Firefighter Trainee

Overview

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Trainee. Please review the entire recruitment bulletin for important information before applying. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple future academies.

Salary (during academy): $5,974.80 per month. Salary (first day of the pay period following academy graduation): $6,763.12 per month (Base Salary Step
1) + $608.68 (9% EMT Pay) = $7,371.80 per month. Additional bonus pay may be applicable after academy graduation, depending on eligibility criteria specified in Article XXIV, Section 2 of the OCFA Local 3631 MOU.

Schedule of Events:
Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.:
Last day to apply online;
March 21, 2026 – April 12, 2026:
Biddle Physical Agility Test;
May 4 – 29, 2026:
Oral Interview; TBD:
Eligibility List Established;
June 15 – July 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. Dates are subject to change based on OCFA needs.

Class

Summary:

Under close supervision in a training capacity, to learn to perform firefighting duties used in the suppression of structural, aircraft, wildland, and other types of fires; to learn to perform routine fire prevention activities; and to learn other duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is a trainee class. Incumbents attend an OCFA departmental academy to develop and demonstrate the minimum qualifications required for entry into a career as a firefighter. Appointment as a firefighter is based on satisfactory evaluations and graduation from the 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 general equivalency diploma (GED)
• No experience required

License and Certifications (position requirement at time of application):

• Possession of a valid Class C 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 valid, current California or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License

A valid, current California Paramedic License or National Registry Paramedic License will be accepted in lieu of a valid California or National Registry EMT License. Applicants must attach a copy of their valid, current California or National Registry EMT or Paramedic License at time of application submission. Only a copy of one of the licenses below will meet this requirement. Failure to submit required document at time of application will result in disqualification.

Highly Desirable

Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid, current California or National Registry Paramedic License
• Completion of a California State certified Firefighter I Academy
• Possession of a California State Fire Marshal Fire Fighter I Certificate
• Bilingual speaking skills (English and one of the following languages:
  Spanish, Farsi, Chinese/Mandarin/Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Urdu, Hindi, Tagalog or American Sign Language)

Online Application:
Human Resources will screen all applications for minimum qualifications as listed above.

Written Examination:
The OCFA utilizes the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL). Applicants must be on the FCTC SEL at the end of OCFA’s application acceptance period. Requirements to be placed on the FCTC SEL include: register and complete profile on FCTC website; be 18 or older; possess a valid driver’s license (upload and keep current); have a high school diploma or GED;

possess a valid CPAT Card dated within the specified window; receive a passing score on the FCTC Written Test (score expires 12 months). The OCFA only accepts FCTC scores of 80% or higher. For more information on the FCTC SEL, view the schedule and related information on FCTC’s site.

Biddle Physical Ability Test:
Candidates must pass the test in a time of 9 minutes and 34 seconds or less. The test will be…