Firefighter Trainee

Firefighter Trainee

Salary

$73,790.91 Annually

Location

City of Pasadena, CA

Job Type

2025 - REGULAR FULLTIME 40+ HRS A WK

Job Number

26-172

Department

Fire

Division

Fire Operations

Opening Date

05/14/2026

Closing Date

5/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City of Pasadena is pleased to announce the recruitment for the position of:

• Firefighter Trainee (40 HRS): $35.48/Hour (during training tower)
• Firefighter (56 HRS): $76,070.76 - $121,841.57 Annually (upon graduation/12 Mo. probation)

THE DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Pasadena Fire Department is to provide protection of life, property, and the environment from the effects of fires, medical emergencies, and hazards. We engage the community in our mission through progressive community outreach.

The members of the Pasadena Fire Department take pride in our commitment to professional service by maintaining our skills, knowledge and abilities. All members of the Department will conduct themselves in an ethical manner conforming to a moral standard of right versus wrong by treating each other and the people we serve humanely, decently, and honestly.

Join a renowned Fire Department within a World-Class City with exposure to dynamic fire and rescue call responses, a challenging emergency medical services environment, the wildland urban interface, and Urban Search and Rescue opportunities; all within a diverse culture, community and workforce. We are looking for individuals who embody accountability, integrity, and flexibility. Apply today!

• TENTATIVE TEST SCHEDULE
• Panel/ Chief Interviews- Tentatively scheduled week of Week of July 6, 2026.*
• Biddle Testing- Tentatively scheduled for week of July 27, 2026.*
• Subject to change

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS OVERVIEW

The City of Pasadena Human Resources Department and the Pasadena Fire Department have collaborated with the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) to select the best individuals suited to become firefighters. Read the following information thoroughly and carefully.

• APPLICTION- You must submit an employment application to the City of Pasadena. The City of Pasadena application-filing period opens May 14, 2026, and closes May 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. All certificates or licenses must be submitted with your FCTC registration. Hard copies will not be accepted by the City of Pasadena.
• FCTC-
• Must be current on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) on 05/28/26- by the closing date. (For more information on how to be placed on the FCTC SEL, visit https://www.fctconline.org/find-a-job/fctc-statewide-list/)
• Cal-JAC CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Card must be dated between 05/28/25 and 05/28/26.
• A passing score on the FCTC Written Test must be dated 05/28/25 and 05/28/26 (12 months from your application deadline).

To view upcoming Cal-JAC CPAT and FCTC Written Test dates, click here (https://www.fctconline.org/candidates/upcoming-test-schedule/).

Candidates experiencing financial hardship may qualify for financial aid to pay for their FCTC testing fees. (https://www.fctconline.org/grants/)

• You must possess a valid California issued EMT certification, a valid National Registry issued EMT certification or Paramedic license to be eligible for the FCTC SEL. All certificates or licenses must be submitted with your FCTC registration. Hard copies will not be accepted by the City of Pasadena.
• FCTC provides study materials, a test prep course, and financial hardship grants to qualified individuals.
• STRUCTURED CHIEF INTERVIEWS- Top scoring applicants on SEL and those that meet the most desired qualifications may be invited to participate in structured Chief interviews with the City of Pasadena.
• BIDDLE: Top scoring candidates on structured Chief interviews may be invited to proceed to City paid Biddle test.
• ELIGIBILITY LIST- Candidates whose final score and qualifications best meet the Departments needs will continue in the selection process. If you receive a qualifying score, you will remain on the eligible list for one year.
• VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS - Three points will be added to the final qualifying score for veterans who served at least one year of active military duty and submit documentary evidence of honorable discharge with their online application.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION - Candidates will be required to undergo a thorough background and medical review including psychological screen and drug test.

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of this process may be appointed to the at-will position of Firefighter Trainee with the City of Pasadena, with the intention of being appointed as a Firefighter after successful completion of the Firefighter Academy.

Essential Functions

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description. A Firefighter Trainee is trained to perform the full range of fire safety activities, including:

• Lay hose; set up ladders; operate Fire Department equipment.
• Conduct rescue and salvage work.
• Administer first aid and assist in medical incidents.
• Perform basic fire prevention and code enforcement duties, including life safety inspections.
• Perform support and maintenance activities such as servicing fire hydrants, fire equipment maintenance and repair, and station and grounds maintenance.
• Keep abreast of current firefighting methods and operations, city geography, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Conduct public education and information activities including assisting in the preparation and dissemination of informational materials and making public presentations.
• Perform vehicle and apparatus repair and maintenance.
• May operate fire apparatus and perform other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Accountability members of the Pasadena Fire Department will be accountable to each other and the community we serve. We accept responsibility for our decisions and actions.
• Cooperation-Interpersonal Skills ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships in a community living environment and with the public.
• Flexibility Pasadena Fire Department members will adapt to the ever-changing needs of our community, the organization, and the environment.
• Integrity as members of the Pasadena Fire Department, we strive for honesty and fairness in our dealings with our customers and each other. We are honorable to our profession, and we inspire each other to maintain trustworthiness, openness, and sincerity.
• Physical Abilities possess the physical endurance and ability to perform a wide variety of strenuous fire suppression activities, ability to lift heavy loads, bend in all directions, climb ladders and poles, squeeze with arms and hands, pull and lower heavy loads, operate machinery using hands and legs, and work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
• Trainable ability to be trained instructed and supervised in all aspects of fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical procedures.

