Firefighter Trainee

City of Bakersfield, CA; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Bakersfield, CA invites applications for a Firefighter Trainee with the Bakersfield Fire Department. Trainees receive academy training and learn EMS, rescue, and fire suppression while under supervision.

Upon graduation, candidates may advance to Firefighter – Suppression with a salary progression. Applicants must meet the stated prerequisites and pass background checks and testing per the department guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 18 years old at time of appointment.
• Possession of a California Class C driver’s license is required.

Skills

EMT-1 certificate

CPAT within 12 months

Education

High school diploma or GED

Age 18+

Tools

California Class C license

Job description

SALARY:

Firefighter Trainee - Days: $3,892.03 / Monthly

Upon Academy Graduation - Firefighter - Suppression: $6,367.82 - $8,101.91 / Monthly

This is a non-sworn trainee classification. Under close supervision and in a learning capacity, incumbents attend the department’s recruit academy and receive training on emergency medical services, rescue, hazardous materials, and the various phases of fire prevention and suppression; learns the functions performed by the fire department; and performs other work as required.

VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSIONS (Optional):

October 1st, 2026, 5:30 PM

Applicants will receive information about the position, background investigation process, and be allowed to ask questions.

Teams Meeting ID: 259 499 189 449 545 Passcode: 2n7XW34s

The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of the position's essential duties. They are descriptive, not limiting.

Essential Duties:

For full job descriptions:

Firefighter Trainee & Firefighter.

Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED application & supplemental questionnaire that they meet the below requirements:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; AND
• At least 18 years of age.

Licenses, Certificates or Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Class “C” driver’s license at time of appointment is required;
• Possession of a current and valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician 1 (EMT-1) Certificate or current and valid National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification or higher;
• Possession of a Biddle or Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) issued within 12 months of the filing deadline (dated between 10/26/25 and 10/26/26)

For more information about the CPAT, visit their website at https://www.fctconline.org.

You may also obtain a CPAT through the following organizations:

Firefighter Candidate Testing Center: https://www.fctconline.org/cpat/; or

National Testing Network: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/cpat_info.cfm

• Possession of a passing written test score issued by the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) issued within 12 months of the filing deadline (dated between 10/26/25 and 10/26/26). You may obtain information on how to complete the written test by going to FCTConline.org.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION:

Paramedic Certificate and completed college level coursework/degree in Fire Science or related field.

NON-SMOKING REQUIREMENT:

Prospective employees will be required to sign an affidavit indicating that they have not smoked during the twelve (12) month period prior to hiring by the City. Further, they will agree that they will not smoke, either on or off duty, during the term of their employment with the City. Violation of the non-smoking agreement will result in disciplinary action.

Oral Appraisal Interview (Weighted 100%) Week of November 9th, 2026 (Tentative)

An appraisal will be made of applicants training, education, experience, communication skills, and personal qualifications for the position. A minimum rating of 70% is required to qualify for the eligible list. NOTE: Only the applicants with the TOP WRITTEN SCORES will be the initial group that proceeds to the Oral Appraisal Interview.

Background Investigation (Pass/Fail): Prior to appointment, applicant must successfully complete an investigation of their personal history and background to determine suitability for the position of Firefighter with the Bakersfield Fire Department.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Human Resources News Feed

FCTC FAQ Page

FCTC Financial AID Grant Application

NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, supplemental questionnaire, and typing certificate; otherwise, the application may be rejected.

NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.