Firefighter Trainee - EMT & Firefighter Trainee - Paramedic
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Multiple Locations- See Job Description, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-3574-01 (O)
Department
Fire
Opening Date
07/07/2026
Closing Date
8/3/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
SALARY
ACADEMY:
Firefighter Trainee - Paramedic and/or EMT - Starting Pay $81,312 Annual Base Salary. (During the Santa Barbara County Fire Recruit Academy.)
POST-ACADEMY:
Firefighter: Starting Pay $97,293 Annual Base Salary (Commences after Graduation from Academy).
We are accepting applications to fill vacancies in All Locations. One employment list will be used to fill vacancies at all locations (separate employment lists for different locations will not be established). Therefore, applicants must check "All Locations" on the application and be willing to accept assignment at any location.
Before submitting your application, please read the employment standards (qualifications) carefully and the remainder of the job bulletin. If you do not meet the employment standards, we ask that you consider applying once you have met the required employment standards.
About the County of Santa Barbara Fire Department:
Since 1926, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department has served and safeguarded the community from the impacts of fire, medical emergencies, environmental emergencies, and natural disasters through leadership, planning, education, prevention, code enforcement, and all-hazard emergency response. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department has a rich tradition and commitment to service excellence; we are well equipped, well trained, and experienced. We have excellent working relationships with other State fire agencies and maintain a reputation as leaders in the region. We have 294 employees, an annual operating budget of $120.9 million, and a capital budget of $3.3 million. Services are provided through 16 fire stations, air operations, heavy equipment, and three offices located throughout Santa Barbara County. We serve the cities of Buellton, Goleta, and Solvang, private lands, and County unincorporated areas. To learn more about our department, please visit: www.sbcfire.com.
THE POSITION: Under immediate supervision, candidates will attend the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Firefighter Recruit Academy to receive instruction designed to qualify trainees for the classification of Firefighter; and in a non-safety capacity, to perform other duties as required. Firefighter trainees should strive to continuously improve their skills in rescue services and emergency medical delivery and be able to adapt to, and implement, new techniques and procedures.
IDEAL CANDIDATE:
For more information about the Fire Department, please visit https://www.sbcfire.com/
OVERVIEW OF THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT, FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT ACADEMY: This is a trainee-level classification, and incumbents are expected to successfully complete the Firefighter Recruit Academy, receive the recommendation of the Fire Chief, and promote to Firefighter as a condition of continued employment. The Fire Academy will operate Monday through Friday and may include some weekend days and evenings. Trainees participate in a physical training program, followed by morning line up, inspection and briefing for the day of training. The training day includes both classroom time and field exercises conducted at various locations throughout the county. Field exercises are designed to simulate actual firefighting tasks including advancing hose lines, working with tools as a team and individually under extremely difficult conditions including: confined space, restricted visibility, wearing heavy clothing and breathing from a self-contained breathing apparatus. Trainees must raise and climb ladders and be comfortable working high above the ground. Trainees are expected to climb steep hills while wearing protective clothing and packs, carrying heavy tools and hoses in extreme environmental conditions including high temperatures, humidity, and smoke. All facets of fire service response are covered, including, but not limited to: structural and wildland firefighting, hazardous materials, high angle rope rescue, emergency driving, confined space and trench rescue and delivery of emergency medicine.
Examples of Duties
Employment Standards
ALL APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS THESE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS (QUALIFICATIONS) ON THE CLOSING DATE OF THE RECRUITMENT, AUGUST 3, 2026. PLEASE ENSURE ALL LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW ARE CURRENT ON AUGUST 3, 2026.
THESE DOCUMENTS MUST BE DOWNLOADED AND SUBMITTED TO FCTC (Firefighter Candidate Testing Center). WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VERIFY RECEIPT OF YOUR DOCUMENTS AND CONFIRM WITH FCTC THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED ON THE FCTC STATEWIDE ELIGIBILITY LIST (SEL) PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION.
Additional Qualifications:
Applicants hired after December 26, 1988, shall be disqualified from further employment consideration if they use tobacco products in any form on or off duty.
Each Employment Standard listed above must be maintained until time of appointment.
PLEASE NOTE: A National Registry EMT Certification (NREMT) does NOT meet the requirement of a CA-EMT certification.
Knowledge of: Basic emergency medical techniques.
Ability to: Learn the proper use of firefighting tools and equipment; understand and follow written and oral directions; effectively communicate verbally; work under a structured organization that will require emotional and physical stability under stress; work in an outdoor environment; and perform moderate and heavy physical activities for prolonged periods.
Desirable Qualifications:
To view upcoming Cal-JAC CPAT and FCTC Written Test dates, click here: (https://www.fctconline.org/testing-information/upcoming-test-schedule/).
Please visit www.fctconline.org/cpat/ for further information regarding the CPAT, written tests, and to learn about the examination process, requirements, study materials, and other testing information including fees. Costs associated with taking the examinations are the responsibility of the applicant.
