FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Cathedral City, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE
Job Number: 26-19
Department: Fire Department
Opening Date: 05/11/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: CCPFA


Description
SMALL CITY, BIG IMPACT - JOIN CATHEDRAL CITY FIRE & EMS

ANNUAL SALARY: $92,000 - $120,425

(including FLSA OT)

This recruitment is open until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received and may close without prior notice. Three immediate vacancies are available. Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.
The ideal candidate, under general supervision, responds to fires, medical emergencies and other emergency and non-emergency situations and takes appropriate action to protect life and property; performs advanced life support activities in a field environment and various staff support assignments in addition to normal emergency response activities; performs related work as assigned.

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 and completion of a California State Fire Marshal accredited fire academy.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain a California driver's license, must maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Must possess a current/valid CPR certification.
• Possession of a valid State of California Paramedic certification/licensure with eligibility to work under the Riverside County.
• Must be willing to work shifts as structured in the Fire Department.
• Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) or Biddle issued within the last year (12) months.
• A Firefighter I certificate is desirable.
• College-level fire science coursework and previous firefighting experience in a volunteer or paid capacity is desirable.

Options for Substitutions

• Any candidate currently enrolled in a state accredited Fire Academy, may apply, but must possess their certificate at time of appointment.
• Any candidate currently enrolled in a certified paramedic program, may apply, but must have their state license at time of appointment.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be current on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL)
  • Click here to view Cal-JAC CPAT and FCTC Written Test dates
• 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.
• Desirable: Bilingual speaking skills (English/Spanish)

TO VIEW THE QUALIFICATIONS AND FULL JOB DESCRIPTION CLICK HERE.
WHAT CATHEDRAL CITY HAS TO OFFER!

• Health, Dental, and Vision benefits
• Sick/vacation time
• Holiday pay
• Retirement perks
• Tuition reimbursement
• ...and much more!

RECRUITMENT PROCECSS:

The City of Cathedral City works in partnership with the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) through the State of California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC) to identify candidates for our Firefighter positions. Candidates interested in employment as a Firefighter with the City of Cathedral City must complete the FCTC application and testing process and must meet the City of Cathedral City's screening requirements. The following information is provided to give you a helpful overview, along with our expectations and requirements during the recruitment process:
1. Online Applications are considered complete upon receipt of all certifications and confirmation of FCTC Statewide Eligibility list placement.
2. Skills Testing will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis, upon successful review of application.
3. Panel Interviews - If you are selected to interview, you will participate in a 30 minute panel interview following the skills exam.
4. Department Head Intervi ew - Upon successful completion of panel interview, candidates will participate in a department head interview with the Fire Chief, immediately after the panel interview.
All testing portions of this recruitment will take place in one day, with potential of receiving a Conditional Offer of Employment the same day!
Apply Immediately!

The City of Cathedral City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented individuals from a diverse candidate pool. All applicants interested in being part of the premier Fire Department in the Coachella Valley are encouraged to apply. Competitive salary, benefits and affordable housing make Cathedral City an attractive opportunity. If you are interested in being an honest professional with integrity and compassion, the Cathedral City Fire Department is the place for you!
WOMEN AND MINORITIES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Notifications will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on-line application process) to the email listed on your on-line application.
All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, psychological exam, criminal history check (livescan fingerprint check), and post-offer medical evaluation with a drug screen.
What's Next? Apply today and share this posting with anyone else who may be interested!
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


Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a valid California driver license?

• Yes
• No

04


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

• Yes
• No

05


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

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) or Biddle issued within the last six (6) months? Is yes, please attach a copy.

• Yes
• No

07


Do you possess a current certification as a licensed California State Paramedic and have availability for accreditation? If yes, please attach a copy. If no, please specify the estimated date of completion.
08


Do you possess a certificate of completion of a California State Fire Marshal accredited Fire Academy? If yes, please attach a copy. If no, please specify the approximate date of completion.
09


Do you possess a Firefighter I Certificate? If yes, please attach. If no, do you have two (2) years of paid firefighting experience in fire suppression and prevention with a municipal, county, tribal, or special district fire department? Note: Experience must be listed on the application.

• Yes
• No

10


I acknowledge that I must be placed on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility list or have taken and passed the written exam with the National Testing Network in order to be considered for this position. Not completing either of these written exams will result in disqualification from the recruitment process.

• Yes
• No

11


Please specify which exam you completed:

• FCTC
• NTN

Required Question