Firefighter Trainee - EMT (Entry Level)

Job Description:

Firefighter Trainee - EMT (Entry Level)

Description

Description

The Fremont Fire Department is recruiting for the position of FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE (EMT).

VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT FLYER

THE CITY
Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, Fremont is a vibrant, innovative community known for its exceptional quality of life, strong economy, and diverse population of more than 230,000 residents. The City offers outstanding schools, expansive parks and open space, a low crime rate, and a thriving business community anchored by advanced manufacturing, clean technology, biotechnology, and other emerging industries.

As a full-service city, Fremont is committed to providing high-quality public services through innovation, fiscal responsibility, and strong leadership. Operating under a council-manager form of government, the City combines visionary elected leadership with professional management to deliver exceptional service and enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Fremont.

THE DEPARTMENT
Join an innovative, service-driven fire department dedicated to protecting one of the Bay Area's most vibrant and diverse communities. The Fremont Fire Department is comprised of five divisions that work together to provide exceptional emergency response, fire prevention, training, and support services. The Department's mission is to protect life, property, and the environment through emergency response, public education, fire prevention, and community partnerships.

Emergency operations include 11 engine companies, 3 ladder companies, Type 1 Hazardous Materials Response Unit and a Type 1 Heavy Rescue Company comprising the Fremont Fire Departments Special Operations Task Forces. Every engine and truck company is staffed with at least one licensed Paramedic. The Fremont Fire Department provides Wildland Fire Suppression by staffing 6 specialty engine companies and 1 tender company.

OUR CORE VALUES

Dedication • Cooperation • Professionalism • Integrity • Leadership • Respect

These values guide everything we do and define how we serve our community, support one another, and carry out our mission every day.

IS THIS THE ROLE FOR YOU?
This is an exceptional opportunity for individuals who are passionate about serving their community, thrive in fast-paced and challenging environments, and are committed to making a difference when it matters most.

We’re looking for candidates who:

• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Have a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous learning
• Are compassionate and service-oriented
• Communicate effectively and work well in team environments
• Remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure
• Are physically and mentally resilient
• Are adaptable, coachable, and eager to grow
• Treat others with respect and foster positive working relationships

If you're ready to build a rewarding career serving one of the Bay Area's most diverse communities while working alongside dedicated professionals who value teamwork, leadership, and excellence, we encourage you to apply.

TENETATIVE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE:

Closing Date : Friday, August 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PST (or 600 applicants)

Oral Board Panel Interviews : August 24 - September 4

Executive Panel Interviews : September 14 - September 25

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS (PLEASE READ!)
This position will remain open until August 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (PST) or once 600 applications are received. Since the recruitment may close without notice once the applicant cap is reached, interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A detailed outline of the recruitment process and application requirements is below. Please read the full process and requirements carefully before applying.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Applications must be submitted online by 12:00 p.m. (PST) on Friday, August 7, 2026. Applications will be reviewed for completeness. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Before submitting your application, you must:

• Be listed on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List. For information on joining the list, visit www.fctconline.org/find-a-job/fctc-statewide-list/.
• Have a valid FCTC Written Test completed within 12 months of the application deadline (between August 8, 2025, and August 7, 2026).
• Have a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card issued within 12 months of the application deadline (between August 8, 2025, and August 7, 2026).

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Please do not submit your application until you have all required documents. Applications missing required materials will not be considered. Once submitted, applications and attachments may not be edited.

All applicants must complete the online application and supplemental questionnaire available at www.fremont.gov/cityjobs.
Firefighter Trainee (EMT) Applicants
Applicants must attach:

• Resume
• One of the following:
  • California EMT Certificate (or equivalent as determined by the Fire Chief), or
  • National Registry EMT Card
• CPR Card

SELECTION PROCESS

Qualified applicants will be screened based on their application materials and FCTC Written Test scores. A limited number of qualified candidates will advance through the following process:

• Oral Board Interviews: August 24 - September 4
• Executive Panel Interviews: September 14 - September 25
• Comprehensive Background Investigation (approximately 3-6 weeks)
• Medical Examination
• Psychological Examination

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the selection process will be placed on the City's Firefighter Eligibility List. Due to the volume of applicants, individual feedback will not be provided.

