FIREFIGHTER

Salary : $6,832.71 - $8,720.47 Monthly
Location : 140 E. 12th Street, Suite A, National City, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-068
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/27/2026 6:00 PM Pacific

The City of National City Is Now Accepting Applications for Firefighter!
THE CITY:
The City of National City is a full-service, state-governed city serving a vibrant and socioeconomically diverse community. Its diverse population, mild climate, and central location make National City a great place to live, work, play, and do business. The City takes great pride in its rich history, strong bi-national relationships, and deep commitment to its residents, schools, neighborhoods, and thriving business districts.
As San Diego County's second-oldest city, National City is truly at the center of it all. Located within a dynamic bi-national region of more than five million consumers, the City's competitive advantage lies in its central location, robust transportation network, and diverse business industry. National City is just minutes from downtown San Diego, local beaches, San Diego International Airport, the U.S.-Mexico border, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities.

National City is served by Interstates 5 and 805, as well as State Route 54, providing convenient access for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the region and into Mexico. Public transit options are readily available through the San Diego Trolley and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which serve National City seven days a week.

For more information on the City please visit our website at:


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THE JOB:
Under general supervision, to respond to fires, emergency medical service (EMS) incidents, fire alarms and other emergency calls to protect life and property; perform fire prevention/public education work; participate in station maintenance and training activities; and perform related work as required.

BENEFITS:

For benefit information, please click on the Memorandum of Understanding for the Firefighters' Association:
NOTE: Lateral or new hires with current Paramedic Certification will be eligible for Paramedic duty after completion of department approved certification process with the City of National City, and be eligible to receive an additional 15% incentive pay to their hourly base salary for as long as they maintain a current EMT-P Certification.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

The City will be accepting applications from applicants who are on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List. Candidates who wish to be considered must meet the minimum qualifications as stated below and be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List as of the closing date of this posting.

Please visit for information on how to be placed on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List, how to register for upcoming Candidate Physical Ability Tests (CPAT) and written tests, information about study materials and grants for testing fees.

UPCOMING WRITTEN TEST: Wednesday, June 3 -
Saturday, June 6 - Friday, June 12 -
Saturday, June 20 -
Friday, June 26 -
Saturday, July 11 -
Thursday, July 16 -
Saturday, July 18 -
Tuesday, July 21 -
Saturday, July 25 -
Upcoming CPAT Test/Orientation/Practice:
Friday, May 22 - CPAT Test
Wednesday, June 24 - CPAT Orientation & Practice
Saturday, June 27 - CPAT Test
Wednesday, July 22 - CPAT Orientation & Practice
Friday, July 24 - CPAT Test
You must register with the FCTC in order to take the written test and CPAT. Furthermore, after taking the written test and CPAT, you must register and complete your profile on the FCTC website to be placed on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The following duties and responsibilities are representative of those typically performed by positions assigned to this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these duties and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

• Responds to structural, vehicle or wildland fires, rescue operations, hazardous materials incidents, and alarms by performing fire suppression, search and rescue, forcibly entering buildings and operating fire equipment.
• Raises, lowers, and climbs ladders; scales and repels walls and other structures; ventilates structures; extricates victims, opens up walls, structures and vehicles; extinguishes fires and engages in salvage and clean-up operations.
• Administers emergency medical service at a basic life support (BLS) level
• Inspects, cleans, tests and performs preventative maintenance work on fire equipment, hoses, tools, medical and fire apparatus; maintains all assigned equipment and apparatus in a ready state; operates radio equipment in an effective manner.
• Participate in public relations, fire/safety education activities, and fire prevention activities including station tours, fire safety/fire suppression education away from the station, school education programs, group activities, fire drills, courtesy walk-through visits, and phone inquiries.
• Cleans and performs minor maintenance of fire station and grounds.
• Participate in drills and training exercises, classes and activities including but not limited to those related to firefighting, emergency medical service, technical rescue, extrication, physical fitness and other related areas.
• Maintain skill levels, new equipment and procedure familiarization, and certifications which are relevant and/or required for assigned responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as directed by command personnel.

The following duties are typical for Firefighters assigned as Paramedics:

• Perform advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical care, which may include administering "IV's", coronary care, operating defibrillation equipment, and other related medical procedures in accordance with San Diego County EMS protocol.
• Assist in the maintenance and replenishment of medical equipment and drug supplies.
• Adhere to approved medical and radio protocol and practices.
• Complete comprehensive patient care reports, and maintain accurate records.
• Maintain continuing education and pass paramedic recertification tests.
• May transport patients in accordance with San Diego County EMS protocol.
• Oversee medical management of patients until a turnover is given to a transporting unit or patients are signed out or released per county protocol

IDEAL CANDIDATE & QUALIFICATIONS
Training and Experience : Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: graduation from high school or GED equivalent, possession of a valid EMT or Paramedic certification
Knowledge and Skills in: firefighting procedures, techniques, and methods; medical services techniques, rescue, and first aid; apparatus and equipment operations and maintenance; hazardous materials identification and containment; fire prevention/inspection procedures; public relations; information technologies.
Ability to : Learn technical firefighting principles and mechanical techniques; understand and follow oral and written directions, policies, regulations and instructions; participate in a variety of work assignments and to report for duty in an emergency; engage in moderate to strenuous physical activity; work cooperatively with others
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Candidates must possess the following to be considered for the position, and must be maintain during their employment:

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment with the City.
• Possession of a valid EMT or Paramedic certification (This certification must be with the County of San Diego at time of appointment and it must be maintained throughout employment with the City)
• High school diploma or GED equivalent

HIGHLY DESIRABLES:

• **Possession of a valid California Paramedic License (EMT-P)is highly desirable. **New hires with current Paramedic Certification will be eligible for Paramedic duty after completion of department approved certification process with the City of National City, and be eligible to receive an additional 15% incentive pay to their hourly base salary for as long as they maintain a valid EMT-P Certification.
• Completion of an accredited Firefighter I Fire Academy is highly desirable.

