Firefighter Trainee

City of Fullerton; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual Pay - 2%

Paramedic Pay - up to 15%

Longevity Pay - 6%

Education Incentive Pay - up to 6%

CalPERS Retirement Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

City of Fullerton’s Fire Department is hiring a Firefighter Trainee. You will receive academy instruction and develop qualifications to become a Firefighter, with reclassification after successful completion and probation.

Candidates must meet requirements including a high school diploma, SFT Academy certification, California EMT license, CPR, CPAT/BPAT, driver’s license, age 18+, and vision standards. The selection process includes exams and interviews; offers are contingent on background

Qualifications

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Graduation from an Accredited Academy in the California SFT system with at least 400 hours of training or SFT Fire Fighter I certification.
• Current California EMT license in effect during employment (EMT Basic minimum).
• CPR certification from Red Cross or American Heart Association in effect at application and during employment.
• CPAT or BPAT dated between 10/18/25–10/18/26.

Responsibilities

• Under direct supervision, a Fullerton Firefighter Trainee develops qualifications for the position and attends the Academy instruction.
• Upon successful completion of the Academy, the trainee is reclassified to Firefighter and progresses to salary advancement after probation.

Education

High school diploma or recognized equivalent

Graduation from an Accredited Academy in the California State Fire Training (SFT) system with at least 400 hours of training or possess an SFT Fire Fighter I certification

Job description

Join the Fullerton Fire Department and become part of a proud tradition of service, where we invest in our community, protect our people, and work together to shape a safer, stronger future.

The Fullerton Fire Department serves as a vital pillar of safety, resilience, and unity within the Fullerton community. Operating from six fire stations, the department provides essential services to 143,000 residents across a 22-square-mile area. Its team of 88 dedicated professionals works tirelessly to protect lives and property through emergency medical services, fire suppression, disaster response, and rescue operations. Beyond emergency calls, the department is actively engaged in public education, disaster preparedness, and community outreach, fostering a strong sense of trust and connection. Guided by the belief that investing in the city means investing in its people, the Fullerton Fire Department remains committed to making Fullerton the very best it can be - ensuring a safer, stronger future for all who live and work here.

Why Fullerton Fire

Fullerton Fire is more than just a workplace—it’s where purpose, community, and professional growth come together. Here, your career comes with a competitive salary, comprehensive healthcare, a solid retirement plan, education incentives, and a variety of other benefits to support you in your work and daily life. The department is equally committed to your career development, providing ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities to expand your skills through specialty assignments and other avenues for professional success. You’ll serve alongside a skilled and dedicated team of highly trained professionals, supported by strong leadership and equipped with modern resources, all while building a career that is both meaningful and rewarding.

Benefits include

• Bilingual Pay - 2%
• Paramedic Pay - up to 15%
• Longevity Pay - 6%
• Education Incentive Pay - up to 6%
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement

See the Fullerton Firefighters' Association Memorandum of Agreement for details, as well as additional benefits information.

The Position

Under direct supervision, in a training, non-safety capacity, a Fullerton Firefighter Trainee develops qualifications for the position of Firefighter; receives Fullerton Fire Department Academy instruction and performs related work as required.

Upon successful completion of the Fullerton Fire Department Academy, a Firefighter Trainee shall be reclassified to Firefighter. Upon successful completion of probation, a Firefighter (probationary status) will be eligible to move to Firefighter (after completion of probation) and receive the applicable salary increase.

Firefighter Trainee

$6,320 Monthly

Firefighter (probationary status)

$6,636 - $8,469 Monthly

Mandatory Requirements

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Graduation from an Accredited Academy in the California State Fire Training (SFT) system with at least 400 hours of training or possess an SFT Fire Fighter I certification.
• Possession of a current State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license at the time of application and throughout employment in this position. An EMT basic license is the minimum acceptable credential.
• Valid Red Cross or American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification at the time of application and throughout employment in this position.
• Successful completion of a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Biddle Physical Ability Test (BPAT) dated between October 18, 2025 and October 18, 2026.
• Must have a valid Class C California Driver's License and acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of appointment.
• Eyesight not less than uncorrected 20/100, correctable to 20/30 with contacts or glasses. Must have color vision sufficient to recognize red, green, and yellow colors.
• Must be able to work a variety of shifts and a flexible schedule to include 40-hour workweeks or other shifts as assigned, overtime, emergency call back, holidays, and weekends to accommodate City needs.

Application Evaluation

Candidates must only attach the following documents to their online application.

