Firefighter

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Fire Department. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.

Current vacancies are with the Tulare County Fire Department located in multiple locations throughout Tulare County. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

Typical Duties

• Respond to fire, medical, and other emergency alarms.
• Operate equipment and assist in the suppression of fires, medical emergencies, and in the protection of life, property, and the environment.
• Operate pumps, padders, and other mechanical equipment as required.
• Assist in performing tactical incident management and assist in directing the activities of fire fighters until relieved by a Fire Officer.
• Assist Fire Officer in conducting residential and commercial inspections to discover and eliminate potential fire hazards.

For a full list of duties for this position, please click Firefighter.

Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12 th ) grade.

Special Requirement:

• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application submission.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of a CCEMSA EMT-B certification within the first year (end of probation) of employment as a firefighter.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

CPAT Requirement:

• Possession of a valid CPAT Certificate at time of first interview. In addition, the CPAT certification must have been issued within 12 months at time of first interview. For information on how to obtain a CPAT Card of Completion, visit www.cpatonline.org or call 1-877-648-CPAT.
• Proof of being scheduled for the CPAT exam or a copy of a current valid CPAT card will be required for admittance to the Written Exam.

Note: Copies of all required certificates must be turned in prior to the closure of the recruitment. Certificates will not be accepted after August 31, 2026.

Written Exam:

• A valid CPAT or proof of registration to take the CPAT will be required for admittance to the written exam.
• There is no study guide for the written exam, and no prior knowledge of the fire service is required to be successful on the written exam.
• The top 80 scores will move on to the Oral Interview portion of the recruitment process.

Skill/Ability to:

• Successfully pass and complete Department EMT course and obtain EMT-1 certification through Central California Emergency Medical Services Agency (CCEMSA) within 1 year of employment with Tulare County (prior to the end of probation).
• Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
• Plan, direct, and organize fire suppression and support activities during emergencies.
• Effectively apply fire suppression and prevention methods and techniques.

See the full list in the link.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education:

• Associates degree in Fire Technology or closely related field.

License or Certificate:

• State Fire Marshal Firefighter 1 Certificate

• CCEMSA EMT Certificate or Paramedic

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment:
Candidates selected may be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act:
This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan service or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bargaining Unit 23

The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.

Employees who waive County health, dental and vision insurance will receive $1,000 per year, pro-rated on a per pay period basis. Effective January 1, 2022, all employees who waive the County's health insurance coverage will receive zero ($0.00) for cash-in-lieu of medical benefits. This applies to all new waivers beginning with Health Plan year 2022.

Safety Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.

Holiday Pay: Employees receive 104 hours pay at straight time in lieu of any holiday time off.

Vacation Accrual:
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)
Limit: 420 Hours

Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation.

Career Incentive Pay

Employees who have completed five (5) or more Years of Service with Tulare County and meet the eligibility criteria described in Administrative Regulation – 52, earn additional pay according to the schedule below.

Years of Service

% Increase

Total

5

3%

3%

10

2%

5%

15

3%

8%

20

2%

10%

Certification Pay: Employees who possess a Fire Officer Certification will receive an additional $40 per pay period ($1,040 annually). Proof of certification must be submitted in accordance with department policy.

Group Term Life Insurance: $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Deferred Compensation: A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.

To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site. https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/

The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.

Closing Date/Time: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

County of Tulare - HR&D

559-636-4900 Show more