Firefighter Trainee

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

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 Firefighter (probationary status) $6,320 Monthly Firefighter (after completion of probation) $6,636 - $8,469 Monthly Employment Guidelines

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. Evaluation Process: Application Evaluation: Candidates must only attach the following documents to their online application. Do not attach any other items or additional certificates. The inclusion of additional documents could lead to disqualification from the recruitment process. 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. Candidate Preparation Manual (CPM) Includes detailed recommendations on important concepts, such as the most effective test-taking strategies and methods, specific information about CPS HR test forms, and what to expect on the day of the test administration. The CPM also includes several practice questions covering each section of the test, along with helpful tools, like a sample answer sheet and template test instructions for candidates to prepare before the day of the test. 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.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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Please review the full job description for additional requirements and information.

Supplemental 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