FIREFIGHTER​/PARAMEDIC

Position: FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC RECRUIT

Summary

Currently recruiting for three (3) Firefighter/Paramedic Recruit positions. Final date to receive applications: 12/18/2025.

Application Process

• Application opens: 01/15/2026
• Recruitment closes: 02/02/2026 @ 4:30pm
• Skills testing & structured interview: 02/05/2026
• Chief’s interview: 02/12/2026
• Ladder climbing / PPE fitting: 02/13 – 03/20/2026
• Background checks: 04/13/2026
• Paramedic Zero Day: 04/14/2026
• HR orientation / Paramedic mentorship begins: 04/15/2026
• Paramedic mentorship: 05/14 – 06/16/2026
• Orientation: 06/17/2026
• Begin probationary period: 06/17/2026

Candidate Types

• Internal Promotional Candidates

Current full‑time City of San Marcos employees who have passed their initial probationary period or have completed at least one year of service, meet the minimum requirements, are on the FCTC SEL, and have a passing FCTC written score and CPAT within 12 months of the Final date to receive applications.

• Lateral Candidates

Candidates with at least two years of paid full‑time experience at a level comparable to or higher than a City of San Marcos Firefighter Paramedic, currently employed in this capacity, meeting the same FCTC SEL and test requirements. Salary step for lateral employees will be negotiated at hire.

• Open Competitive Candidates

Candidates who meet the minimum requirements but are not internal or lateral. Must also be on the FCTC SEL and have passing FCTC written score and CPAT within 12 months of the deadline.

Required Certifications and Licenses

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Accredited California State Fire Marshal / State Fire Training Firefighter I Academy Certificate
• Driver’s license (if from a state other than CA, must obtain a CA license with a satisfactory driving record by time of appointment)
• Certified EMT/Paramedic license (if issued in a state other than CA, must obtain EMT‑P accreditation with the County of San Diego EMS office)
• San Diego County card at time of appointment
• Valid CPR certification (minimum BLS‑C Current)
• ACLS Card

Additional

Required Qualifications

• Pass both FCTC written and CPAT within 12 months of the Final date to receive applications.
• Must be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) at time of application.

Desirable Certifications

• Valid driver/operator certificate
• California State Firefighter I and II certificates
• Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Certificate
• NIMS (IS700)

Ideal Candidate

A self‑starter, highly motivated, capable of embracing innovative management principles and blending traditional fire service values with modern business practices. Able to develop cooperative relationships with other city departments and community organizations, carry out responsibilities with minimal direction and supervision, and maintain high operational standards.

Representative Duties

• Respond to alarms involving fire, accidents, gas leaks, flooded structures, hazardous substances, and lifesaving/rescue work.
• Place fire hose, set ladders, operate fire streams, ventilate, and enter burning structures to extinguish fires and perform rescue services.
• Treat and transport patients following San Diego County EMS protocol and department policy; diagnose medical problems and provide emergency medical care.
• Interpret ECGs and recognize cardiac arrhythmias; administer CPR, defibrillation, IV solutions, emergency bandaging, splinting, and use adjunctive breathing devices.
• Prepare and maintain confidential records and reports (medical, controlled drug inventory, equipment logs, EMS reports).
• Participate in the quality assurance/quality improvement program.
• Safely operate department vehicles, emergency medical equipment, radio equipment, PPE, fire hydrants, rescue tools, generators, and pumps; occasionally operate fire and rescue apparatus.
• Perform salvage and overhaul operations; assist other Firefighter/Paramedics on medical calls.
• Conduct fire prevention and pre‑fire planning inspections; inspect and maintain fire hydrants.
• Participate in drills, fire watches, and a self‑directed exercise program to maintain physical fitness.
• Study and stay current on city geography, department rules, regulations, procedures, and other training materials; update station bulletin boards and…