Firefighter / Paramedic (2026-2)

Lakeside Fire Protection • Lakeside, CA

10d • $99,299 - $114,966

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Firefighter / Paramedic performs firefighting and EMS duties, responding to structure and wildland fires, vehicle accidents, and medical emergencies. The employee may be assigned to an ALS ambulance and participates in fire suppression, prevention, public education, station and equipment maintenance, apparatus maintenance, training, and other related duties.

The position follows a 56-hour work week (Kelly schedule); during recruit academy, the schedule is 40 hours per week. The anticipated hire date is January 2027. Applicants must provide proof of certifications with their application or a letter confirming the anticipated completion date. Employment is conditional on successfully completing applicable screening, which may include drug screening, a physical, background checks, psychological evaluation, and fingerprinting.

Duties include responding to emergency and non-emergency medical calls; providing ALS and BLS care; extricating, transferring, restraining, and occasionally transporting patients, including by helicopter; and restocking medical supplies. Fire duties include suppressing structural and wildland fires, operating hoses and water flow, using protective gear, handling hazardous materials, and cleaning equipment after incidents. Other work includes inspecting and maintaining apparatus and equipment, performing station and grounds maintenance, conducting commercial building inspections and hydrant maintenance, participating in training and public education, and attending meetings and in-service sessions. If on the eligibility list, the employee may assume the captain’s role in the captain’s absence.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of hire.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess a California Class C driver license.
• Possess California Paramedic licensure and San Diego County paramedic accreditation, or be currently participating in the clinical or field internship portion of a paramedic training program; accreditation is required at the time of hire.
• Possess the physical abilities to perform duties identified in NFPA 1001: Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualification.
• Have CPAT certification at the time of hire, dated no more than 12 months prior.
• Possess a California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I Certificate, have completed an accredited academy, or meet the minimum requirements for the Heartland 42nd Fire Academy starting February 1, 2027.
• Be able to read, understand, and apply technical firefighting materials and concepts.
• Be able to respond quickly to changing situations under emergency pressures.
• Be able to perform routine administrative functions and basic record keeping.
• Be able to operate a vehicle using legal and defensive driving practices.
• Be able to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and establish effective working relationships.
• Be able to read, write, and speak English and perform basic math.
• Have basic mechanical knowledge.
• Be able to lead, assign, train, and review the work of others and deal effectively with officials, agency representatives, other jurisdictions, and the public.
• Have knowledge of firefighting methods, materials, tools, equipment, fire suppression and prevention, and appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
• Have knowledge of laws, ordinances, and codes governing paramedics; diagnostic signs and treatments within State and County scope and practice guidelines; and medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and prescription drugs.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Fire Science (not required, but highly desirable).

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency and non-emergency medical situations in a variety of settings.
• Provide advanced life support (ALS) and basic life support (BLS) in accordance with established procedures.
• Extricate people from vehicles, buildings, or other structures; transfer patients to ambulances; and transport patients when required, including occasional helicopter transport.
• Use soft or leather restraints when necessary and restock medical supplies.
• Suppress structural and wildland fires to protect lives and property.
• Wear protective clothing and additional gear as needed; select and deploy hoses, assist with hydrant or apparatus connections, and monitor water flow.
• Handle hazardous materials by identifying them, evacuating individuals, and isolating materials as needed.
• Clean firefighting gear and hoses and return vehicles and equipment to readiness after incidents.
• Respond to miscellaneous public service calls and coordinate with law enforcement when weapons are involved.
• Inspect, maintain, and perform minor repairs on apparatus and firefighting equipment; report repair needs and assist mechanics.
• Perform station and grounds maintenance, including cleaning, landscaping, painting, and minor building repairs as needed.
• Conduct commercial building inspections, identify fire hazards, recommend corrective measures, and perform hydrant maintenance.
• Participate in training drills and evaluations for at least two hours daily.
• Participate in public education activities, including station tours and Fire Awareness Week.
• Participate in voluntary physical training; two hours per shift is allowed for this training.
• Attend scheduled meetings and in-service sessions.
• Assume the captain’s role in the captain’s absence if on the eligibility list.

Benefits

• FLSA premium pay, approximately $3,000 to $4,000 annually.
• Education incentive of up to 5% of the hourly rate.
• Continuing licensure incentive for paramedics of $2,000 annually.
• Holiday pay, approximately $3,500 to $4,500 annually.
• Paid sick, vacation, bereavement, and parental leave.
• Retirement eligibility through CalPERS.
• Insurance benefit of $2,264.68 per month, effective January 1, 2027.
• Long-term disability insurance, with a portion of the premium paid by the employer.
• Employee-funded deferred compensation (457 plan).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED