Firefighter/Paramedic

Salary: $106,346.62 - $129,265.00 Annually
Location : Murrieta Fire Department, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-23
Department: Murrieta Fire & Rescue
Division: Suppression
Opening Date: 06/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: FFA


Description and Essential Functions
Connected by Amazing Employees
Salary information stated above does not reflect FLSA OT pay

Twelve (12) month probationary period which commences on the first day of employment
The City of Murrieta is accepting applications to fill current Firefighter/Paramedic vacancies within the Murrieta Fire & Rescue Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (2) years.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, responds to various types of emergencies; participates in the control and suppression of fires; rescues persons from burning structures and other hazardous situations; provides advanced life support; participates in activities associated with hazardous materials incidents; participates in fire prevention, station maintenance, and training activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, or remove job duties as necessary and will make reasonable accommodations consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to enable qualified individuals to perform the position's essential functions. The omission of a specific duty does not preclude it from being assigned if it is similar, related, or logically aligned with the role's overall responsibilities

• Respond to fire and other emergency calls and participate in fire extinguishment, ventilation, salvage, rescue, and other operations; operate various firefighting/control equipment
• Provide advanced life support and pre-hospital care as allowed under the policies and procedures of the local medical director
• Assist in loading and transporting of victims; communicate with hospital and/or health care professionals concerning patient treatment and condition
• Complete all required reports and input into computer system
• Maintain and service all EMS equipment and restock and order supplies as needed
• Maintain all required certifications and meet continuing education requirements necessary to work as a paramedic
• Perform routine equipment checks and fire station duties and participate in required training activities
• Participate in fire prevention inspections and pre-incident planning of public and commercial buildings
• May participate in clean up and disposal of toxic/hazardous waste materials
• May drive fire apparatus and other staff vehicles
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must successfully pass the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Entry Level Firefighter Written Exam and be placed on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List as of August 10, 2026. (If FCTC testing is needed please register at FCTC click here).

• To view upcoming Cal-JAC CPAT and FCTC Written Test dates, click here ().
• Candidates experiencing financial hardship may qualify for financial aid to pay for their FCTC testing fees. ()

Items marked with an asterisk (*) must be uploaded directly to the candidate FCTC profile.

• EMT-Paramedic license in the State of California*
• Certificate of Completion from a California State Firefighter I Academy or OSFM Firefighter I *
• Driving is an essential job function; therefore, a valid California Driver's License is required*
• Possess a current, valid Cal-Jac CPAT Card with an issue date between August 10, 2025 and August 10, 2026*

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

Firefighter/Paramedic (Entry-Level )

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Coursework in Fire Science or a related field is desirable
• Firefighter/Paramedic (Entry-Level) - No previous experience required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Items marked with an asterisk (*) must be attached to the application

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)*
• EMT-Paramedic license in the State of California*
• Certificate of Completion from a California State Firefighter I Academy (OSFM Firefighter I also accepted)*
• Possess a current, valid Cal-Jac CPAT Card with an issue date between August 10, 2025 and August 10, 2026*
• California Class C Driver License*

If selected for hire, candidates will be required to submit copies of the following certificates later in the selection process.

• American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification or RHeaRT certificate
• American Heart Association, American Red Cross or state approved BCLS/CPR certification or RHeaRT certificate
• California Class C Driver License
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) acquired within six months of hire
• Obtain local EMS accreditation within two months of hire date

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Disaster Service Workers

In accordance with government code 3100, "Disaster Service Workers" (DSW) during emergencies. This law stipulates that public employees can be assigned to emergency activities to support the public's health, safety, and property during natural, man-made, or war-caused disasters.
Tier 6 - Full Background + Safety & Psychological
Final candidates must successfully complete an extensive pre-employment screening process, including a full background investigation, Department of Justice Live Scan (DOJ/LS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint clearance, a safety (job-related) pre-employment physical examination, and a psychological evaluation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions
WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF

• Basic fire prevention and suppression techniques and practices
• Pre-hospital paramedic-level assessment, treatment and medical aid techniques

