Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit

The City of Ventura is hiring! We are recruiting forFirefighter-Paramedic Recruits. Now is a great time to join the City of Ventura and start a career as a Firefighter Paramedic.

The Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit is a non-sworn, non-safety, at-will position. Firefighter-Paramedic Recruits undergo a fire academy and may undergo additional departmental training designed to provide an overview of the fire service, training in various regulations and procedures, firefighting techniques, first aid, physical fitness, and other related duties. Firefighter-Paramedic Recruits are assigned to a 40-hour work week schedule.

Subsequent appointment as a sworn Firefighter Paramedic-Trainee is based on overall Academy performance, evaluations, and availability of positions. Upon appointment, Firefighter Paramedic-Trainees are assigned to a 56-hour work week schedule and serve a 12-month probationary period from the date of appointment. If an employee successfully completes probation as a Firefighter-Paramedic Trainee, the employee is "flexibly staffed" to Firefighter-Paramedic.

FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDIC RECRUIT

$37.98 hourly

This is a non-sworn, non-safety, at-will position. Successful applicants undergo a 20-week fire academy and may undergo additional departmental training designed to provide an overview of the fire service, training in various regulations and procedures, firefighting techniques, first aid, physical fitness, and other related duties. Firefighter-Paramedic Recruits are assigned to a 40-hour work week schedule.

This position is designated as "at-will", serving at the pleasure of the appointing authority, and subject to discharge without cause and without right of appeal.

FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDIC TRAINEE

$42.37-$51.50 hourly for 40-hour week

$30.26-$36.78 hourly for 56-hour week

Upon appointment to this classification, Firefighter Trainee/Paramedics are assigned to a 56-hour work week schedule (24-hour shifts including weekends and holidays) and serve a 12-month probationary period , in this classification. Firefighter Trainee/Paramedics perform emergency medical services as a certified paramedic for an assigned engine company and perform various fire service duties including fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials operations, station and equipment maintenance, fire prevention, public education, and related duties.Must work shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Firefighter Trainee/Paramedics who successfully complete the 12-month probationary period advance to a Firefighter-Paramedic classification ($44.49-$56.78 hourly for 40-hour week, $31.78-$40.55 hourly for 56-hour week) performing the full range of journey level Firefighter-Paramedic duties.

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Ventura Fire Department

The Ventura Fire Department provides all-hazards emergency response out of six fire stations that serve an area of approximately 32 square miles. The Department is staffed with 92 sworn and 13 non-sworn personnel in three Divisions: Administration, Operations, and Fire Prevention. Last year, the Fire Department responded to over18,248 fire, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and rescue calls. The department takes pride in its team-oriented working environment, and genuine commitment to serve the community.

To learn more about the Ventura Fire Department, visit: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/177/Fire-Department .

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POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION:

Education/Experience: High school graduate or G.E.D. is required.

Age: Must be 18 years of age at the time of application.

Citizenship: Applicants must be United State citizens or show proof of application for U.S. citizenship at least one year prior to application.

License/Certification: Possession of a current and valid California Paramedic license (EMT-P) or National Registry Paramedic licenseANDa current healthcare provider CPR certification.

Do not upload copies of your certification/licenses to your City of Ventura job application.

Candidates must upload acurrent and valid California Paramedic license (EMT-P) or National Registry Paramedic licensedirectly to their Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) profile. FCTC will validate uploaded documents prior to placing candidates on the FCTC statewide eligibility list.

REQUIRED TO BE PLACED ON THE CITY’S ELIGIBILITY LIST:

In addition to the above requirements, candidates must

1)Obtain a validCalifornia Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC)Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card must be dated between08/06/24 and 08/07/25 (see details in Application and Recruitment Process section below)

2)a passing score on the FCTC Written Test dated between08/06/24 and 08/07/25 (see details in Application and Recruitment Process section below).

3)be current on theFirefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL)by08/07/25 to continue in the process. (For more information on how to be placed on the FCTC SEL, visit https://www.fctconline.org/becoming-a-firefighter/fctc-statewide-list/ ).

Candidates that meet both the CPAT and written exam requirements and are on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility list will be certified on a City eligibility list, which will be referred to the Fire Department for further consideration.

REQUIRED PRIOR TO START OF ACADEMY:

• Possession of current and valid California Class C driver license with an acceptable driving record.
• A current and valid Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) certification OR Pediatric Education for Pre-Hospital Providers (PEPP) certification OR HandTevy certification with an expiration date beyond Academy graduation.
• A current and valid Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification with an expiration date beyond Academy graduation.