• Certificate of completion from an SFT Accredited Academy or SFT Fire Fighter I certification or proof of enrollment in an SFT Accredited Academy. This document must be labeled as Firefighter Cert.
• Current State of California EMT license - card must show an expiration date. A State of California issued EMT (Basic), Advanced EMT, or Paramedic license is acceptable. This document must be labeled as EMT Card.
• Current CPR Card from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. This document must be labeled as CPR Card.
• Proof of completion of a CPAT or BPAT dated between 10/18/25 - 10/18/26. This document must be labeled as PAT.

Once again, DO NOT attach any documents that have not been requested. This includes cover letters and resumes. It is also important to note that applicants should not submit their application until they have all the required and valid documentation available to attach. Only one application submission is permitted per candidate.

Written Exam

The City of Fullerton will administer an Entry Firefighter written exam developed by CPS HR Consulting. The written exam is tentatively scheduled for November 7, 2026. The exam will cover:

• Reading Comprehension
• Mathematical Ability
• Mechanical Reasoning
• Teamwork, Public Relations, and Community Living

Candidates who achieve a passing score, as established by the City of Fullerton, will be invited to the Structured Oral Board.

Practice Tests

Simulates a full-length version of the CPS HR tests and has been designed to replicate the look and feel of the test-day material. Contains practice items across the same sections contained in our test forms. When candidates have completed the online practice exam, they will receive a breakdown of their scores by section. Candidates will not receive a list of the questions and answers. Candidates can also retake the exam one additional time at no cost.

The cost for the CPM is $7.50, and the practice test is $17.50; both are purchased through and paid to CPS HR. Interested candidates can purchase the CPM and/or practice test by clicking. The link and access to materials is only valid until October 1, 2025. Technical support for CPS HR can be reached at [e-mail] or 916-471-3538.

Structured Oral Board

Tentatively scheduled for the week of November 30, 2026. Candidates who achieve a passing score on the Structured Oral Board will be placed on the eligible list for Firefighter Trainee.

Biddle Physical Agility Test

Candidates will be required to complete a BPAT administered by the Fullerton Fire Department tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of December 10, 2026.

Fire Chief Interview

Tentatively scheduled for the week of December 14, 2026. Candidates on the eligible list may be invited to the Fire Chief interview. Please note that not all candidates on the eligible list may be invited to the Fire Chief interview.

Please review the full job description for additional requirements and information.

Assessment Process

Applicants must provide specific and complete details about their qualifications. Based on the information provided in the application, other required materials, and the ability to follow the instructions provided in this posting, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process.

The City reserves the right to revise any portion of the examination process. Candidates will be notified of any changes before the related examination step.

Candidates who successfully complete the assessment process for this recruitment will be placed on an eligible list, which will remain in effect for at least one year or until an insufficient number of candidates remain on the list.

Current City of Fullerton employees may be given preference during the testing and/or selection process.

Appointment

Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion of a background check and a medical examination conducted by the City's designated physician at the City's expense. The background check will include fingerprinting, verified by the State of California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Certain positions may require a more extensive background check. Medical examinations assess an individual's ability to meet the physical requirements of the position. Additionally, all new hires and employees appointed to safety-sensitive classifications must undergo a drug screening.

Candidates appointed to Firefighter Trainee will serve in this classification, on probation, while attending the Fullerton Fire Department Academy. Upon successful completion of the academy, a trainee will be reclassified to Firefighter. Newly appointed/reclassified firefighters will serve a 12-month probationary period.

This bulletin does not form an express or implied contract. Any provisions outlined are subject to modification or revocation without prior notice.

Per California Government Code §3100-3109, all public employees are declared to be disaster service workers and must take and subscribe to the oath or affirmation required.

Employees who drive for City business are enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles Government Pull Notice Program.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires that you must be a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully authorized to work in the United States to be eligible for hire.

The City of Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, other non-job related physical or mental disability, medical condition, or other functional limitation in employment or the provision of service.

The City is committed to making its programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with qualified disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete the employment application and/or participate in the testing process, please contact Human Resources at [phone] before the filing deadline. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

Fullerton is renowned for its unique mix of residential, business, educational, and cultural environments. Boasting a population of approximately 143,000 citizens, Fullerton is a community with a strong sense of tradition and takes pride in providing an atmosphere that allows for both the preservation of its historic past and opportunities to meet the challenges of the future. Known as the "Education Community", Fullerton is also home to award‑winning elementary and secondary school systems, plus five universities and colleges, including Cal State Fullerton.

We are a full‑service city comprised of nine departments, that include our own city staffed Fire and Police departments. Additionally, the city oversees a general aviation airport, a library, and a variety of recreational buildings, facilities, and activities. As a mid‑sized organization providing a variety of services to both internal and external customers, employees are afforded the opportunity to perform varied work within their job classifications.

To ensure that our emails are not filtered into your "junk" or "bulk" folder, please add GovernmentJobs.com to your list of trusted senders. Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communication through U.S. mail.