Firefighter/Paramedic (Entry Level or Lateral)

City of Poway • Poway, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Poway Fire Department is a highly regarded institution in San Diego County, serving the community of Poway and providing automatic aid to the City of San Diego and CalFire/Ramona. The Poway Fire Department is classified as a Class 1/1X department by the Insurance Services Organization's Public Protection Classification program, and provides all-risk response 24/7, responding to structure fires, vegetation fires, ALS level emergency medical services, hazardous materials incidents and public services with a highly trained workforce of 51 first responders at three strategically located fire stations. The Poway City Council approved a six-year Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Poway and the Poway Firefighters’ Association. The agreement is currently effective through June 30, 2027, and includes subsequent salary increases of 3.5% each July 1. Effective July 1, 2026, a 1.5% wellness/fitness incentive pay will be offered to qualified personnel. Qualified applicants will be invited to test on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Requirements

• To be considered a lateral candidate, an applicant must have one year of consecutive (no break in service) experience as a Firefighter/ Paramedic (or higher-level fire position) with an all-hazard municipal, county, state, fire district, tribal or federal fire department/agency.
• Must be currently employed as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic (or higher) to be considered as a Lateral.
• ENTRY LEVEL APPLICANTS (excluding laterals): Must be on FCTC’s Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) to be considered for employment as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the City of Poway.
• A passing score on the FCTC Written Test must be dated within one year of the application submission date.
• Cal-JAC CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Card must be dated within six months of the date an application is submitted.
• Candidates are required to ATTACH ALL REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS to the application, or the application will not be considered, and the applicant will be disqualified.
• LATERAL APPLICANTS: Lateral applicants are not required to be placed on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL).
• Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
• A valid class C driver's license.
• Possess and maintain a Firefighter I Certificate from the California State Fire Marshal or graduation from an accredited Fire Academy within the State of California.
• Possess and maintain a valid EMT-P license issued by the State of California.
• San Diego County EMS Accreditation certification is required at time of appointment.
• Possess and maintain a valid Hazardous Material Fire Responder Operations certificate issued by the California Specialized Training Institute, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or Pro Board.
• Licenses and Certifications required to successfully complete probation.
• Obtain and maintain certification as an Apparatus Driver according to the Poway Fire Department's Apparatus Operation Guide and Certification Program.
• Successful completion of FEMA ICS-300.
• Successful completion of IS-700.
• Successful completion of IS-800.
• Obtain and maintain a Fire Firefighter I certificate issued by the California State Fire Marshal.
• Must possess mobility, physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and use all emergency apparatus and equipment; perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders; vision to discern colors and assess emergency situations, including medical incidents, to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.
• The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned apparatus and equipment.
• Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites.
• Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials, objects, and individuals necessary to perform job functions.
• Employees must possess the ability to lift more than 100 pounds on a normal basis.
• Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, extreme temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, substantial heights, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
• Employees are required to work shifts, as scheduled by the Department.
• All appointments are subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment physical that includes a drug screening, a background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting and driver's license verification from the Department of Motor Vehicles, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States.
• All employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and the State of California constitution at time of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working for an agency that provides fire protection services and/or paramedic services is desirable.
• College-level coursework from an accredited educational institution in fire science, or a related field, is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Respond to all fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, rescues and other emergent and non-emergent situations.
• Participate in all other suppression, prevention, inspection, education and related activities to protect life and property.
• Perform fire station and apparatus maintenance.
• Serve in specialized departmental roles as assigned.
• Provide information and assistance to the public.
• Respond to fire alarms, deliver all equipment, and implement fire suppression and firefighting techniques to rescue victims and protect private and public property.
• Assume a designated position on an assigned apparatus and follow command structure instructions for fire suppression or related emergency services.
• Respond to open space and structural fires; perform search and rescue operations to remove persons from burning structures, and fire suppression techniques as appropriate.
• Lay, connect, charge and use supply lines and various water appliances to control and extinguish fires; place water curtains and perform ventilating and access maneuvers; use foam and chemical extinguishers as required by the nature of the fire; operate fire streams as directed; raise and climb ladders; ventilate roofs and windows.
• Operate all types of portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, smoke ejectors, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, aerial ladder equipment, emergency medical equipment, and other firefighting and medical equipment as required.
• Perform salvage duties at fire scenes by placing salvage covers, sweeping, vacuuming up water, and removing debris.
• Assist in the investigation of fires; obtain and preserve evidence at a fire scene, secure fire scene and control traffic, and participate in determining fire origin and cause.
• Inspect building structures to ensure code compliance, explain City fire codes and fire prevention policies and procedures to the general public, and prepare complete and accurate reports of inspection activities as required.
• Respond to emergency medical calls, and administer advanced first aid and/or basic life support as appropriate, including assessing patients, CPR, resuscitation, operating automated external defibrillator, rescue breathing, administration of oxygen, recording vital signs, and other related medical treatments as appropriate.
• Respond to emergency rescue calls, including auto accidents requiring extrication, search and rescue, gas system leaks, confined space rescues, and rope rescues.
• Perform overhaul operations to ensure the complete suppression of fire.
• Maintain fire equipment in a clean and operable condition, including performing daily equipment checks, and repairing damaged equipment as necessary; maintain inventories of apparatus, equipment, and supplies; recommend purchase of firefighting equipment, physical fitness apparatus, and station appliances.
• Work closely with other emergency medical staff, public safety, and fire personnel from other agencies, depending upon response situation.
• Respond to hazardous materials emergencies, including scene assessment, identifying the extent of damage and/or potential hazard to the community, implementing containment plans, and protecting fire personnel and civilians from exposure to chemicals.
• Respond to man-made and natural disasters, including fires, floods, earthquakes, crash rescues and other catastrophic events, including providing medical assistance and removing persons from harmful structures or exposure to fire, smoke, adverse weather conditions, and harmful materials.
• Maintain an awareness of other Fire personnel on detail for the purpose of protecting other Firefighters' lives as necessary.
• Make verbal analyses of activities involved in any fire emergency situation.
• Perform all necessary training activities as assigned and in accordance with readiness and preparation for firefighting activities, including training in fire suppression, emergency medical training, hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, technical rescues, equipment use and maintenance, fitness training and other related functions; participate in Fire drills.
• Operate and maintain a variety of fire vehicles, apparatus, and equipment on a training basis.
• Maintain station and personal living areas in a clean and orderly manner, and maintain surrounding grounds to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for fire personnel and the general public.
• Perform a variety of administrative duties including maintaining proper records and documentation on all job-related activities, functions, apparatus, and equipment, preparing reports, forms, recommendations, and other required administrative procedures.
• Participate in a variety of public awareness activities to promote good public relations and fire safety awareness, including providing tours of fire facilities and giving presentations at local schools as requested; respond to complaints and requests for information from the public; engage in public information activities.
• Maintain attendance and punctuality that is observant of scheduled hours on a regular basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Six-year Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Poway and the Poway Firefighters’ Association.
• Subsequent salary increases of 3.5% each July 1.
• Effective July 1, 2026, a 1.5% wellness/fitness incentive pay will be offered to qualified personnel.

What This Job Offers

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