FIRE ACADEMY

The Fremont Fire Department Firefighter Trainee Academy is tentatively scheduled to begin in January 2027.

Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. Please review your settings in government jobs to ensure that you receive all updates regarding your status in the recruitment.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing [email protected].

CONTACT US
For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at: [email protected]

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

________________________________________________________________________________

FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE

Definition
Under immediate supervision, actively participates in the Firefighter training academy, completion of which is required for appointment to the classification of Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic). Performs all educational and testing activities necessary for the successful appointment to the Firefighter classification. Appointments to the Firefighter Trainee classification are for the duration of the Firefighter Training Academy (Training Academy) and appointments to this classification will terminate automatically upon conclusion of the Training Academy. Incumbents successfully completing the Training Academy, may be appointed and sworn in to the Firefighter classification where they will be required to serve a probationary period of 18 months.

Class Characteristics
The Firefighter Trainee is a temporary, non-sworn trainee-level classification in the Firefighter series, characterized by the responsibility to obtain the training and education necessary to provide emergency services in fire suppression, fire prevention, first responder medical services, hazardous material response, and emergency rescue.

Firefighter Trainees are hired into this classification for the duration of the Training Academy and any additional, subsequent training programs deemed necessary to be eligible for appointment to the Firefighter classification. As a condition of employment, incumbents shall obtain and maintain an Emergency Medical Technician certification or Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Accreditation.

Through a combination of general and specialized classroom instruction, and hands-on training, Firefighter Trainees develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform a wide range of fire service tasks in accordance with Fremont Fire Department policies, procedures, and standards.

The work performed is physically demanding, involves potential risk to health and safety, and is performed under close supervision with regular evaluation and feedback. Firefighter Trainees must graduate from the Training Academy and be appointed to the Firefighter classification to retain employment with the Fremont Fire Department. Incumbents who do not successfully complete the Firefighter training Academy will be terminated automatically.

The Firefighter Trainee classification is distinguishable from the Firefighter classification in that the former is a temporary classification for recruiting and training purposes only, and incumbents are not engaged in emergency response.

Essential Functions

• Receive training in firefighting lectures, and practical training sessions as directed by the cadre coordinator and assigned training companies.
• Receive training in firefighting activities such as fire suppression, wildfire operations, wildland operations, hose evolutions, nozzle evolutions, use of extrication tools such as chain saws, axes, jaws of life, ladder raises, ropes and knots, fire extinguishers, water supply systems, fire prevention, public safety education, radio operations, salvage and overhaul operations.
• Learn Fremont Fire Department policies, procedures, standard operating guidelines, and applicable administrative regulations.
• Successfully complete Training Academy requirements and other training assigned by the Fire Department.
• Develops proficiency in the following areas: emergency medical services, rescue work, firefighting and other emergency services, physical conditioning and training, and any other subjects included in the Training Academy.
• Understands and interprets laws and regulations.
• Safely operate firefighting equipment including, but not limited to, hoses, nozzles, ladders, pickaxes chain saws, crowbars, hydraulic rescue tools, and sledgehammers.
• Climb stairs with hose bundle/pack or other necessary equipment in order to facilitate the extinguishment of fires. Advance and maneuver charged and uncharged house line up ladders.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Training Academy classmates, cadre, supervisors and other fire service officials.
• Follows oral and written instructions in a timely and effective manner.

