firefighter / paramedic assignment

As a firefighter, you will play a crucial role in protecting lives, property, and the environment through fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical services. If you're ready to make a difference and be part of a dynamic and highly-trained team, we encourage you to apply.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

THE COMMUNITY

Located near the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, the City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life within one of the nation's most sophisticated and beautiful living areas. With a population of 25,000 residents, El Cerrito has the advantage of being centrally located in a major metropolitan area. El Cerrito is an established community with a strong self-identity and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its community members.

THE DEPARTMENT

El Cerrito Fire Department is a modern, well-managed department providing Fire services to a diverse community. The Department offers many opportunities for professional growth including training in technical rescue, auto extrication, operating fire apparatus, fire investigation, fire prevention, training and promotional opportunities for Fire Engineer, Captain and Battalion Chief.

THE POSITION

As an all risk agency, firefighters are required to perform in many disciplines of the fire service, including structural and wild land fire suppression, BLS and assist with ALS emergency medical services, technical rope rescue, auto extrication, cribbing and shoring, hazmat, fire prevention and occupancy inspections. Tasks also include public education, fire investigation, public and community service, staff assignments which may involve both 48/96 work schedule and 40 hour/week work and training assignments. Firefighters may be committed on multi-day extended emergency assignments that can include out of County assignments throughout the State. This position requires driving and operating motor vehicles including fire apparatus, ladder trucks, staff vehicles, towing trailers and conducting routine apparatus inspections.

Under general supervision, to perform advanced life support when on paramedic assignment, emergency medical services and to engage in fire fighting, rescue and all other emergency services and prevention activities in protecting life, property and the environment; to drive, operate and maintain all fire department apparatus and equipment; to conduct, assist and participate in training programs, to participate in inspections and related fire prevention activities, public education, and to do related work as required. Receives general supervision from Fire Captain, Battalion Chief(s), and Fire Department Administration.

City Perks:

• CalPERS Retirement: CalPERS Classic members 2.7% @ 55 and PEPRA members 2% @ 62 retirement formula integrated with Social Security; 11% employee contribution.
• Medical Insurance: Fully paid health premiums for employees and dependents (up to the Kaiser family rate); cash in lieu option available at $350 per month.
• Dental: The City contributes full cost of family coverage under the Delta Dental Plan.
• Life Insurance: The City pays for basic life insurance up to $100,000.
• Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance: 2/3rds of salary up to the maximum monthly.
• Voluntary Benefits: Supplemental life insurance, deferred compensation plans and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Holidays: 13 holidays per year and 1 birthday holiday.
• Vacation: 144 hours earned in first year of service.
• Sick Leave: Accrued at 24 hours per month.
• Degree Pay: 3% of base pay for AA, 5% of base pay for BA/BS, and any employee who has completed 60 semester units from an accredited college or university and completes six (6) semester units every 24 months shall receive a differential of 3% of base pay.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement up to the maximum of $2,500 per year for work related studies.
• Bilingual Pay: The City pays $1,200 per year to employees who are bilingual and who have passed a proficiency test provided by the City.
• Wellness Program: Access to an array of wellness programs offered by the City such as massage days, fitness and meditation classes, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Tentative interview dates: The week of January 26, 2026

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responds to emergency calls related to fires, emergency medical, or other incidents.
• Assists in putting out fires to protect life and property. Includes evacuates occupants from structures; operates fire fighting vehicles, equipment, and apparatus at emergency scene; performs ventilation and salvage work.
• Serves in advanced classifications of Fire Engineer or Fire Captain (if qualified).
• Inspects commercial properties to determine fire risk, prevent fires, and assist in pre-fire planning.
• Maintains and repairs fire apparatus and equipment to ensure that items remain in safe and proper operation condition.
• Performs clean up and overhaul work to ensure equipment is ready for future use. Includes: cleans, checks, tests, and resets apparatus, fire hydrants and other equipment.
• Completes paperwork to meet documentation requirements. Includes: reports and maintenance logs.
• Makes presentations to community and public to promote and provide fire and fire prevention education.
• Participates in fire drills and ongoing training to learn and practice current fire fighting and fire prevention techniques.
• Performs basic life support to assist victims at emergency site. Includes performing CPR and first aid, assisting paramedics as needed.
• Responds to emergency calls and provide immediate Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support care to sick and injured patients.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting and protection of life and property.
• Fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities, and their proper use and maintenance requirements.
• First aid and CPR.

