FIRE ENGINEER

Salary : $5,458.20 - $7,144.59 Monthly
Location : Cathedral City, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE
Job Number: 26-27
Department: Fire Department
Division: Fire Department
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 12:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: CCPFA


Description
(To establish an eligibility list)
APPLICATION PERIOD: 08/17/2026 - 09/03/2026 at NOON

THE POSITION

Under general direction, operates all fire apparatus and equipment; safely transports crew to the emergency scene; responds to fires, medical emergencies and other emergency and non-emergency situations and takes appropriate action to protect life and property; performs various support assignments in addition to normal emergency response activities; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an advanced level class in fire suppression, fully qualified to operate any apparatus, vehicles and equipment in addition to performing all normal emergency response duties. This class is distinguished from Fire Captain in that the latter is a first-level supervisory class which provides work direction to a station during an assigned shift.

Example of Duties
The following duties are the regular duties of this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required as assigned
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

• Operates and oversees the use of numerous types of vehicles, equipment, tools and apparatus.
• Drives pumping and aerial ladder apparatus to alarms; operates pump at the fire; regulates water pressure through hose lines; maintains an awareness of City layout and the water system.
• Inspects vehicles, equipment and apparatus including aerial ladder and pumping equipment; performs maintenance and minor repair work; identifies the need for major repairs; maintains records of maintenance and overhauls.
• Responds to emergency medical incidents; analyzes patient needs and administers advanced of basic life support treatment.
• Performs the duties of a firefighter when apparatus is not being used at a scene.
• Performs periodic and follow-up inspection of new and existing buildings, strictures, protective systems, and installations requiring fire clearances; identifies fire hazards, recommend corrective actions.
• Obtains and otherwise preserves evidence at a fire scene.
• Uses hand and power tools to obtain entry to buildings.
• Provides information to the public concerning fire prevention practices and procedures.
• Conducts training programs and group presentations related to emergency medical services, fire prevention and fire suppression.
• Participates in drills and other training activities.
• Participates in station maintenance work.
• May have the responsibility of Captain on a limited basis.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Training and Experience Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities in qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent, supplemented by courses in Fire Science or a related field; and two years of paid municipal, county, tribal or special district fire experience in fire suppression and prevention.
Possession of, or the ability to obtain a valid California Class B driver license, or a California Class C driver license with a firefighter endorsement at time of appointment; must maintain a satisfactory driving record.
Must possess successful completion of California State Fire Training Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A and 1B.
Must possess a current/valid CPR certification.
Possession of a valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certification/licensure with eligibility to work under the Riverside County.
Completion of a Cathedral City task book by the end of their probationary period.
Must be willing to work shifts as structured in the Fire Department.
Certification as a Firefighter I and II is required.
Experience as a Fire Engineer is desirable.

Other Special Requirements
Must live within 150 miles of the city limits by the end of their probationary period. The calculation of the 150 miles shall be made using Google Maps driving directions.

LET'S GET STARTED! - THE SELECTION PROCESS
To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must attach all required certifications listed in the Training and Experience section. Based upon the information presented on the applications, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

Tentative testing timeline:
09/22/2026 - Written Exam and Open House (Station 2)
09/28/2026 - Pre-trip inspection, Panel Interviews and Practical Exam
09/29/2026 - Fire Chief Interview
WRITTEN EXAMINATION: Candidates passing the written examination will be invited to participate in a practical exam and oral interview. The written exam is pass/fail.

PRE-TRIP INSPECTION: Candidates must successfully pass the Cathedral City Fire Department Apparatus Pre-Trip inspection. This exam is pass/fail and will be scheduled the same day as the practical exam and panel interviews.
PUMPING EVOLUTION: The Pumping Evolution has failure points that are critical that will preclude candidates from proceeding forward making this exam a pass/fail. This exam will have a weight of 50% of the candidate's overall score. All candidates who achieve a passing score will continue to the oral interview.
ORAL INTERVIEW: The panel interview will have a weight of 50% of the candidate's overall score.

Placement on the eligibility list will be established based on a combination of the Pumping Evolution (50%) and the Panel Oral Interview scores (50%). The eligibility list will remain in effect for a period of (six) 6 months from the date of establishment.

The Fire Engineer written exam is divided into the following content areas:

SECTIONCONTENT AREAS/QUESTIONS1FIREFIGHTING ESSENTIALS (25)2KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS (25)3WATER SUPPLIES (25)4HYDRAULIC PRINCIPLES AND CALCULATIONS (25)
The sources for this test include:
IFSTA (2015) Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook , 3rd Edition. Fire Protection Publications.
IFTSA (2018) Essentials of Fire Fighting, 7th edition. Fire Protection Publications*
*NOTE: Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 6th Edition can also be used as a source list for this test.

The City does not participate in the Social Security system except for a mandatory Medicare

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
The City provides an outstanding benefits plan that includes:

- Bilingual pay
- CalPERS Health Insurance plus other Benefits
- CalPERS Retirement
- Certification and Education Incentives
- Deferred Compensation
- Educational Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Holidays
- Life Insurance | Long Term Disability
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Accrual
- Wellness

Benefit description per bargaining unit are available for review on the City's website


- General Unit
- Cathedral City Professional Firefighters Association
- Cathedral City Fire Management Association
- Cathedral City Police Officer Association
- Cathedral City Police Management Association
01


Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, partial information, and reference to resume or application may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• YES
• NO

02


Please specify which of the following you possess. Note, copies must be attached to your application.

• State of California Emergency Medical Technician
• Paramedic certification/licensure with eligibility to work under the Riverside County.
• None

03


Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you possess a current CPR certificate? If yes, please attach a copy.

• Yes
• No

05


Are you willing to work shifts as structured in the Fire Department? Currently 48/96 schedule.

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have any courses in Fire Science or a related field? If yes, please attach a copy to your application.

• Yes
• No

07


How many years of paid municipal, county, tribal of special district fire experience in fire suppression and prevention do you posses? Note, experience must also be listed on your application.

• No experience
• 1 - 2 years
• 2 - 3 years
• 3 years or more

08


Have you completed the California State Fire Training Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A and 1B? If yes, copies must be attached to your application.

• Yes
• No

09


Have you completed the certification as a Firefighter I and II? If yes, copies must be attached to your application.

• Yes
• No

10


Acknowledgement: I acknowledge that a copy of all required certificates must be submitted before the application deadline and not including them will result in disqualification from the selection process.

• Yes
• No

Required Question