilizes the Fire Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL). Candidates must be on the FCTC SEL by the end of OCFA’s application acceptance period, Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. The requirements to be placed on the FCTC SEL are as follows:

• Register and complete your profile on the FCTC website
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Possess a valid driver’s license – MUST upload to your profile AND keep current
• Have a high school diploma or GED – MUST complete the education field in your profile
• Possess a valid Cal-JAC Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Card – (CPAT results are uploaded automatically by FCTC)
• Receive a passing score on the FCTC Written Test – Written test score expires 12 months from date taken
• The OCFA only accepts FCTC scores of 80% or higher
• The OCFA will only accept FCTC written exam scores taken between June 30, 2024 – June 29, 2025
  
  

To view the FCTC test schedule, click here. Candidates are responsible to schedule and complete the FCTC Written exam.

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 (January 6, 2025 – Current)
• Candidates MUST attach a copy of their valid Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed between January 6, 2025 through July 6, 2025 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 by EMAIL of 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.

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 by EMAIL of 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 / Human Resources Director.

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.

After an offer of employment is made, a candidate must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.

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.

Please note: This summary reflects the benefits for shift employees assigned to a 56-hour average duty week. For benefits information related to staff assignments (40-hour workweek), please refer to the OCPFA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) Local 3631: This classification is represented by the OCPFA Local 3631. Please visit http://www.ocfirefighters.org for more information.

Base Salary Adjustments

• Effective the pay period which includes January 1, 2026 (PP02) - Salary range for each classification will be adjusted by 2.75%. Employees will receive their increase once they are eligible for a merit increase per OCPFA Local 3631 - Base Salary side letter.
  
  

Merit Salary Increases

Employees are eligible for an initial merit salary increase (1 to 4 steps) on the first day of the pay period following completion of fifty-two (52) weeks of service, and thereafter annually based on their work performance and until they reach the top of their 12-step salary range.

Health Benefits

Pursuant to a Health Plan Agreement, the Authority contributes to the OCPFA medical benefit trust fund for health insurance and other related benefits. Brown Insurance Services (BIS) is the administrator for these benefits. The current contribution to the medical benefit trust fund will continue through 6/30/2026 in the amount of $2,199.49/month for "actively employed" enrollee members of the unit.

Retirement

All regular OCFA employees are members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) - a defined benefit retirement program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.

Legacy Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who establish reciprocity with OCERS are enrolled in the 3% at age 55 retirement formula (Plan R). The compensation limit for Legacy members for 2025 is $350,000.

New Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 without reciprocity are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 57 retirement formula (Plan V). The compensation limit for PEPRA members for 2025 is $186,096 (non-Social Security Participants).

For more information about OCERS retirement, please visit OCERS, or view the Retirement Plan HERE.

Deferred Compensation

Employees may voluntarily participate in the Authority’s deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Nationwide Retirement Services and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals. This plan is 100% employee funded.

Retiree Medical Savings Plan

Employees participate in an employer sponsored retirement Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with a contribution of 3.0% of base salary. Firefighter Trainees and Handcrew Firefighters do not participate in this benefit.

OCPFA Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan

Employees contribute 1.0% of their base salary towards the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan Trust Fund.

Social Security

Orange County Fire Authority employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.

Medicare

Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare. Employees whose wages exceed $200,000 in a calendar year shall contribute an additional 0.9%.

Educational Incentive Pay

Employees with college-level semester units or a bachelor’s degree are eligible for educational incentive pay as follows:

• 60+ college-level semester units - 2.5% of base salary per month; or
• 90+ college-level semester units - 5% of base salary per month; or
• Baccalaureate Degree - 7.5% of base salary per month
  
  

The maximum educational incentive pay an employee shall receive is 7.5% of base salary. To receive educational incentive pay, the employee must submit a written request to receive the educational incentive pay and submit satisfactory proof of qualification (for example, grade cards, transcripts, and/or other verification from an accredited, college-level educational institution). Employees must provide official transcripts for verification.

Hand Crew Firefighters are not eligible for educational incentive Pay.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Pay

Employees (other than Firefighter Trainees) who maintain an active State of California EMT certification will receive, in addition to their regular salary, seven (9%) percent of each employee’s base salary per month, prorated on an hourly basis for regular hours paid.

Other Specialty Pays

Employees who move into special assignments at OCFA, or who possess specialized skills, may be eligible for other specialty pays. Please refer to the OCPFA MOU and Side Letter Agreements for further details.

Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement is $2,000 per fiscal year to cover certain expenses associated with academic pursuits.