Ability to:

• Understand and act in accordance with departmental policies, rules, instructions and written material in the field of firefighting.
• Apply fire fighting techniques and procedures.
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting equipment.
• Drive a fire truck safely and in accordance with traffic laws and ordinances.
• Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Operate and maintain radio equipment.
• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Demonstrate physical endurance, agility, strength and stamina in the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions.
• Demonstrate increased service value annually.

The City is looking for an individual who can demonstrate clearly that s/he has the following background and competencies:

At the time of application:

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• California State Firefighter I Certification from California Fire Service Training and Education System (CFSTES)
• California Paramedic License
• Valid California Class A, B or C Driver's License
• Formal training that provides the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
• Successfully taken the CPAT test within the last 12 months, and be placed on the FCTC statewide list. Please visit to learn more about the exam process and requirements.

Personal Qualifications:
Good character and reputation; initiative, integrity, reliability, courtesy; a good team player; good judgment and emotional maturity; and a strong commitment to professional development.

Preferable Additional Qualifications:
Favorable consideration in the selection process will be given for the following additional qualifications:

• An associate or bachelor's degree in fire service or related field from an accredited college or university
• Fire Science/Technology classes through an accredited college or university
• Hazardous Materials certified courses
• California Fire Service Training and Education System certified courses, i.e.:
• Firefighter II Certification
• Driver/Operator 1A & 1B
• LARRO
• Rope Rescue Technician
• Confined Space Technician
• Trench Rescue Technician
• Wildland Fire Control

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

• Experience as a firefighter in an active progressive firefighting organization is highly desirable.
• Experience as a Paramedic in an active progressive paramedic program.

Training:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level courses in fire science, fire administration, or a related field.
• Successful completion of a recognized regional fire academy course (training to the level of Firefighter I prior to appointment).
• Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Application attachments must include:

• Resume with detailed work history
• Copy of your valid driver's license
• A copy of your CFSTES Firefighter I Certification
• A copy of your valid California Paramedic License
• A copy of your valid CPAT card

Qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.

Please Note: Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

In accordance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, notification of such accommodations must be made to the City at the time the employment application is filed. Medical documentation must be provided upon request.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The selection process will include a review of the application, resume and certificates. Those candidates who clearly demonstrate that they most closely meet the City's needs in terms of training, education, experience, and other job related characteristics, may be invited to participate in a selection process which may include multiple panel interviews, skill demonstration and a Chief's interview. A thorough background investigation will be completed on finalists in the selection process. Prospective employees will continue the process which will include a Personal History Questionnaire (Pre-Poly), a psychological evaluation and a thorough medical examination, which may include but is not limited to stress and resting EKG's, TB testing, back x-rays, blood panel, and drug screening.

All final candidates who were not offered a position at this time, but received a passing Oral Board Panel Interview score, will be placed on a eligibility list for 2 years providing they maintain currency (I year) with FCTC and their CPAT test.

THE CITY OF EL CERRITO IS A DRUG, ALCOHOL, AND SMOKE FREE WORKPLACE

The City of El Cerrito offers a competitive benefits package. Current benefits features include:

• CalPERS retirement:
• Safety: 3% at 50 for current members and 2.7% at 57 for new members
• Work Schedule: 56 hours per week
• Paid vacation: 144 hours after one year of service
• Sick leave: accrued at 288 hours per year
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Short and Long Term Disability (city-paid)
• Medical (paid up to Kaiser family rate), and paid family Dental (including orthodontic coverage)
• Post Employment Health Plan Retiree Medical ($525 per month)
• Life Insurance (annual salary up to $100,000)

Our Employee Benefits Guide provides a full description of our current benefits.