Ability to : Learn technical firefighting principles and mechanical techniques; understand and follow oral and written directions; participate in a variety of work assignments and to report for duty in an emergency; work cooperatively with others; interpret and enforce the codes and ordinances of a modern fire prevention bureau.
A candidate must meet current medical and physical standards to ensure no condition exist that might adversely affect their ability to perform the duties of a National City Firefighter.

TO APPLY

Application Review: Applications will be screened to ensure the following requirements are met:

• You must be on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List. Please visitfor information on how to be placed on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List, how to register for upcoming Candidate Physical Ability Tests (CPAT) and written tests, information about study materials and grants for testing fees. A minimum score of 70% on the FCTC written exam is required, and must have been taken within one (1) year. You must have also completed the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within one (1) year . Please ensure to attach a copy of your CPAT certificate to your online application.
• The FCTC and CPAT requirements do not apply to candidates that have successfully completed the National City Fire Department Fire Academy. (A copy of the certificate of completion must be attached to your online application.)
• You must attach a copy of your valid Emergency Medical Technician Certificate i ssued by the State of California or by an EMT certifying agency approved by the State of California, County of San Diego EMT System ID Card, or Certificate for Basic Life Support for the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Provider to your online application. Applications without a copy of a valid EMT card will be disqualified, regardless of the reason (e.g. awaiting receipt due to renewal process, recent testing, State issuance backlog, etc.)
• You must attach a copy of your valid California Class C driver's license.

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of relevant education, experience, training, and Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List.
For benefit information, please click on the Memorandum of Understanding for the Firefighters' Association:
01


The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questionnaire must also be described, in detail, on the "Work Experience" section of your employment application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your responses to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.

• I have read and acknowledge the instructions stated above.

02


EDUCATION: Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• AA/AS Degree
• Bachelor's Degree in related field
• Bachelor's Degree in a non-related field

03


Are you currently on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you possess a valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate or Paramedic certification issued by the State of CA or by an EMT certifying agency approved by the State of CA; County of San Diego EMT System ID Card; Certificate for Basic Life Support for the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Provider? (If yes, this certification MUST be attached to your application)

• Yes
• No

05


Check all that apply:

• I am currently enrolled in an accredited paramedic program. (Enrollment verification MUST be attached to your application)
• I possess a current/valid County of San Diego Paramedic License. (This license MUST be attached to your application)
• I possess a valid California Paramedic License (EMT-P). (This certification MUST be attached to your application)
• None of the above apply to me.

06


How much work experience as an EMT and/or Paramedic (EMT-P) within the County of San Diego do you have? (If applicable, this work experience MUST be included in your application)

• I have LESS THAN 6 months experience
• I have MORE THAN 6 months experience
• I have experience just not within San Diego County
• I do not have experience

07


Do you possess a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate taken within one (1) year (on or after )? (If yes, this certification MUST be attached to your application)

• Yes
• No

08


Have you completed an accredited Firefighter I Fire Academy? (If yes, this certification MUST be attached to your application)

• Yes
• No
• I am currently enrolled in an accredited Firefighter Academy

09


Do you have any work experience as a paid Firefighter with a municipal fire department, tribal fire department, state fire department and/or a federal fire department? (If yes, this work experience MUST be included in your application.)

• Yes, I have LESS THAN 6 months experience
• Yes, I have MORE THAN 6 months experience
• No, I do not have any experience

10


Do you have work experience with the City of National City and/or American Medical Response (AMR) working in the National City Community? (If yes, this work experience MUST be included in your application)

• Yes
• No

11


Do you have any volunteer/reserve firefighting experience? (If yes, this work experience MUST be included in your application.)

• Yes, I have LESS THAN 6 months experience
• Yes, I have MORE THAN 6 months experience
• No, I do not have any experience

12


Other Licenses/Certifications: Which of the following licenses and certifications do you currently possess? (Check all that apply) Please note, while copies are not required at this time, this information will be verified later in the selection process.

• California Class C Driver's License
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
• Hazmat FRO (First Responder Operations)
• Confined Space Awareness or Technician
• ICS 100 (Incident Command System)
• California State Fire Marshal FF1 Certification
• California State Fire Marshal FF2 Certification
• None of the Above

13


Are you bilingual in English and any of the languages listed below? (Please check all that apply.)

• Yes - Bilingual in Spanish.
• Yes - Bilingual in Tagalog.
• Yes - Bilingual in other languages.
• No

14


I certify that I have attached all required certifications, degrees, drivers license and relevant work experience as requested to my application.

• Yes
• No

15



APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL) The City of National City's Human Resources Department uses electronic mail (e-mail) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following:1. Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share email addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our emails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails , i.e., for the non-delivery of email or if you fail to check your email box on a timely basis, etc.2. Read any notices we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions if any. We recommend that you print and keep a hard copy of our notices for your records.I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

• Yes
• No

Required Question