Minimum Qualifications

Basic Competencies

• Communication Skills - Communicates and listens effectively and responds in a timely, effective, positive and respectful manner; written reports and correspondence are accurate, complete, current, well-organized, legible, concise, neat, and in proper grammatical form responds to statements and comments of others in a way that reflects understanding of the content and the accompanying emotion; asks clarifying questions to assure understanding of what the speaker intended, ensures consistent communication takes place within area of responsibility.
• Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including, but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
• Building Trust - Communicates an understanding of the other person's interests, needs and concerns; identifies and communicates shared interests and goals; identifies and communicates differences as appropriate; demonstrates honesty, keeps commitments and behaves in an appropriate manner.
• Continuous Improvement - Stresses accountability and continuous improvement.
• Decision Making - Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions.
• Flexibility - Makes effective decisions and achieves desired results amid major changes in responsibilities, work processes, timeframes, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment.
• Initiative - Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.
• Planning - Acts to align own goals with the strategic direction of the organization; defines tasks and milestones to achieve objectives, while ensuring the optimal use of resources to meet those objectives.
• Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem(s); collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.
• Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; is punctual; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
• Physical Ability - Demonstrate physical agility, strength, coordination, balance, flexibility, and stamina in the performance of tasks under stressful conditions; demonstrate a high degree of mechanical and spatial aptitude; learn and apply the operating and mechanical principles of firefighting and rescue operations; learn and perform proper and effective operation of equipment,; learn to operate fire/rescue vehicles such as fire engines, four-wheel drive vehicles, fire trucks, utility vehicles, boats, etc.; learn and apply the operation of fire apparatus and equipment such as pick-ax, crow bar, sledge hammer, fire extinguisher, and hydraulic rescue tools, etc.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Basic life support or Advance Life Support emergency care.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Comprehend, retain, interpret and apply information learned in a classroom setting, which may be of a complex and technical nature.
• Learn general principles and practices of firefighting activities including fire suppression and prevention, hazardous materials, rescue and salvage operations, radio communications, and water systems.
• Learn to perform physical and strenuous firefighting work requiring physical strength, coordination, balance, endurance, and flexibility in a safe and effective manner.
• Learn the standard operation and uses of fire suppression equipment, apparatus, and vehicle extrication operations.
• Understand and act in accordance with departmental policies, rules and regulations as well as instructional materials related to firefighting and emergency treatment responses.
• Prepare clear reports and other written materials.
• Administer CPR or Advanced Life Support emergency medical services at the emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic level.
• Conduct patient assessments.
• Recognize dangerous situations and make sound, independent decisions.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with Training Academy classmates, cadre, assigned training companies, battalion chiefs, command staff, and administrative staff.
• Identify and accurately recall and document significant events or details.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Use computer systems and software applications.
• Recognize potential danger.

Education/Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Education: Graduation from High School, possession of an acceptable equivalency certificate, such as the General Educational Development Certificate (State of California), or any higher-level degree from an accredited college or university and active placement on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) State Eligibility List on or before the last day for filing of the application. For more information, visit www.fctconline.org.

Experience: None.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements

All Applicants:

• Must possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Class C California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record is required. Failure to possess or maintain the valid required licenses, endorsements and certifications shall result in discipline up to, and including, termination of employment.
• Must be at least 18 years old on the date the final application is submitted.
• Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT):

The following are required at the time of application for Firefighter Trainee (EMT ):

• California EMT Certificate (or equivalent as defined by the Fire Chief) or National Registry EMT Card
• CPR Card

Paramedic:

The following are required at the time of application for Firefighter Trainee (Paramedic):

• California or National Registry Paramedic License or equivalent as defined by the Fire Chief, with current certifications in
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Pediatric Education for Prehospital Personnel (PEPP)
  • Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) or International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) or Assessment and Treatment of Trauma (ATT)
• CPR Card

Additional Competencies and/or Desirable Qualifications

(Competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities that are more position specific and/or likely to contribute to more successful job performance.)

• Possession of current and valid State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority Paramedic License.
• Possession of an Associate’s (AS or AA) degree or higher from an accredited college.
• Bilingual skills (oral and written); or American Sign Language (ASL).

