Internal Applicants Only - Firefighter / Paramedic (2026-2)

Lakeside Fire Protection•Lakeside, CA

19d•$99,299 - $114,966•Onsite

About The Position

The Firefighter / Paramedic works under direct supervision and performs firefighting and emergency medical services duties. The role responds to structure and wildland fires, vehicle accidents, and medical emergencies, and may be assigned to an ALS ambulance. The position participates in fire suppression, prevention, public education, training, and station, equipment, and apparatus maintenance. The schedule is a 56-hour work week with a Kelly schedule; during recruit academy, the schedule is 40 hours per week. Duties include responding to emergency and non-emergency medical calls; providing ALS and BLS care; extricating, transferring, and sometimes transporting patients; restocking medical supplies; and occasionally transporting patients by helicopter. Firefighting work includes responding to alarms, using protective equipment, handling hoses and water flow, assisting with hazardous materials incidents, and cleaning and maintaining gear after incidents. Other duties include apparatus inspections and minor repairs, station and grounds maintenance, commercial building inspections, hydrant maintenance, daily training, public education, and attending meetings and in-service training. If on the eligibility list, the employee may assume the captain role when the captain is absent. Applicants must be internal Lakeside Fire Protection District members at the rank of EMT or Reserve Firefighter. Minimum qualifications include being at least 18 at hire, a high school diploma or equivalent, a California Class C driver's license, California paramedic licensure with San Diego County accreditation or accreditation from a paramedic training program (accreditation required at hire), the physical abilities required by NFPA, a current CPAT certification at hire (no more than 12 months old), and a California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I Certificate, completion of an accredited academy, or eligibility for the Heartland 42nd Fire Academy beginning February 1, 2027. An associate degree in Fire Science is desirable but not required. Applicants selected for testing may complete a written test, oral interview, and skills assessment, including patient assessment using San Diego protocols. Before employment, the successful candidate must pass all applicable conditional-offer requirements, which may include drug screening, a physical, background checks, psychological evaluation, and fingerprinting. The anticipated hire date is January 2027, with the Fire Academy scheduled to start February 1, 2027. The 2027 benefits are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding with Local 4488. Listed compensation and benefits include FLSA premium pay, education and continuing licensure incentives, holiday pay, paid leave, CalPERS retirement eligibility, an insurance benefit, employer-paid portion of long-term disability insurance premiums, and an employee-funded 457 deferred compensation plan.

Requirements

Must be an internal Lakeside Fire Protection District member at the rank of EMT or Reserve Firefighter.
At least 18 years of age at time of hire.
High school diploma or equivalent.
California Class C driver's license.
California paramedic licensure with San Diego County accreditation or accreditation from a paramedic training program; accreditation is required at time of hire.
Physical abilities to perform duties identified in the NFPA.
CPAT certification at time of hire, no greater than 12 months old.
California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I Certificate, completion of an accredited academy, or meeting the minimum requirements for the Heartland 42nd Fire Academy starting February 1, 2027.
Knowledge of firefighting methods, materials, tools, equipment, fire suppression and prevention principles, and appropriate safety procedures.
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.
Ability to read, understand, and apply technical firefighting materials and concepts; respond quickly to changing situations under emergency pressure; and perform routine administrative functions.
Ability to perform BLS and ALS functions in accordance with established procedures and operate a vehicle using legal and defensive driving practices.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate in English; perform basic math and simple record keeping; and understand basic mechanical relationships.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, deal effectively with officials, other agencies, jurisdictions, and the public, and lead, assign, train, and review others' work.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Respond to emergency and convalescent medical situations in varied settings, providing ALS and BLS care.
Extricate, restrain, transfer, and, when needed, transport patients; occasionally transport patients in a helicopter.
Restock medical supplies, including IV supplies, oxygen, medications, and linen.
Respond to structure and wildland fires; control and extinguish fires to protect lives and property.
Wear protective clothing and equipment, operate the paramedic unit, select and extend hoses, connect hoses to hydrants or apparatus, and monitor water flow.
Identify and handle hazardous materials incidents as needed, including evacuating people and isolating materials.
After incidents, return vehicles to the station, roll up and wash hoses, and clean firefighting gear.
Respond to miscellaneous public service calls and notify law enforcement when a weapon is involved at a scene.
Inspect, maintain, and ensure readiness of apparatus and firefighting equipment; perform minor repairs and report repair needs.
Assist the mechanic with apparatus repairs as time allows.
Perform station cleaning, grounds maintenance, and building repairs as needed.
Conduct commercial building inspections, identify fire hazards, and recommend corrective measures.
Maintain fire hydrants by checking valves and seals and verifying water flow.
Participate in training drills and evaluations for at least two hours daily, and attend scheduled meetings and in-service sessions.
Participate in public education activities, including station tours and Fire Awareness Week activities.
Participate in voluntary physical training to maintain fitness; two hours per shift is allowed for this training.
If on the eligibility list, assume the captain role when the captain is absent.