ABILITY TO

• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergency situations
• Perform moderate to strenuous physical activity
• Use and operate a variety of firefighting equipment
• Work safely
• Learn and apply firefighting principles and techniques
• Understand, explain and apply policies and procedures
• Understand and apply mechanical and physical principles related to fire suppression
• Learn and apply fire code provisions and arson/fire investigation techniques
• Climb ladders
• Prepare a variety of reports using a computer and a variety of software programs
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees and the community at large
• Represent the City in meetings and make presentations
• Meet the physical requirements established by the City

Supplemental Information
APPLICATION PROCEDURE A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process.
The examination process may include a combination of appraisal interviews, performance tests, and writing exercises designed to evaluate the candidates' skills, training, and experience.
Successful candidates will be placed on an eligibility list. The City reserves the right to merge eligibility lists as needed. Final selection is contingent upon successful completion of all required pre-employment requirements.
SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY

Located just north of San Diego County, the City of Murrieta is home to approximately 120,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 53 parks, and 1,300 acres of parks, trails, and open space, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in SW Riverside County. With a dynamic business environment, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, and a high median income. Murrieta offers its residents an exceptional quality of life in an engaged and connected community.
THE DEPARTMENT


Murrieta Fire & Rescue (MFR) provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, fire prevention, public education, and disaster preparedness, to approximately 33.6 square miles of southwestern Riverside County, California. The department delivers emergency services with 48 personnel (16 per shift) from five fire stations. In support of these efforts, MFR is managed administratively by a Fire Chief and a Deputy Chief, and employs a Fire Marshal, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, and a Training Officer. MFR has a long tradition of providing excellent customer service to the region's residents and guests. Since the department's inception in 1947, the expectation of our first responders has grown to include much more than fire suppression and basic first aid. Progressive, "all - risk" agencies are now expected to deliver advanced paramedic services, public education, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and wildland-urban interface response. MFR is consistently working to achieve and/or maintain the highest level of professionalism and efficiency on behalf of those it serves.

MFR's personnel are expected to be fully engaged with the agency and community, including assignments on committees and project teams. The agency is an active participant in statewide mutual aid and national USAR deployments, which requires long stretches on duty. The shared vision of the agency is to become a Fire Department from which other progressive agencies measure themselves.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Step 1: Online Application: In order to be considered for a position with the Murrieta Fire & Rescue Department, applicants must submit an online application and required documents in response to a current job opportunity listed on the City's website.

Step 2: Oral Interview and EMS Assessment: Qualified applicants will be required to complete oral interviews and an EMS assessment as part of the recruitment process.

Step 3: Conditional Job Offer: Following the successful completion of all prior steps, candidates may be made a conditional job offer. Job offers are conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation, psychological and medical examination.

Step 4: Background Investigation and Administrative Interviews: Qualified applicants will undergo a complete, comprehensive background investigation. Upon completion of the background investigation, applicants may be invited to an administrative interview.

Step 5: Psychological and Medical Examinations: Qualified applicants shall undergo a psychological assessment by a qualified professional to determine their suitability for the position. In addition, applicants will complete a full medical examination, including drug screening.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Organization: FFA

Adopted: 2/18/2003
THE CITY OF MURRIETA ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

Integrity

We are ethical, honest, and fair in all we do.

Public Service

We deliver responsive and caring service to our community, customers, colleagues, and region.


Professionalism

We exemplify professionalism through our knowledge, accountability, initiative, and dedication.

Teamwork

We thrive in a positive work environment noted for collaboration, support, diversity, and balance.


Leadership

We demonstrate leadership, guide stewardship of resources, and cultivate a vision for the future.
MURRIETA FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

The following is a summary of the provided benefits. For further information, please refer to the unit's or

• HOLIDAYS: 156 hours per year for 56-hour personnel and 117 hours per year for 40-hour personnel.
• VACATION:

56-hour personnel

• Twelfth year and thereafter - 9.23 hours per pay period
• Ninth through eleventh years - 8.31 hours per pay period
• Sixth through eighth years - 7.38 hours per pay period
• Fourth through fifth years - 6.46 hours per pay period
• First three years of service - 5.54 hours per pay period