Physical and Environmental Demands

Rare = 66% Sitting: Frequent

Walking: Frequent

Standing: Frequent

Bending (neck): Frequent

Bending (waist): Frequent

Squatting: Frequent

Climbing: Frequent

Kneeling: Frequent

Crawling: Frequent

Jumping: Frequent

Balancing: Frequent

Twisting (neck): Frequent

Twisting (waist): Frequent

Grasp - light (dominant hand): Frequent

Grasp - light (non-dominant):Frequent

Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Frequent

Grasp - firm (non-dominant):Frequent

Fine manipulation (dominant): Occasional

Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Occasional

Reach - at/below shoulder: Frequent

Reach - above shoulder level: Frequent

Push/pull:

Up to 10 lbs. Frequent 11 to 25 lbs. Frequent

26 to 50 lbs. Frequent

51 to 75 lbs. Frequent

76 to 100 lbs. Frequent

Over 100 lbs. Frequent

Lifting:

Up to 10 lbs. Frequent

11 to 25 lbs. Frequent

26 to 50 lbs. Frequent

51 to 75 lbs. Occasional

76 to 100 lbs. Rare

Over 100 lbs. Rare

Carrying:

Up to 10 lbs. Frequent

11 to 25 lbs. Frequent

26 to 50 lbs. Frequent

51 to 75 lbs. Occasional with assistance

76 to 100 lbs. Occasional with assistance

Over 100 lbs. Occasional with assistance

Coordination:

Eye-hand: Required

Eye-hand-foot: Required

Driving: Required

Vision:

Acuity, near: Required Not less than 20/100 in each eye correctable to

Acuity, far: Required Not less than 20/30 in each eye with glasses

Depth perception: Required Without color blindness

Accommodation: Required

Color vision: Required

Field of vision: Required

Talking:

Face-to-face contact: Required

Verbal contact w/others: Required

Public: Required

Hearing:

Normal conversation: Required

Telephone communication: Required

Earplugs required: Required

Work Environment

Employees may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibrations, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. The duties of this class are performed in a training environment with exposure to simulated emergency situations.

Additional Information
Class Code: 4061
FLSA: Non-exempt
EEOC Code: 4
Barg. Unit: Unrepresented
Established: 06/2026

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Firefighter Trainee (EMT) Annual Salary: $118,130 (plus 2.5% EMT premium pay).

Firefighter Trainee (Paramedic) Annual Salary: $118,130 (plus paramedic premium pay equal to 10% of the top step of the Firefighter salary range, once assigned by the Chief to perform the full scope of Paramedic duties).

• 18 month probationary period following successful completion of the Fire Training Academy
• Paid Fire Training Academy
• 48/96 work schedule after completion of the Academy
• Excellent development and training opportunities

The following generous benefits are provided :

• Medical - A variety of plans are offered through CalPERS.
• Dental - Plans are offered through Delta Dental.
• Vision - Plans are offered through VSP.
• Health Benefit Allowance - The City contributes up to $2,900 towards health benefit premiums (medical, dental and vision) and unused allowance up to $580 is paid monthly to the employee.
• Retirement Health Savings Plan - IAFF employees contribute 2% of their base pay towards a Retirement Health Savings (RHS) plan.
• Retirement - As defined by the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and in the CalPERS retirement system:
  • Classic Members* (Tier 2—hired on or after 4/8/12) will receive CalPERS retirement benefits under the 3% at age 55 plan.
  • New Members* (Hired on or after 1/1/13) will receive CalPERS retirement benefits under the 2.7% at age 57 plan.
• Deferred Compensation Voluntary Plan Options - The City offers two optional 457 plans for employee participation.
• Income Protection - The City provides basic plan coverage for Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Long Term Disability with additional coverage available for purchase by the employee.
• Flexible Benefit Plan - Employees have the option to contribute tax-free income for medical premiums, healthcare reimbursement and dependent care reimbursement.
• Uniform Allowance - $700/year

A complete benefits summary can be found here .

* Refer to CalPERS web site for complete definitions of Classic and New employees: www.calpers.ca.gov

The City of Fremont offers a comprehensive benefit package including general and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long/short-term disability insurance.

To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit: City of Fremont Benefits Summary

Closing Date/Time: 8/7/2026 12:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$118,130.22 Annually