Holidays

Employees in the Firefighters Unit observe 13 holidays within the calendar year:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
• Lincoln's Birthday
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
  
  

Shift employees receive 11.2 hours holiday pay of which 0.7 hours is designated to a Union Time Bank for Union release time.

Vacation

Vacation accrual is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime. For shift employees:

• After 1 year but less than 3 years: Approx 112 hours per year;
• After 3 years but less than 10 years: Approx 168 hours per year;
• After 10 years: Approx 224 hours per year.
  
  

Sick Leave

Sick leave is is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime. For shift employees:

• Date of employment but less than 3 years: Approx 101 hours per year;
• After 3 years: Approx 144 hours per year.
  
  

Uniforms

The Authority provides uniforms to employees.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

The OCFA offers regular, limited-term, and probationary employees both a Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account that can be used throughout the year on qualified medical or dependent care expenses. Participants pay fewer taxes and take home more money. For 2022, the maximum employee contribution is $2,750 for eligible medical expenses. The maximum employee contribution is $5,000 for eligible dependent care expenses.

WEFIT Program

The WEFIT Program is mandatory/non-punitive. The OCFA shall provide all five (5) of the following aspects of the WEFIT Program:

• Medical
• Fitness
• Medical/Fitness/Injury Rehabilitation
• Behavioral Health
• Data Collection and Reporting
  
  

Pet Discount Program

OCFA has partnered with United Pet Care to offer a pet healthcare program. This program helps employees reduce the cost of escalating veterinary bills at an affordable rate. All pets are eligible regardless of their age or medical condition.

Benevolent Association

Employees have the option to join OCFA’s Benevolent Association which was created to “Take Care of Their Own.” Included in your $8.00 per pay period cost is $10,000 Member Death Benefit, $4,000 Dependent Death Benefit, $30,000 Annual Scholarships for Members and Dependents, Hardship Grants/Loans, Annual Picnic for Members, Holiday Ball, and Retiree Tribute. In addition, Discount Offers- Recreation/Amusement Parks, fitness 19 and 24-Hour Fitness gym membership, discount movie tickets, Angels Baseball game with tailgate party, etc. Membership also allows access to very good supplemental insurances of many types, including, Long Term Disability, Long Term Care, various AFLAC (ICU, Cancer, Accident Injury, CSFA membership, Living Trusts and more. The Family Auxiliary and KIDS Fund (provides monetary assistance only to kids of members), both operate under the Benevolent Association.

Updated 03/2025

This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Memoranda of Understanding, Personnel and Salary Resolution, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Orange County Fire Authority, including Standard Operating Procedures and General Orders. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Orange County Fire Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers. Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Department at [phone].

01

The Orange County Fire Authority uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of applications. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase efficiency, conserve resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We recommend that you do not share e-mail addresses with other individuals who may inadvertently delete important communications sent to you. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept e-mails from ocfa.org and governmentjobs.com. Please read each e-mail notice carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. Please acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

From the choices below, select the highest level of education you have completed.

• Less than high school diploma or GED
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college credits completed
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• PhD
  
  

03

As of today (date of application submission), do you possess a valid, current California or National Registry Paramedic License? Please note, you MUST attach a copy of your Paramedic License.

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Please provide your Paramedic License number. If you do not possess a Paramedic License, please write "N/A."

05

Have you successfully completed a Biddle within the past 6 months (January 6, 2025 – Current)? If you have successfully completed a Biddle Physical Agilities Test between 01/06/2025 - 06/29/2025, you MUST attach a copy of your certificate to your application to substitute participation in this portion of the selection process.

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

From the list below, please indicate the certificates you have attached to your electronic application. Please note you MUST attach a copy of your Paramedic License.

• Current California or National Registry Paramedic license
• Biddle Physical Ability Certification successfully completed within the past 6 months (A valid Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed between January 6, 2025 through July 6, 2025 must be attached to your application in order to substitute for participation in this portion of the selection process.)
• I do not possess, or I have not attached the required certificates
  
  

07

From the list below, please select any additional language other than English that you speak fluently.

• Spanish
• Farsi
• Chinese
• Mandarin
• Cantonese
• Korean
• Vietnamese
• Urdu
• hindi
• Tagalog
• American Sign Language
• I do not speak any of the languages listed above
  
  

08

If you are currently on the FCTC SEL with a written exam between 06/30/2024 – 06/29/2025 and a score of 80% or higher please provide your FCTC ID#. If you have not completed the FCTC written exam between 06/30/2024 – 06/29/2025 with a score of 80% please write "N/A."

• Required Question

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Internship

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other, Information Technology, and Management

• Industries

  Public Safety

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