Do not upload copies of certifications/licenses to your City of Ventura job application. If selected for hire, candidates will be required to submit copies of these certificates later in the hiring process.

Background: Applicants required to undergo a comprehensive background investigation.

Physical Requirements: Must be physically capable of performing all tasks required of a Ventura Firefighter-Paramedic, including rigorous activities associated with emergency operations, and meet California Department of Motor Vehicle visual acuity standards necessary to maintain the required licenses. Fitness will initially be determined by possession of a Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) certificate, and ability to pass a medical evaluation.

Desirable Qualifications: AS degree in Fire Science, Fire Technology certification, or California Firefighter I certification is highly desirable. One year of 911 emergency paramedic experience and some firefighting experience is highly desirable.

APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Submit an application by August 7, 2025.

• Applications and supplemental questions will be accepted untilThursday, August 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
• Submit an online City application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. It is important that your City job application shows all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess. Resumes, CVs, and cover letters may be attached to your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application or supplemental questionnaire. Submitting an incomplete application or supplemental questionnaire may disqualify you from further consideration in the recruitment process.
• Candidates are required to have a valid Cal-JAC CPAT certificate, have successfully met the written examination requirement, and are active on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List to be certified to the City’s eligibility list for employment consideration.
• NOTE: After you apply, all future correspondence will be via E-mail. Please check your messages regularly and check your junk/spam folder. Should you need to update your contact information, please email recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov .

Complete a Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) between August 6, 2024 and August 7, 2025.

• Candidates are required to possess a valid Cal-JAC CPAT certificate issued by the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center.
• For testing availability, please visit: Testing Schedules: https://www.fctconline.org/testing-information/upcoming-test-schedule/
• This certificate must be dated between 08/06/24 and 08/07/25. The CPAT test fee is the responsibility of the candidate.
• Candidates experiencing financial hardship may qualify for financial aid to pay for FCTC testing fees. ( https://www.fctconline.org/financialaid/details/ )
• Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) - www.fctconline.org

Complete the FCTC Written Exam between August 6, 2024 and August 7, 2025.

• Applicants are required to meet the qualifying written component by successfully completing (minimum passing score 70%) the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) written examination between08/06/24and 08/07/25.AND are required to be active on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List on08/07/25.
• Applicants MUST register for and complete a written exam at https://www.fctconline.org/testing-information/upcoming-test-schedule/ no later than August 7, 2025. Applicants who have completed the exam by this deadline will not be certified on a City eligible list.
• View the list of upcoming written exams at https://www.fctconline.org/testing-information/upcoming-test-schedule/ !
• Applicants who have not taken the FCTC written exam and are not on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List must visit www.fctconline.org to create an account and register for an upcoming written exam, and learn about the examination process, requirements, study materials and other testing information, including FCTC examination fees. Fees associated with taking the examination are the responsibility of the candidate. Grants are available through the California Fire Foundation and proof of financial hardship is required.
• To view upcoming Cal-JAC CPAT and FCTC Written Test dates, click here https://www.fctconline.org/testing-information/upcoming-test-schedule /.
• Candidates experiencing financial hardship may qualify for financial aid to pay for FCTC testing fees. ( https://www.fctconline.org/financialaid/details/ )
• For information regarding the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center Written Test, visit: https://www.fctconline.org/written-testing/
• To view the Written Test Study Guide, visit: https://www.fctconline.org/testing-information/test-prep/
• To view the schedule of upcoming test dates, visit: Testing Schedules: https://www.fctconline.org/testing-information/upcoming-test-schedule/

Be current on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) by 08/07/25

Applicants will be provided with information on how to become eligible for the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List when completing the written examination. To learn more now, visit https://www.fctconline.org/becoming-a-firefighter/fctc-statewide-list/

DEPARTMENT SELECTION INTERVIEWS

A limited number of candidates will be invited to participate in the department section interviews. Selection Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week ofAugust 25, 2025. Candidates are required to bring copies of their valid EMT-P and Healthcare Provider CPR certification to the Department selection interview.

The Ventura Fire Department expects to submit candidates for initial background checks the week ofSeptember 15, 2025,and extend conditional offers the week ofOctober 27, 2025.

If selected for hire, candidates are required to submit a copy of their current California Drive license, PALS, PEPP, or HandTevy certification and ACLS certification prior to the date of hire. Please do not submit copies of any licenses, certifications or training documents with your City job application.

FIRE ACADEMY:Candidates selected for hire will be required to complete a Fire Academy.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 654-7853, e-mail: recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!

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• City of Ventura

• 805-654-7853

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