Fire Department Trainee

City of Huntington Beach•Huntington Beach, CA

About The Position

The City of Huntington Beach Fire Department is recruiting current and former HBFD employees for a full-time, limited-term, at-will trainee position under an employment agreement. The trainee attends and must successfully complete the Huntington Beach Fire Department Fire Academy and related learning and testing activities. Under the direction of the Training Section, the trainee receives direct supervision from Training Officers and other sworn personnel supporting the recruit-training academy and paramedic program. Trainees may also be directed to complete paramedic training and/or additional fire training; while completing paramedic training, they are eligible for the Fire Department Trainee salary scale. After completing designated training and meeting the training and certification requirements for Firefighter I and Firefighter Paramedic, trainees may be eligible for placement as probationary Firefighter Paramedics. This is a trainee-level, non-sworn firefighter classification. It differs from the Firefighter Paramedic classification, whose incumbents have completed the fire academy and paramedic school and respond to identified fire, medical, and environmental emergencies. Training includes classroom instruction, evaluations, team and individual manipulative drills, testing, and problem-solving exercises, as well as instruction in firefighting, emergency operations, equipment, public safety, and department policies. The general work period is 40 hours per week. The City may assign duties requiring a 56-hour work week, and overtime pay is provided as required by applicable federal and state labor laws and regulations. The role may involve classroom, outdoor, emergency-response, and physically strenuous training conditions, including exposure to fires, chemicals, pesticides, blood, and other potentially toxic substances.

Requirements

Must be a current employee of the City of Huntington Beach Fire Department or a former Huntington Beach Fire Department employee.
High school diploma or equivalent by the time of application.
At least 18 years of age by the time of application.
Valid driver's license by the time of application.
California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) license or valid National Registry EMT-Basic Certification by the time of application.
Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider or BLS Provider card issued by an AHA Training Center, or a healthcare-provider CPR card issued by the American Red Cross, by the time of application. Military-level CPR certification is reviewed case by case.
Certificate of successful completion of a Physical Abilities Test (PAT). Only CPAT or Biddle PAT certificates issued on or after November 2, 2025, are accepted; candidates without a current certificate may be offered an opportunity to test.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions in a timely and effective manner.
Ability to learn to perform strenuous firefighting work safely, requiring physical strength, coordination, endurance, and flexibility.
Ability to learn firefighting principles and practices, including fire suppression and prevention, hazardous materials, rescue and salvage operations, radio communications, and water systems.
Ability to learn the standard operation and uses of fire suppression equipment and apparatus, and vehicle operation and maintenance.
Ability to understand and act in accordance with departmental policies, rules, regulations, and instructional materials related to firefighting and emergency treatment responses.
Ability to administer CPR and emergency medical services at the EMT-B level.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, establish and maintain effective work relationships, draw diagrams, read maps, learn to read and interpret building plans, and use computer systems and software applications.
For consideration for Firefighter Paramedic classification, graduation from a California State-accredited Firefighter I Academy of at least 348 hours or possession of a California Firefighter I Certificate, and graduation and certification as a Paramedic.
Must meet the physical requirements of the class, including appropriate mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing, and dexterity.
Must complete a pre-placement medical examination, drug screen, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation with acceptable results upon a conditional offer of employment.
Must participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program when regularly assigned or required to drive a City or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work.
Must comply with HBFD personal appearance standards; tattoos readily visible while wearing a long-sleeved uniform are not authorized.

Nice To Haves

A strong commitment to community involvement.
Excellent interpersonal and multicultural skills.
A good understanding of basic teaching techniques.
Possession of a California State-accredited Firefighter I Academy certificate or a California Firefighter I Certificate at application, if already held.

Responsibilities

Participate in and successfully complete the Huntington Beach Fire Department Fire Academy and related learning and testing activities.
Participate in classroom lectures, evaluations, team and individual manipulative drills, knowledge, skills, and ability testing, and problem-solving exercises.
Receive training in firefighting activities, including fire suppression, wildfire operations, hose and nozzle evolutions, use of extrication tools, ladder raises, ropes and knots, fire extinguishers, water supply systems, fire prevention, public safety education, radio operations, map reading, salvage, and overhaul operations.
Learn and follow City of Huntington Beach and Huntington Beach Fire Department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, including those concerning ethics, diversity, and sexual harassment.
Keep the Training Section informed of progress in training programs.
Potentially enroll in a comprehensive paramedic program involving classes, clinical work, and internship assignments.
Complete paramedic training and/or additional fire training as directed.
Perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program if regularly assigned or required to drive a City or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work.