40-hour personnel

• First three years of service - 3.96 hours per pay period
• Fourth through fifth years - 4.61 hours per pay period
• Sixth through eighth years - 5.27 hours per pay period
• Ninth through eleventh years - 5.94 hours per pay period
• Twelfth year and thereafter - 6.59 hours per pay period

• SICK LEAVE: 5.54 hours per pay period for 56-hour personnel and 3.96 hours per pay period for 40-hour personnel.
• RETIREMENT: The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier 1 (Classic Members)
    • Formula: 3.0% at 50
    • Member Contribution: 9.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
  • Tier 2 (New Members / PEPRA)
    • Formula: 2.7% at 57
    • Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 13.75% of compensation)
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
• MEDICAL INSURANCE: The City contributes up to $2,234.33 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
• RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE: Please refer to the unit's Memorandum of Understanding for details.
• DENTAL INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• VISION INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• LIFE INSURANCE: The City pays for 100% of the premium for a life insurance policy equal to one time an employee's base salary. Additional life insurance is available.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• FIRE RETIREE MEDICAL TRUST: Annual City Contribution $2,400 per year.
• BILINGUAL PAY INCENTIVE: 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in the Spanish language.
• EDUCATIONAL PAY INCENTIVE: Employees are eligible for Educational Pay Incentive in one of the categories below:
  • 40 Semester units of credit and any of the following certificates: Fire Officer, Company Officer Certificate, or Chief Officer$150 per month
  • Associate's degree in Fire Science or Technology or a related field.$1.25 per hour
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or Technology or a related field.$2.50 per hour
• PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE: $6,000 per year (paid biweekly) for Captains and Engineers who maintain a current paramedic license.
• UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: $1,850 per year (paid biweekly)
• TECHNICAL RESCUE/TRUCK INCENTIVE PAY: Employees who maintain technical rescue/truck certification receive a $300 per month stipend.
• TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Eligible employees are able to be reimbursed $3,450 per fiscal year for traditional courses or $6,900 per fiscal year for an accelerated academic program (maximum reimbursement of $13,800)
• LONGEVITY PAY:
  • $2,000 after 10 full years of service with the City
  • 2% after 15 full years of service with the City
  • An additional 3% after 20 full years of service with the City
• COMPENSATORY TIME: Maximum of 120 hours

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Murrieta.
01


The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview.By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.Responses such as, "see resume" or "see application" will result in rejection of your application.Proof of education is required.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02


What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than a High School diploma or equivalent.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)
• Some college
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

03


Do you possess an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major coursework in fire science, fire technology or a related field?Please attach transcripts or proof of degree; required at time of submitting application.

• Yes
• No

04


If you selected Associate's Degree or higher in the previous question, please enter the major/area of study below.
05


How many years of full-time, paid experience do you possess working in a fire department?

• None
• Less than one year
• More than one, but less than two years.
• More than two, but less than three years.
• More than three years.

06


A valid EMT-Paramedic License with the State of California is required for this position and must be uploaded to FCTC. Are you currently registered with the State of California as an EMT-Paramedic and have you uploaded a copy of your license to FCTC?

• Yes
• No

07


A Certificate of Completion from a California State Firefighter I Academy (or OSFM Firefighter I) is required for this position and must be entered into FCTC to be considered for this position.Do you possess this certificate and have you uploaded a copy of the certificate to FCTC?

• Yes
• No

08


A BCLS/CPR certification (from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or other state approved provider) is required for this position. Do you possess this Certificate?Proof must be attached to this application to be considered for this position.

• Yes
• No

09


An American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is required for this position. Do you possess this Certificate?Proof must be attached to this application to be considered for this position.

• Yes
• No

10


A valid California Class C Driver's License or California Class B Driver's License or California Class C/Firefighter-Restricted Driver's License is required for this position and must be uploaded to FCTC. Have you Uploaded a copy of your license to FCTC?

• Yes
• No

11


A valid Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) certification issued within the last twelve (12) months is required for this position. Candidates obtaining a certification after the application filing date will be required to submit valid certification upon arrival at their scheduled interview. Have you attached a copy of your certification to this application or will you be able to provide a valid copy at the time of interview?

• Yes
• No

12


Please enter your FCTC ID #
Required Question