FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC

Firefighter Paramedic Positions

We are hiring firefighter paramedics! Effective January 1, 2026, the updated MOU salary range was increased to $8,084 - $10,833 monthly.

Additional pay and incentives:

• Certification pay:
• Company Officer Certification: +3%
• Advanced Paramedic Certification (ACLS, PALS, Trauma): +3%
• EMT Certification: +4.67%
• Education incentive pay:
• Associate Degree or Junior Status: +3%
• Bachelor's Degree: +6%
• Master's Degree: +9%
• Specialty assignment pay (if assigned):
• Urban Search & Rescue (USAR): +1% to +5% (depending on team level)
• Hazardous Materials: +5% (Technician) or +7.5% (Specialist)
• SWAT Medic/TEMS: +4.6% to +11%
• Arson Investigator: +4.6% (Level I) to +11% (Level II)
• Skill & assignment pay:
• Preceptor pay (when assigned or active)
• Administrative assignment pay: +5.34%
• Tiller Certification pay: +1.78%
• Bilingual skill pay: +5%
• Longevity pay (cumulative professional paid fire department experience with city, county, state, federal or district fire agencies):
• 5–10 years: +2.5%
• 10–15 years: +5%
• 15–20 years: +7.5%
• 20+ years: +10%

Huntington Beach Fire Department is seeking to fill four firefighter paramedic positions, with opportunities to or exceed that number in 2026.

The City of Huntington Beach Fire Department is seeking dedicated, career-minded individuals who are ready to commit to a long-term career in the fire service profession. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong interpersonal and multicultural communication skills, a commitment to community engagement, and a solid understanding of basic teaching techniques.

Firefighter/Paramedics live and work in fire stations alongside peers, coworkers, and supervisors, where they are expected to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and tact in a wide range of situations. Current and future vacancies will be filled from the eligibility list established through this recruitment and examination process.

The Huntington Beach Fire Department (HBFD) is comprised of 207 dedicated members, including 147 sworn personnel and 60 civilian staff, supported by 200 seasonal lifeguards. Together, we deliver exceptional fire, rescue, and emergency services to the community.

HBFD offers Firefighters the opportunity to gain experience across a broad spectrum of specialized assignments, including Urban Search & Rescue, Hazardous Materials, SWAT Paramedics, Employee Health and Wellness, Fire Explorers, Community Risk Reduction, and Arson Investigation. Members may also serve on the Peer Support Team, which includes a Service Canine component.

Applicants for this position are required to submit an online employment application to the City of Huntington Beach by the recruitment deadline of August 14, 2026, 5:00 pm.

Under the direction of a Fire Captain, performs duties involving responding to medical, fire, and environmental emergencies:

• Communicates medical information to the hospital; administers advanced emergency medical care to the sick and injured; documents emergency care rendered.
• Engages in all-risk fire suppression and rescue activities.
• Creates and delivers company level training regarding fire/emergency safety practices and procedures.
• Actively engaged in community risk reduction activities.
• Maintains fire stations; drives department vehicles; operates department equipment.
• Attends instruction sessions related to job; participates in HBFD's physical fitness program.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Note: The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed within this job classification. City Council/Administration at its discretion, may add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

The following must be met by time of appointment:

1. High school diploma or equivalent
2. At least 18 years of age
3. Valid Driver License
4. Possession of a valid California State Paramedic license OR a valid National Registry EMT-Paramedic Certification.
5. A valid current American Heart Association (AHA) issued BLS Provider or Healthcare Provider card issued by an American Heart Association Training Center or a CPR card for health care providers issued by the American Red Cross. Military-level CPR certification is subject to review on a case-by-case basis.
6. Possession of Certificate of successful completion of Physical Abilities Test (PAT). Only CPAT or Biddle PAT, issued on or after August 14, 2025, will be accepted. Those not possessing a CPAT or Biddle PAT certificate may obtain and submit one by the time of appointment.

Additionally, candidates must meet at least one of the following by time of appointment (first day of academy):

• One year of continuous experience as a full-time paid firefighter with a federal, state, county, or local agency; OR
• Possession of a California Firefighter I Certificate; OR
• Graduation from a California State-accredited Firefighter I Academy (minimum 348 hours); OR
• Graduation from an accredited out-of-state firefighter academy that has obtained a Firefighter I and/or Firefighter II certification recognized by IFSAC and/or Pro Board, in accordance with NFPA Professional Qualifications

The following must be met after appointment:

• Candidates possessing a Paramedic Certification through the National Registry must obtain a California State Paramedic License prior to completion of HBFD Firefighter Paramedic Academy in March 2027.
• Orange County Paramedic accreditation within thirty (30) days of completion of HBFD Firefighter Paramedic Academy.
• California Class C Driver License with Firefighter Endorsement prior to completing probationary period.

Selection process:

Each candidate is required to submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire to the City of Huntington Beach. No walk-ins will be permitted. Applications will be reviewed for qualifications and completeness.

The examination components will include an oral interview, paramedic practical assessment, and physical assessment exam.

• Any incomplete application or application not meeting qualifications will be disqualified from further participation in the examination process.
• Proof of required certifications (only those specified) must be submitted at time of application. Failure to provide copies will result in disqualification.
• Candidates successfully passing all the components of the examination process will be placed on the eligible list from which appointments will be made.
• This list will be in effect for one year, unless exhausted sooner.

Tentative component and academy dates:

Upon appointment, new-hires are placed through an eight-week comprehensive academy and serve a one-year probationary period.

• Application Filing Period:
• July 30, 2026 - August 14, 2026
• Oral Interview & Paramedic Practical Assessment (100% weight):
• Oral Interview/Practical Assessment - August 25 or 26, 2026
• Physical Assessment Exam:
• August 25 or 26, 2026
• The Physical Assessment Exam is a short, non-graded evaluation of overall fitness
• Candidates must bring fitness attire (shorts, shirt, shoes, socks)
• Exercises will include hose pulls, ladder carry/raise