Firefighter Trainee

Salary : $46,704.32 Annually
Location : Bakersfield, CA, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Use Regular Full-Time)
Job Number: 02501
Department: Fire
Division: Fire Safety Services
Opening Date: 09/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/26/2026 1:00 PM Pacific


Description
SALARY:

Firefighter Trainee - Days: $3,892.03 / Monthly

Upon Academy Graduation - Firefighter - Suppression: $6,367.82 - $8,101.91 / Monthly
This is a non-sworn trainee classification. Under close supervision and in a learning capacity, incumbents attend the department's recruit academy and receive training on emergency medical services, rescue, hazardous materials, and the various phases of fire prevention and suppression; learns the functions performed by the fire department; and performs other work as required.
VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSIONS (Optional): October 1st, 2026, 5:30 PM

Applicants will receive information about the position, background investigation process, and be allowed to ask questions.

Teams Meeting ID: 259 499 189 449 545 Passcode: 2n7XW34s
Representative Duties
The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of the position's essential duties. They are descriptive, not limiting. Essential Duties: For full job descriptions: Firefighter Trainee & Firefighter

Minimum Qualifications
Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED application & supplemental questionnaire that they meet the below requirements:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; AND
• At least 18 years of age.

Licenses, Certificates or Special Requirements :

• Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license at time of appointment is required;
• Possession of a current and valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician 1 (EMT-1) Certificate or current and valid National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification or higher;
• Possession of a Biddle or Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) issued within 12 months of the filing deadline (dated between 10/26/25 and 10/26/26)

For more information about the CPAT, visit their website at . You may also obtain a CPAT through the following organizations:

Firefighter Candidate Testing Center: ;or

National Testing Network:

• Possession of a passing written test score issued by the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) issued within 12 months of the filing deadline (dated between 10/26/25 and 10/26/26) . You may obtain information on how to complete the written test by going to
• Must be able to pass a background check.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION: Paramedic Certificate and completed college level coursework/degree in Fire Science or related field.

NON-SMOKING REQUIREMENT: Prospective employees will be required to sign an affidavit indicating that they have not smoked during the twelve (12) month period prior to hiring by the City. Further, they will agree that they will not smoke, either on or off duty, during the term of their employment with the City. Violation of the non-smoking agreement will result in disciplinary action.

Examination (Weighted: 100%)
Oral Appraisal Interview (Weighted 100%) Week of November 9th, 2026 (Tentative) : An appraisal will be made of applicants training, education, experience, communication skills, and personal qualifications for the position. A minimum rating of 70% is required to qualify for the eligible list. NOTE: Only the applicants with the TOP WRITTEN SCORES will be the initial group that proceeds to the Oral Appraisal Interview.

Background Investigation (Pass/Fail): Prior to appointment, applicant must successfully complete an investigation of their personal history and background to determine suitability for the position of Firefighter with the Bakersfield Fire Department.

HELPFUL LINKS:
NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, supplemental questionnaire, and typing certificate; otherwise, the application may be rejected. NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.
Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit:

INSURANCE: The City and the employee share contributions for premiums for health insurance coverage. The City provides life insurance benefits based on bargaining unit. Visit the Cityweb page for detailed information (rates and plan information).

RETIREMENT: Benefits are provided by the City's participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). 2% @ 62 for new hire Miscellaneous and 2.7% @ 57 for Safety (Fire & Police). Visit the page for additional information.
01


Do you possess a High School diploma or a GED?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess a valid Class "C" Driver's License, or out of state equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03


Select the option that best describes the certification/card you possess (Must be current and Valid, and attached to your application):

• State of California Emergency Medical Technician I (EMT-1) Certificate/Card
• State of California Emergency Medical Technician P (EMT-P) Certificate/Card
• National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) Certificate/Card or higher
• I do not possess any of the certifications listed above

04


Have you completed and passed the Biddle or CPAT physical abilities testing and certification within the past 12 months of the filing deadline (dated between 10/26/25 and 10/26/26)? (Please attach a copy to your application)

• Yes
• No

05


Do you possess any of the following?

• Paramedic Certificate
• College level coursework in Fire Science
• College degree in Fire Science
• College level coursework or degree in related field
• I do not possess any of the above

06


As part of the requirements, the City of Bakersfield utilizes the FCTC statewide eligibility list CSEL. All applicants must possess a passing written test score issued by FCTC within the last 12 months. If you have not taken the FCTC Written Test within the last 12 months, it is recommended that you contact FCTC to sign up for the test. You are encouraged to have a favorable score before submitting an application. Please select the option that best describes your FCTC Written Test status. Applicants must have a current and passing written test score issued by the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) by the filing deadline, October 26, 2026. Applicants who do not have a current and passing written test score by the deadline date will have their applications rejected.

• I have a current and passing written test score issued by FCTC. I understand that once I submit my application, additional attempts to improve my passing score will not be accepted. I understand that my score will be verified through the FCTC.
• I do not have a current and passing written test score issued by FCTC, but will schedule and take the FCTC written test no later than October 26, 2026. I understand that once I submit my application, additional attempts to improve my passing score will not be accepted. I understand that my score will be verified through the FCTC.
• I do not have a current and passing written test score issued by FCTC and have no plans on taking the test.

07


If you have a current and passing FCTC written test score, please enter the date you received your most recent passing FCTC test score below. If you do not plan on taking the FCTC written test, please enter "Does Not Apply."
08


I understand the following dates are tentatively scheduled. Please document for your records.• Teams Information Session (Voluntary not Mandatory): October 1, 2026 at 5:30 PM • Local FCTC Test Offered (Pass/Fail): October 10, 2026• Oral Appraisal Interview (Weighted 100%): Week of November 9th, 2026 (Tentative)• Background: December 14th, 2026 - January 11th, 2027 (Tentative) • Pre- Employment Medical Examination: January 11th, 2027 (Tentative)• Academy Start Date: February 22nd, 2027 (Tentative)

• Yes
• No

09


I understand that all future correspondence with the City with regards to this recruitment, will be via e-mail provided on my application. Please keep your contact information up-to-date and ensure that your e-mail spam filter allows you to receive messages from View email address on click.appcast.io. Note: All City examination notices are also available via your Government Jobs profile.

• Yes
• No

10


I understand that I must submit a completed application, supplemental questionnaire, and required certifications and licenses listed in the minimum qualifications by the filing deadline, October 26th, 2026, at 1 PM, in order to have my application accepted. You may submit these documents on-line as an attachment; mail or bring to the Human Resources Department, City Hall 1600 Truxtun Avenue, 1st Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301; email to View email address on click.appcast.io, or Fax to View phone number on click.appcast.io. The documents must reference the recruitment name and number (i.e. Firefighter Trainee #02501) and be submitted to the attention of Tanya Wilson.

• Yes
• No

Required Question