Qualification Guidelines

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of appointment.
• Possession of a valid Class C Drivers License.
• Applicants must possess a valid CAL-JAC CPAT card.
• Applicants must be active on the FCTC SEL by May 28, 2026, and no earlier than May 28, 2025. (12 months from your application deadline).
• Applicants must submit an online employment application to the City of Pasadena by May 28, 2026.
• Applicants must possess a California issued EMT certification or a current National Registry EMT certification or paramedic license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a California State Paramedic license or a National Registry paramedic certification eligible for California certification.
• Possession of Los Angeles County Paramedic Certification.
• Possession of an Associates of Arts or Associate of Science in Fire Science or above.
• Possession of a California State Fire Fighter I certificate.
• Preference will be given to Pasadena residents. Proof of residency (valid California drivers license or identification card or copy of utility bill) will be required at the time of applying and will also be verified at the time of appointment.
• Preference will be given to applicants involved in Pasadena Fire Department Programs: Pasadena Fire Explorers, Pasadena EMS Reserves, Pasadena Paramedic Internship, or Pasadena Fire Department Local Fire Academy Sponsorship.

Special Requirements

• Candidates must be non-smoker and remain a non-smoker for the duration of employment.
• Paramedic certified candidates must maintain paramedic certification for the duration of employment.
• New hires may be required to obtain a state of California Paramedic training and certification.
• Out-of-state candidates must apply for a state of California Drivers License when the conditional offer of employment is made.
• The Firefighter Trainee is an FLSA Non-exempt and At-Will classification.

Visit www.FCTConline.org for information about how to be placed on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List, how to register for CPAT, and the written tests. Information and study materials can be found on the website along with information about financial hardship grants and testing fees.

As a Fire Fighter Trainee:

With the exception of existing members of CalPERS Fire Trainees will be enrolled in the Public Alternative Retirement System (PARS) upon hire. PARS is an alternative retirement system to Social Security.

Trainees who were members of CalPERS prior to January 1, 2013 and meet eligibility rules will receive the 2.5% at 55 while employed by the City as a trainee. Trainees who are subject to the provisions of the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) will receive the 2% @ 62 benefit formula while employed by the City as a trainee.

Upon graduation from the Fire Academy and promotion to a Firefighter I:

Effective January 1, 2013, new Safety members to CalPERS or a reciprocal retirement system (such as OCERS, SBCERA, KCERA or VCERA) or who have more than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be subject to the provisions of the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and will receive the 2.7% @ 57 benefit formula.

Employees who are current Safety members of CalPERS or a reciprocal retirement system (such as OCERS, SBCERA, KCERA or VCERA), or who have less than a six month break in service between employment with a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the City will be enrolled in the 3% @ 55 benefit formula.

Health Insurance:

Fire Trainees are offered medical insurance with the City of Pasadena. Options include two Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans and eight Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans offered by the California Public Employees Retirement System (CALPERS). Health plan enrollees will receive a contribution of up to $528.20 per month towards the medical plan premium. (This amount is subject to change each calendar year.)

Upon graduation from the Fire Academy and promotion to a Firefighter I:

The City offers additional benefits that include increased contributions toward medical benefits and offers of dental, vision, basic and voluntary life insurance, critical illness and accident plans as outlined in the Citys Memorandum of Understanding with the Pasadena Fire Fighters Association (PFFA).

01

To further assist us with reviewing your qualifications, please answer the following questions. Please complete all sections of this form truthfully and completely. Your responses will be validated if you are considered one of the most qualified applicants. Although resumes will be accepted and evaluated, this form must be completed if the application is to be considered valid. See resume is not an acceptable or valid response. Your responses should be clearly described in your application work history experience. Please select yes to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you 18 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a valid Class C Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you graduated from high school or earned a GED or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a valid CAL-JAC CPAT card.

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess a valid California issued EMT certification or a current National Registry EMT certification or paramedic license.

• Yes
• No

07

Do you possess a California State Fire Fighter I certificate?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you a California or National Registry certified paramedic?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have an A.A./ A.S. or B.A/B. S in Fire Science or related field?

• Yes
• No

10

Select the option that best describes the certification you possess.

• California issued EMT certification.
• National Registry EMT certification that is eligible for California certification.
• Los Angeles County Paramedic Certification.
• National Registry Paramedic Certification
• I do not possess either of the certifications listed above.

11

Are you a current City of Pasadena resident? (Proof of residency - valid CA drivers license or identification card or copy of utility bill may required in order to receive residential preference.)

• Yes
• No

12

Have you recently participated in any Pasadena Fire Department programs: (Pasadena Fire Explorers, Pasadena EMS Reserves, Pasadena Paramedic Internship, or Pasadena Fire Department Local Academy Sponsorship)? Please make sure it is noted under your work history for validation.

• Yes
• No

13

If you answered yes to the question above, please select the Pasadena Fire Department programs you have participated in:

• Pasadena Fire Explorers
• Pasadena EMS Reserves
• Pasadena Paramedic Internship
• Pasadena Fire Department Local Academy Sponsorship
• Other
• N/A. I have not participated in a Pasadena Fire Department program.

14

If selected to move forward to the next step of the selection process, you must possess a valid CAL-JAC - CPAT CARD dated May 28, 2025, through May 28, 2026. Enter your initials to reflect that you have read and understood the above statement:

15

If selected to move forward to the next step of the selection process, you must have successfully passed and listed on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) written examination list dated between May 28, 2025, through May 28, 2026. Enter your initials to reflect that you have read and understood the above statement:

Required Question

Employer City of Pasadena

Address 100 N. Garfield Ave., Rm S135

P. O. Box 7115

Pasadena, California, 91109-7215

Phone (626) 744-4366

(626) 744-4366

Website http://www.cityofpasadena.net/humanresources