Fire Recruit (Paramedic)

City of Sacramento•Sacramento, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Fire Recruit (Paramedic). This job posting will automatically close upon the receipt of 250 applications or at the final filing deadline, whichever occurs first. This recruitment is only open to candidates who reside in California. To be considered eligible for this challenging and rewarding career opportunity, candidates MUST be on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) as of July 20, 2026. The Sacramento Fire Department is hiring directly off the FCTC SEL. Candidates must ensure their FCTC profile is up to date. The City of Sacramento will be receiving FCTC's Statewide Eligibility List, which will have confirmation of candidate information including age, High School Diploma or GED, possession of a valid Driver License, a valid CPAT Certificate, a passing score on the FCTC Written test, and possession of a valid California or National Registry Paramedic License. A candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check, fingerprinting, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history. Candidates hired as a Fire Recruit must successfully complete the Sacramento Fire Department’s (SFD) Fire Academy. Upon satisfactory graduation from the SFD Fire Academy, a Fire Recruit meeting the requirements of the Firefighter classification shall be advanced to the career classification of Firefighter. Fire Recruit is a training-level classification that exists solely for those who are completing their initial Sacramento Fire Department Training in the Sacramento Regional Fire Academy. Fire Recruits undergo a formal training program that meets the California State Firefighter 1 curriculum standard. Academy instruction includes basic training in firefighting methods, equipment operations, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and physical fitness. Successful completion of this Academy is required, even if similar training has been achieved elsewhere. Failure to complete the Academy successfully will be cause for release from City employment. Upon completing the training requirements and graduation from the Academy, a Fire Recruit is eligible for probationary appointment to Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic). Fire Recruit is a non-career developmental classification used to recruit and prepare qualified candidates for advancement to the journey-level classification of Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic). Incumbents in this class undergo a formal training program in the Sacramento Regional Fire Academy, where they receive their California Firefighter 1 certification upon completion. Under close supervision, the Fire Recruit must gain an understanding of lifesaving and firefighting methods through intensive academic instruction and specialized training. Classroom academics, hands-on training, and daily physical fitness training will be required. Upon satisfactory completion of the training and graduation from the Academy, a Fire Recruit is eligible for a 12-month probationary appointment to the career classification of Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic). Fire Recruit is distinguished from the Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic) in that the former is a recruiting and training level classification, and incumbents do not perform emergency duties outside of closely supervised training drills. Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic) is a journey-level classification, and incumbents are expected to perform the full range of responsibilities of a Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic). Immediate supervision is provided by higher level Fire and Civilian personnel.

Requirements

Reside in California.
Be on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) as of July 20, 2026.
Age: Must be 21 or older by the completion of Academy.
High School Diploma or GED.
Possession of a valid Driver License.
Possession of a valid CPAT Certificate, issued within the past twelve months from July 20, 2026.
Received a passing score (70% or above) on the FCTC Written test within the past twelve months from July 20, 2026.
Possession of a valid California or National Registry Paramedic License.
Successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check, fingerprinting, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history.
Successfully complete the Sacramento Fire Department’s (SFD) Fire Academy.
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment.
Successful completion of Phase I Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) training is required by the completion of the Academy.
Possession of a valid California or National Registry Paramedic License is required for paramedic assignments; Paramedic Licenses must have SCEMSA accreditation by the completion of the academy.
If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a medical examination and a drug test.
Documentation verifying the candidate's eligibility for employment in the United States will be required and shall be presented upon hire.
If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and drug use history.
Work in this classification requires wearing respiratory equipment at times. When assigned to such work, facial hair must be shaven when it interferes with the safe fitting of respiratory protective equipment.
Successful candidates must adhere to the established City of Sacramento Smoke-Free Workplace policy.

Nice To Haves

Possession of California State Fire Marshal approved Firefighter I Certification.
Current service in the Sacramento Fire Department Reserve program.

Responsibilities

Attend assigned training sessions for both classroom training and manipulative exercises and drills.
Learn concepts of fire science and firefighting methods, including safety practices.
Studies and completes homework assignments.
Takes periodic quizzes, tests, examinations, and evaluations.
Learn basic defensive driving techniques and emergency vehicle operations of fire apparatus.
Learn equipment operation and maintenance procedures and practices.
Learn to operate fire extinguishers, hose lines, nozzles, and similar equipment used in extinguishing fires.
Learn to raise, lower, and climb ladders.
Learn salvage and overhaul operations.
Learn basic emergency medical procedures.
Learn the organization, chain of command, polices & procedures, and the rules and regulations of the Sacramento Fire Department.
Successfully participate in and practice physical fitness training.
Learn other related courses or programs as required.
Other related duties as assigned.