Supplemental Information
SELECTION PROCESS:
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking Assessment to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the Supplemental Questionnaire Assessment, rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
Selection Interviews: A select number of candidates from the eligibility list will be invited to participate in selection interviews. Selection Interviews will occur following the steps above. Selection interviews are tentatively scheduled to start the week of August 18, 2026.
The eligible list established for this position may be used to fill existing and future Firefighter Trainee-EMT and Firefighter Trainee-Paramedic positions. We anticipate our next academy will begin on January 4, 2027. The first day of employment will be January 4, 2027.
If you have application login problems or get an error message during the application process, please call Government Jobs (NeoGov helpline) for assistance: (888) 636-4681.
VETERANS PREFERENCE CREDIT: Veterans preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veterans preference points, you must: (1) check the Veterans Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) attach a copy of your Form DD214 to your application at the time of application, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final supplemental questionnaire score.
Background Investigation: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical examination and psychological exam.
Appointees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period, to begin on the first day of employment. Post Academy, the appointee will start a one-year probationary period that must be satisfactorily completed.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement -The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, please CLICK HERE to visit our website. Additionally, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: August 3, 2026, at 4:59 PM PST; Postmarks are not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, YOU MAY EMAIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AT: firedghr@sbcfire.com
Retirement Plans
Health Benefits
Paid Time Off
Miscellaneous Benefits
Compensation Summary
01
You must be willing to work at Fire Department locations throughout Santa Barbara County. Please ensure you have indicated "All Locations" on your application as required. If you are unsure, please go back and check your application before continuing. (If you do not check ALL LOCATIONS, your application will not be accepted).
02
Veterans preference points: To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veterans preference points, you must: (1) check the Veterans Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) attach a copy of your Form DD214 to your application at the time of application, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final supplemental questionnaire score. If you are a veteran requesting preference points, please attached a copy of your DD214, completion of education or training document, or your disability document to your online application. Please select the one that best describes your status and how you will provide the information. If you are emailing your DD214 or documents, you will have until August 3, 2026. Submit DD214 or documents to FireDGHR@sbcfire.com
03
As part of the selection process for Firefighter Trainee, I understand I will undergo a thorough background investigation. If I am given a conditional offer of employment and accept it, I will undergo physical and psychological examinations. Falsification of any information in any portion of the hiring process including this application and supplemental questionnaire or failure to meet the required standards will result in my disqualification. I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information listed above.
04
To be considered for this position, you must meet ALL of the requirements under the EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin. Listed below are the Employment Standards: Placement on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL): AND o Possession of a valid driver's license o High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) o Possess a valid Cal-JAC CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Card (must be valid on August 3, 2026) o Receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the FCTC Written test (written test expires 12 months from date taken - test must be valid on August 3, 2026) o Possession of a current California EMT-1 License or a current California EMT-P license
05
A valid Class C Drivers license is required at the time of appointment. Please select the most appropriate answer option below.
06
Please select the answer options below that best describes your EMT qualifications.
07
Do you possess a current California EMT-1 license? If yes, please provide your license number and the expiration date in the space below. If you do not possess this license, please enter "NA" in the space below.
08
As of today, do you hold a Fire Fighter I certification issued by the California State Board of Fire Services AND/OR proof of graduation from a State of California Certified Fire Fighter I Academy (certificate must clearly state academy is "State of California Certified" - please check your certificate before answering this question?) Please check all that apply to your qualifications.
09
How many months of paid wildland firefighter experience do you possess? Months selected must represent 40+ hr/ a week of employment as a wildland firefighter. Be prepared to offer proof of employment for each selection.
10
I understand the Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking and my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job classification. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules
11
Please select the answer options below that best describe your EMT-Paramedic qualifications.
12
Do you possess a current California Paramedic license? If yes, please provide your license number and the expiration date in the space below. If you do not possess this license, please enter "NA" in the space below.
13
Do you possess work experience as a wildland firefighter? Select "Yes" only if you have 180+ days or 6+ months cumulative paid work history at 40+ hours/week as a wildland firefighter (includes forest/ range technicians directly assigned to firefighting duties). This experience must be provided in the work experience section of your application.
14
Do you have experience working on a federal, state, local government or Santa Barbara County fire crew (type 1 Interagency Hotshots (IHC) or type 2 Initial Attack (IA))? Select "Yes" only if you have 180+ days or 6+ months cumulative paid work history at 40+ hours/week as a wildland firefighter (includes forest/ range technicians directly assigned to firefighting duties). This experience must be provided in the work experience section of your application.
15
Please select all previous experience you possess in the Fire Service. You may select multiple selections. This experience must be provided in the work experience section of your application. Be prepared to offer proof of employment for each selection.
Required Question
Employer County of Santa Barbara
Address 1226 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, California, 93101