Firefighter Trainee

Firefighter Trainee

Salary

$75,845.12 Annually

Location

303 W. Commonwealth Avenue, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

2026-FF Trainee

Department

Fire

Opening Date

09/29/2026

Closing Date

10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Join the Fullerton Fire Department and become part of a proud tradition of service, where we invest in our community, protect our people, and work together to shape a safer, stronger future.

The Fullerton Fire Department serves as a vital pillar of safety, resilience, and unity within the Fullerton community. Operating from six fire stations, the department provides essential services to 143,000 residents across a 22-square-mile area. Its team of 88 dedicated professionals works tirelessly to protect lives and property through emergency medical services, fire suppression, disaster response, and rescue operations. Beyond emergency calls, the department is actively engaged in public education, disaster preparedness, and community outreach, fostering a strong sense of trust and connection. Guided by the belief that investing in the city means investing in its people, the Fullerton Fire Department remains committed to making Fullerton the very best it can be-ensuring a safer, stronger future for all who live and work here.

Why Fullerton Fire?

Fullerton Fire is more than just a workplace-it's where purpose, community, and professional growth come together. Here, your career comes with a competitive salary, comprehensive healthcare, a solid retirement plan, education incentives, and a variety of other benefits to support you in your work and daily life. The department is equally committed to your career development, providing ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities to expand your skills through specialty assignments and other avenues for professional success. You'll serve alongside a skilled and dedicated team of highly trained professionals, supported by strong leadership and equipped with modern resources, all while building a career that is both meaningful and rewarding.

Benefits include:

• Bilingual Pay - 2%
• Paramedic Pay - up to 15%
• Longevity Pay - 6%
• Education Incentive Pay - up to 6%
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement

See the Fullerton Firefighters AssociationMemorandum of Agreement for details, as well as additional benefits information.

The Position:

Under direct supervision, in a training, non-safety capacity, a Fullerton Firefighter Trainee develops qualifications for the position of Firefighter; receives Fullerton Fire Department Academy instruction and performs related work as required.

Upon successful completion of the Fullerton Fire Department Academy, a Firefighter Trainee shall be reclassified to Firefighter. Upon successful completion of probation, a Firefighter (probationary status) will be eligible to move to Firefighter (after completion of probation) and receive the applicable salary increase.

Firefighter Trainee

Firefighter

(probationary status)

$6,320 Monthly

Firefighter

(after completion of probation)

$6,636 - $8,469 Monthly

Employment Guidelines

Mandatory Requirements:

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Graduation from an Accredited Academy in the California State Fire Training (SFT) system with at least 400 hours of training or possess an SFT Fire Fighter I certification.
• Possession of a current State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license at the time of application and throughout employment in this position. An EMT basic license is the minimum acceptable credential.
• Valid Red Cross or American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification at the time of application and throughout employment in this position.
• Successful completion of a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Biddle Physical Ability Test (BPAT) dated between October 18, 2025 and October 18, 2026.
• Must have a valid Class C California Drivers License and acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of appointment.
• Eyesight not less than uncorrected 20/100, correctable to 20/30 with contacts or glasses. Must have color vision sufficient to recognize red, green, and yellow colors.
• Must be able to work a variety of shifts and a flexible schedule to include 40-hour workweeks or other shifts as assigned, overtime, emergency call back, holidays, and weekends to accommodate City needs.

EVALUATION PROCESS

Application Evaluation:

Candidates must only attach the following documents to their online application. Do not attach any other items or additional certificates. The inclusion of additional documents could lead to disqualification from the recruitment process.

• Certificate of completion from an SFT Accredited Academy or SFT Fire Fighter I certification or proof of enrollment in an SFT Accredited Academy. This document must be labeled as Firefighter Cert.
• Current State of California EMT license - card must show an expiration date. A State of California issued EMT (Basic), Advanced EMT, or Paramedic license is acceptable. This document must be labeled as EMT Card.
• Current CPR Card from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. This document must be labeled as CPR Card.
• Proof of completion of a CPAT or BPAT dated between 10/18/25 - 10/18/26. This document must be labeled as PAT.

Once again, DO NOT attach any documents that have not been requested. This includes cover letters and resumes. It is also important to note that applicants should not submit their application until they have all the required and valid documentation available to attach. Only one application submission is permitted per candidate.

Written Exam:

The City of Fullerton will administer an Entry Firefighter written exam developed by CPS HR Consulting. The written exam is tentatively scheduled for November 7, 2026. The exam will cover:

• Reading Comprehension
• Mathematical Ability
• Mechanical Reasoning
• Teamwork, Public Relations, and Community Living

Candidates who achieve a passing score, as established by the City of Fullerton, will be invited to the Structured Oral Board.

Candidate Preparation Manual (CPM)

Includes detailed recommendations on important concepts, such as the most effective test-taking strategies and methods, specific information about CPS HR test forms, and what to expect on the day of the test administration. The CPM also includes several practice questions covering each section of the test, along with helpful tools, like a sample answer sheet and template test instructions for candidates to prepare before the day of the test.

Practice Tests

Simulates a full-length version of the CPS HR tests and has been designed to replicate the look and feel of the test-day material. Contains practice items across the same sections contained in our test forms. When candidates have completed the online practice exam, they will receive a breakdown of their scores by section. Candidates will not receive a list of the questions and answers. Candidates can also retake the exam one additional time at no cost.

The cost for the CPM is $7.50, and the practice test is $17.50; both are purchased through and paid to CPS HR. Interested candidates can purchase the CPM and/or practice test by clicking HERE. The link and access to materials is only valid until October 1, 2025. Technical support for CPS HR can be reached at crcsupport@cpshr.com or 916-471-3538.

