Coming Soon! Single Role (Paramedic & EMT)

Join The Palo Alto Fire Department

Interested in joining our team? Join the Palo Alto Fire Department as we launch an innovative single-role EMS program focused on delivering exceptional emergency medical care to our community. We're seeking dedicated EMTs and Paramedics who are passionate about patient care, teamwork, and public service. Full-time and part-time opportunities will be opening soon.

Why Palo Alto?

Palo Alto is more than a city-it's a community known for innovation, public service excellence, and forward-thinking leadership. Our culture values respect, innovation, service, and empowerment and we take pride in being one of the best cities to work for.

Why Palo Alto Fire Department?

Today, the department provides services from six fire stations strategically located throughout the city, with an annual operating budget of approximately $61 million. The department is staffed by approximately 120 sworn and non-sworn personnel and deploys 6 Type I engines, 1 tractor-drawn tiller truck, 2 Type III engines, 2 patrols, 3 ambulances, and various specialty apparatus.

As a member of the Palo Alto Fire Department, you will work alongside dedicated professionals in a fire department recognized for excellence and continuous improvement. You will serve a diverse and dynamic community that includes residents, businesses, visitors, and the Stanford University area. As we continue to evolve to meet the community's needs, you'll have the opportunity to be part of an innovative EMS delivery model designed to support high-quality patient care and exceptional service. We are committed to investing in our people through ongoing training, professional development, and opportunities for growth.

The Palo Alto Fire Department remains mission-focused and committed to strategic doing. The department embraces excellence in all that it does and remains dedicated to those it serves.

We are a professional team dedicated to safeguarding and enriching the lives of anyone, anytime, anywhere with compassion and pride. To learn more about PAFD, visit our website.

About the Positions

The Palo Alto Fire Department is launching Palo Alto Fire Medic 1, a new single-function EMS provider role focused on delivering high-paced, high-quality emergency medical service to the Palo Alto community. Both Paramedics and EMTs are encouraged to apply. Selected candidates will move forward through a competitive recruitment process and into the Palo Alto Fire Medic 1 EMS Academy, anticipated to begin in early fall. The initial program will include four full-time positions and five part-time positions. Full-time staff will work 12-hour shifts, and part-time staff will provide coverage as needed. The first Fire Medic 1 ambulance will operate seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

What You'll Make Happen

• Deliver life-saving emergency medical care in the field.
• Respond to medical and trauma emergencies with skill, urgency, and compassion.
• Support coordinated emergency response and disaster operations with public safety partners.
• Maintain emergency response readiness through equipment management, training, and continuous improvement.

You Will Thrive Here If You

• Perform well under pressure and make sound decisions quickly.
• Are driven by service, teamwork, and patient-centered care.
• Communicate effectively in fast-paced emergency environments.
• Value professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What's in It for You

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for eligible full-time employees.
• The opportunity to help shape Palo Alto Fire Department's evolving single-role EMS program.
• Ongoing training and professional development to support your career growth.
• Work alongside highly skilled fire, EMS, and public safety professionals.
• Serve a community that values innovation, excellence, and public service.
• Make a meaningful impact every day through life-saving emergency medical care.

Ready to make a difference?