Firefighter Paramedic - Trainee

Overview

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) will be accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Paramedic - Trainee beginning March 2, 2026. Candidates must agree to a two-year assignment in a paramedic post position. Interested applicants are encouraged to complete a JOB INTEREST CARD to receive email notifications when the recruitment opens and to visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for more information.

The OCFA utilizes the FCTC SEL. Candidates must be on the FCTC SEL by the end of OCFA’s application acceptance period, Sunday, March 29, 2026. Requirements to be placed on the FCTC SEL are as follows:

• Register and complete your profile on the FCTC website
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Possess a valid driver’s license – must upload to your profile and keep current
• Have a high school diploma or GED – must complete the education field in your profile
• Possess a valid Cal-JAC Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Card – CPAT results are uploaded automatically by FCTC
• Receive a passing score on the FCTC Written Test – Written test score expires 12 months from date taken (written exam must be completed 03/30/2025 – 03/29/2026)
• The OCFA only accepts FCTC scores of 80% or higher

For more information on the FCTC SEL, . To view the FCTC test schedule, . For information regarding the FCTC financial hardship grant, . All information above can be found on FCTC’s website conline.org. Exam scores from previous written exams taken as part of an OCFA recruitment process will not be considered in lieu of the written exam.

The Biddle Physical Ability Test will be coordinated by the OCFA at a nearby Orange County college and proctored by the college staff. Possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed on or after October 1, 2025 will be substituted for this portion of the selection process. The OCFA does not accept a CPAT in lieu of participation in the Biddle Physical Ability Test (the CPAT is still a requirement for the FCTC SEL).

Candidates who successfully complete the selection process and are chosen for employment with the OCFA must successfully complete a comprehensive firefighter trainee academy.

Education and Experience (position requirements at time of application):

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
• No experience required

License and Certification (position requirements at time of application):

• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License or out-of-state equivalent
• Candidates who possess an out-of-state equivalent license must possess a Commercial Driver’s License at time of appointment
• Possession of a current, valid California or National Registry Paramedic License

Applicants will be required to attach a copy of their current, valid Paramedic License at the time of application submission. Failure to submit the required documentation at time of application will result in disqualification.

Monday, March 2, 2026:
Recruitment Opens
Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.:
Last day to apply online
April 18, 2026 – April 30, 2026:
Biddle Physical Agility Test coordinated by the OCFA (possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed on or after October 1, 2025 will be substituted for this portion of the selection process)
June 1 – 19, 2026:
Paramedic Assessment Center (Interview/Skills/Written)
TBD:
Eligibility List Established
July 1 – 17, 2026:
Chief s Interview
August 17 – November 30, 2026:
Background Investigation, Pre-employment Medical Examination, and Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment
December 11, 2026:
Academy On-Boarding Orientation
February 5, 2027:
First Day of Fire Academy/Family Orientation

The above timeline is tentative and subject to change based on OCFA needs. Additional information regarding the selection process will be available on the recruitment announcement when the recruitment opens on March 2, 2026.

Firefighter trainees must successfully complete the Authority s Basic Fire Academy as a condition of employment. Employees under this classification are…