Firefighter Recruit (Paramedic Trainee)

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Downey Fire Department is seeking dynamic, career-minded candidates interested in pursuing an excellent job opportunity in the field of fire service. The ideal candidate possesses a strong knowledge base of fire suppression, extinguishment and prevention; has excellent mechanical aptitude; has a strong understanding of the importance of teamwork and customer service; as well as, an appreciation of working within a multi-cultural community.

The Firefighter Recruit (Paramedic Trainee) will participate in a six (6) to eight (8) week City of Downey Fire Fighting Training Program involving field instruction.

In a non-safety training capacity under close supervision, learns to perform firefighting duties used in the suppression of structural, aircraft, wildland and other types of fires; participates in training as an Emergency Medical Technician I/Fire Service; learns to perform routine fire prevention activities; and, learns other duties as required.

Following Firefighter training, recruits will attend paramedic school, beginning in January 2027. Successful completion of recruit training is contingent on completion of paramedic school and certification as a paramedic through the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency . Following paramedic training and certification, the Firefighter Recruit (Paramedic Trainee) will be appointed as a sworn Firefighter and begin their probationary period.


In addition to the above compensation, the City also currently provides the following:
Up to $2,502.97 per month to be used for medical coverage for employee and qualified dependents.


IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Online Application:

All interested applicants must complete an online application through govermentjobs.com for consideration by the closing deadline of Friday, May 22, 2026, at 5:30 pm. Applications, along with the required corresponding supplemental information and required documentation (As outlined below), will then be thoroughly reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. Incomplete applications will be removed from further consideration.

Required Documentation: The following documentation must be uploaded and attached to your application. Failure to attach all the required documentation may result in disqualification from further consideration.

NOTE: To ensure proper uploading of documents to on-line application record, it is best to reduce the file size of the electronic document before uploading.

• State of California Basic Fire Academy Certificate, OR Proof of current enrollment in a State of California Basic Fire Academy, including anticipated completion date.
• Valid California EMT Certificate.
• Current CPAT/Biddle card, issued with proof of passing the PAT or Biddle test on or after May 14, 2025.

Failure to provide the required documentation may result in your application being removed from further consideration. Please DO NOT submit any additional documentation, other than those listed above.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to each classification.

• Participates in the City of Downey Fire Fighting Training Program involving field instruction.
• Learns proper firefighting techniques and procedures for fighting structural, watershed, chemical, petroleum, electrical and other fires.
• Receives instructions and participates in field training to learn proper procedures and acquire proficiency in the rescue or evacuation of persons endangered by fire or disaster in the provision of emergency medical care.
• Receives instructions in pre-fire plan inspection and enforcement of the Fire Code.
• Receives instructions and learns the proper care and operation of all fire-suppression apparatus.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position. Typical minimum qualifications are as follows:

Education: High school graduate or equivalent AND possession of at least one (1) of the following:

• Graduation from a California State Board of Fire Services accredited Basic Fire Academy.
• Currently enrolled in California State Board of Fire Services accredited Basic Fire Academy AND graduated by date of hire.

License/Certification Requirements:

• A valid California Class C Driver's License and an acceptable driving record. Possession of a California Class B Driver's License or the ability to obtain one by the completion of the eighteen (18) month probationary period.
• Current California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate. Fire Academy students must submit EMT certificate prior to hire date.

Ability to: Perform physically demanding work for potentially extended periods of time under difficult, dangerous and stressful conditions; apply technical knowledge in a critical, time-sensitive manner; learn to effectively enforce a variety of life safety and fire prevention codes; represent the Downey Fire Department and the City of Downey in a courteous, professional manner so as to not discredit or bring disrepute to the Department or City; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; understand and follow posted work rules and procedures; establish and maintain cooperative, working relationships.

Knowledge of: Modern firefighting methods, techniques, and procedures; fire science; first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation techniques; safety precautions and regulations; various firefighting rescue and emergency equipment and tools.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Probationary Period: Upon appointment, Firefighters are subject to an eighteen (18) month probationary period, not inclusive of time in Paramedic school.

Non-Smoking Policy: The Downey Fire Department prohibits safety employees from the use of tobacco products either on or off the job. New hires must sign an acknowledgement of this policy prior to appointment.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey.

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: Work is performed indoors and outdoors in a variety of locations to include on-site work at calls and incidents, in a City vehicle and in the Fire Stations. When working outdoors, may be exposed to the elements; may work under damp or dry conditions; crouch, sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, twist, grasp, drag, lift, and carry items; may be exposed to dust, chemicals, solvents, grease/oil, fumes, electrical and mechanical hazards, vehicular traffic, vibration and noise; meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, vision including the ability to distinguish colors, hearing, speaking, sense of smell, and dexterity levels that include the use of both hands and legs appropriate to the duties to be performed; and work irregular hours. May administer first aid and in an emergency, pushing, pulling, dragging, and moving individuals and/or others weighing 150 pounds or more. May be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids or communicable diseases.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Those applicants which meet the Firefighter Recruit standards and possess the qualifications listed above, will be invited to participate in the testing process as described below.

NOTE: Please do NOT call for test dates as this information will be provided via email at a later date.

Part I - Application Review (Pass/Fail): All applications will be thoroughly reviewed as well as required documentations must be attached with the online application.

• State of California Basic Fire Academy Certificate, OR Proof of current enrollment in a State of California Basic Fire Academy, including anticipated completion date.
• Valid California EMT Certificate
• Current CPAT/Biddle card, issued with proof of passing the PAT or Biddle test on or after May 14, 2025.

Part II - Written Exam (30% weight): The Written Examination will be conducted on Wednesday, June 4, 2026.

The examination will cover information in the following study resources:

• Essentials of Firefighting , IFSTA, 8 th Edition (2024)
• Brannigan’s Building Construction For the Fire Service . Brannigan, F. L. NFPA, 6 th Edition (2021)
• Hazardous Materials for First Responders . IFSTA, 6 th Edition (2022)
• Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured , Pollack, A. N., Ed., Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 12th Edition (2021)

Only those applicants earning a qualifying score as determined by the department on the written examination will be eligible to continue in Parts III of the examination process.

NOTE: The City of Downey reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to continue in the recruitment process based on higher achieved on the written examination.

Part III - Oral Interview/Appraisal (70% Weight): This component will assess the candidate's knowledge, education, experience, and overall preparation to perform in the position. The Oral Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Eligibility List: The names of those candidates, who successfully complete the testing process (written examination and oral interview) with an overall combined weighted score of 70 percent or better, will be placed on an Eligibility List. Candidates will remain on the eligibility list for one year, unless exhausted sooner, for possible future consideration. At the department's request, the eligibility list may be extended up to an additional 12 months.

Chief's Interview: Candidates will be invited to an oral interview with the Fire Chief for final employment consideration.

Pre-Placement: Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation that includes a polygraph exam and fingerprinting through the California Department of Justice must be completed with acceptable results. Upon a conditional offer of employment, a job related pre-placement medical exam, drug screening, and psychological assessment will be conducted and must be passed with acceptable results.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.

To view the benefit summary for this positionplease click HERE.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.Our values includeIntegrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

Closing Date/Time: 5/22/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Downey

• 562-904-7292

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