Ambulance Operator

Salary: $18.40 - $22.40 Hourly
Location : Downey, CA
Job Type: Temporary/Part-Time
Job Number: 25-004
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 07/10/2025


ABOUT THE POSITION
This recruitment is open on a continuous basis. This recruitment is subject to close without advance notice.


Note : The established list from this recruitment may be used for full-time and/or temporary/part-time vacancies.


Under general supervision, to provide basic medical care and transport of the ill and injured as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); to respond to emergency medical calls for service including accidents and other emergencies; and, to operate an emergency vehicle to and from the scene of an emergency.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS


This is a non-safety/non-firefighter position that works under the supervision of a Fire Captain and the overall direction of an EMS Coordinator to perform emergency medical transport services. An incumbent will work twenty-four (24) hour rotating shifts with overtime applicable upon the completion of forty (40) hours of work within the designated 7-day work week.


TEMPORARY/PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT:
Part-Time employment status does not qualify for City paid benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings.

Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30). Working hours require irregular hours and weekends.

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.

There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS


The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed.
Safely operate City owned emergency transport vehicles and other department vehicles within Department policy; perform appropriate medical care within the scope of an EMT such as attaining and documenting vital signs, bandaging, splinting, lifting patients into ambulance and assisting paramedics as directed; maintain and inventory emergency ambulance supplies, equipment, and routine vehicle parts; support patient billing operations; operate within federal, state, county and city laws and regulations and guidelines including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; attend and successfully complete department and hospital training sessions and drills; participate in station and equipment maintenance; and, perform other related duties as assigned.
The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. The City, at its discretion, may add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of: Applicable federal, state, county, and City of Downey regulations, practices, and procedures; principles of emergency ambulance and transportation procedures including first aid, resuscitator, and gurney operation; safe emergency work practices; infection control procedures; emergency radio communication procedures; medical terminology and documentation; and, emergency vehicle maintenance and operation, including all applicable federal and state driving licenses.
Ability to: Read electronic and incident maps and follow map directions; recognize street names quickly; locate house numbers and navigate quickly through business districts; work effectively in difficult and hazardous emergency situations and environments and carry out work assignments as instructed; safely and properly transport patients during ambulance transportation; follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; meet and maintain physical fitness to perform the physical aspects of the position; maintain an acceptable driving record during the course of employment; and, establish and maintain effective and cooperating working relationships with those encountered in the performance of duties, including the general public.


Education & Experience: High School graduate or equivalent . A preferred graduate of a 240-hour California Fire Academy or equivalent or recently completed Fire Technology college level coursework is desired . In addition to an Associate's degree, a combination of education and experience directed toward a career in the Fire Service is desired.


License & Certifications: The following licenses and certifications are required :

1. A valid Class C California Driver's License and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment;
2. A current California EMT-1 certificate;
3. A current Basic Life Support (BLS) - CPR & AED card for healthcare providers from the American Heart Association;
4. A current and valid State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued Ambulance Driver Certificate;
5. A current State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued Medical Examination Report including the Medical Examination Certificate; and
6. Proof of passing the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Biddle exam within one year of application date.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Requires vision and eye test standards and physical conditioning to maintain the required Driver's License; duties require physical strength and conditioning to lift patients onto a gurney and to load them into the ambulance; lift, push, pull weight up to 150 pounds with assistance from other attendants; climb a ladder and stairs; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl in tight spaces; withstand a variety of environmental factors including working both in and outdoors and exposure to varying temperatures of heat or cold, toxic chemicals, fumes, smoke, gases and solvents; exposure to blood borne pathogens, cramp or confined spaces, slippery/uneven surfaces; work involves irregular and extended hours requiring mental alertness.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All application materials received on-line by the final filing date will be reviewed. For consideration, a completed employment application and supplemental questionnaire submitted on-line is required. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Incomplete information may be removed from consideration. All information submitted is subject to verification.

Documentation Required: Failure to provide the required documentation listed below will result in your application being removed from further consideration. Please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io if you have any questions or need any assistance.

Please DO NOT submit any additional documentation, other than those listed above. The following documentation must be attached, clearly titled, and submitted with the on-line application:

1. A valid Class C California Driver's License and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment;
2. A current California EMT-1 certificate;
3. A current Basic Life Support (BLS) - CPR & AED card for healthcare providers from the American Heart Association;
4. A current Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued Ambulance Driver Certificate;
5. A current State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued Medical Examination Report including the Medical Examination Certificate; AND
6. Proof of passing the CPAT or Biddle exam within one year of application date.

NOTE: To ensure proper uploading of documents to on-line application record, it is best to reduce the file size of the electronic document before uploading and submit in pdf format.

Testing & Selection Process: All applications materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.


The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant has provided adequate information that demonstrates meeting the qualifications for the position as stated above. Please complete the application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the selection process which will consist of an appraisal examination (oral interview) weighted 100%.


The appraisal examination may also include performance testing to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.


Candidate(s) who complete selection testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted that includes a polygraph exam, and including fingerprinting through the California Department of Justice. Upon a conditional offer of employment, a job related pre-placement medical exam, drug screening, and psychological assessment will be conducted and must be passed with acceptable results.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io at least 72 hours in advance.
Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.


Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandates CalPERS employer contributions. Therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner. Our values include Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.
01


Do you possess a high school degree or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


Which of the following best describes your level of completed formal education?

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Coursework beyond Bachelor's degree
• Master's Degree or higher

03


What is the current status of your Fire service training?

• Graduated from a California State Board of Fire Services accredited Basic Fire Academy.
• Currently enrolled in a California State Board of Fire Services accredited Basic Fire Academy.
• Recently completed Fire Technology college level coursework
• None of the above

04


You are required to upload and attach to this application a current California EMT-1 certificate . Are you a current CA EMT certificate holder?

• Yes
• No

05


You are required to upload and attach to this application a current Basic Life Support (BLS) - CPR & AED card for healthcare providers from the American Heart Association; . Are you a holder of a current CPR card for healthcare providers?

• Yes
• No

06


You are required to upload and attach to this application a valid and current State of CA Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued Ambulance Driver Certificate and CA Driver's License . Did you attach the Ambulance Driver certificate AND Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

07


You are required to upload and attach to this application a current Medical Examination Report and Medical Examination Certificate . Do you currently possess a current Medical Examination Report including the Medical Examination Certificate?

• Yes
• No

08


You are required to upload and attach to this application proof of passing the CPAT or Biddle exam within one year of submitting this application. Have you passed the CPAT or Biddle exam with acceptable results within one year of today's date?

• Yes
• No

09


I have read the entire job flyer carefully, with special attention to the following sections: "Qualifications", "Application Process", and "Testing Process".

• Yes
• No

10


Proof of requested documents must be uploaded and attached to your online application. By selecting "Yes" to this question you acknowledge that failure to provide required documentation will result in your application being removed from further consideration.

• Yes
• No

11


Are you currently or have you even been a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) through your employment with a previous public sector agency?

• Yes
• No

12


If "Yes", please indicate what agency(s) you are/were employed with and include the dates (mm/dd/yr) of employment under CalPERS.
Required Question