Structured Oral Board:

Tentatively scheduled for the week of November 30, 2026. Candidates who achieve a passing score on the Structured Oral Board will be placed on the eligible list for Firefighter Trainee.

Biddle Physical Agility Test:

Candidates will be required to complete a BPAT administered by the Fullerton Fire Department tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of December 10, 2026.

Fire Chief Interview:

Tentatively scheduled for the week of December 14, 2026. Candidates on the eligible list may be invited to the Fire Chief interview. Please note that not all candidates on the eligible list may be invited to the Fire Chief interview.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Please review the full job description for additional requirements and information.

Supplemental Information

Assessment Process:

Applicants must provide specific and complete details about their qualifications. Based on the information provided in the application, other required materials, and the ability to follow the instructions provided in this posting, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process.

The City reserves the right to revise any portion of the examination process. Candidates will be notified of any changes before the related examination step.

Candidates who successfully complete the assessment process for this recruitment will be placed on an eligible list, which will remain in effect for at least one year or until an insufficient number of candidates remain on the list.

Current City of Fullerton employees may be given preference during the testing and/or selection process.

Appointment:

Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion of a background check and a medical examination conducted by the City's designated physician at the City's expense. The background check will include fingerprinting, verified by the State of California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Certain positions may require a more extensive background check. Medical examinations assess an individual's ability to meet the physical requirements of the position. Additionally, all new hires and employees appointed to safety-sensitive classifications must undergo a drug screening.

Candidates appointed to Firefighter Trainee will serve in this classification, on probation, while attending the Fullerton Fire Department Academy. Upon successful completion of the academy, a trainee will be reclassified to Firefighter. Newly appointed/reclassified firefighters will serve a 12-month probationary period.

This bulletin does not form an express or implied contract. Any provisions outlined are subject to modification or revocation without prior notice.

Per California Government Code §3100 - 3109, all public employees are declared to be disaster service workers and must take and subscribe to the oath or affirmation required.

Employees who drive for City business are enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles Government Pull Notice Program.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires that you must be a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully authorized to work in the United States to be eligible for hire.

The City of Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, other non-job related physical or mental disability, medical condition, or other functional limitation in employment or the provision of service.

The City is committed to making its programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with qualified disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete the employment application and/or participate in the testing process, please contact Human Resources at (714) 738-6361 before the filing deadline. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

Fullerton is renowned for its unique mix of residential, business, educational, and cultural environments. Boasting a population of approximately 143,000 citizens, Fullerton is a community with a strong sense of tradition and takes pride in providing an atmosphere that allows for both the preservation of its historic past and opportunities to meet the challenges of the future. Known as the "Education Community", Fullerton is also home to award-winning elementary and secondary school systems, plus five universities and colleges, including Cal State Fullerton.

We are a full-service city comprised of nine departments, that include our own city staffed Fire and Police departments. Additionally, the city oversees a general aviation airport, a library, and a variety of recreational buildings, facilities, and activities. As a mid-sized organization providing a variety of services to both internal and external customers, employees are afforded the opportunity to perform varied work within their job classifications.

To ensure that our emails are not filtered into your "junk" or "bulk" folder, please add GovernmentJobs.com to your list of trusted senders. Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communication through U.S. mail.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Employees under this classification are represented by the Fullerton Fire Association (FFA). For further information, please see the appropriate MOA: Fullerton Fire Association (FFA) MOA

Please click HERE for additional benefits information.

01

Please select the box which best describes your State Fire Training accredited academy status:

• I have graduated from an accredited fire academy and have attached proof of completion.
• I am currently attending an accredited fire academy and have attached proof of enrollment.
• I am enrolled in an accredited fire academy and have not yet started.
• I have not completed or enrolled in an accredited fire academy.
• I am submitting a State Fire Fighter I Certificate in lieu of the completion of a State Fire Training accredited academy.

02

My proof of academy completion, enrollment, or State Fire Fighter I certification is labeled "Firefighter Cert" and is attached as requested.

• Yes
• No

03

If you are currently enrolled in an accredited fire academy, what is your anticipated graduation date? All others, please respond n/a.

04

Do you possess a current State of California EMT License?

• Yes
• No

05

My proof of current State of California EMT license, which includes an expiration date, is labeled "EMT Card" and is attached as requested.

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess a valid Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR certification?

• Yes
• No

07

My proof of current CPR certification is labeled "CPR Card" and is attached as requested.

• Yes
• No

08

Have you successfully completed a CPAT or BPAT between 10/18/25 to 10/18/26?

• Yes
• No

09

My proof of passing CPAT or BPAT between 10/18/25 to 10/18/26 is labeled "PAT" and is attached as requested.

• Yes
• No

10

APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - Attachments In this job bulletin, applicants were provided explicit instructions about the type and number of attachments for their application. The required attachments are Firefighter Cert, EMT Card, CPR Card, and PAT and one of each is all that should be included. It was also noted in the job bulletin that the inclusion of any other documents, including but not limited to drivers license, resume, cover letter, transcripts or diplomas, and certifications of any type except those required to apply, may lead to the applicants disqualification from this recruitment.

• I acknowledge that I have reviewed and followed the attachment instructions as provided in this job bulletin and that if I did not, I may be disqualified from this recruitment.

Required Question

Employer City of Fullerton

Address 303 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Fullerton, California, 92832

Phone 714-738-6361

Website http://www.cityoffullerton.com