Firefighter Trainee

Overview

Description

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 OCPFA Local 3631 MOU.

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

Schedule of Events and Class Summary are shown below.

• Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.:
  Last day to apply online
• March 21, 2026 – April 12, 2026:
  Biddle Physical Agility Test coordinated by the OCFA (possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed on or after September 1, 2025 will be substituted for this portion of the selection process)
• 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

Please note, all dates are subject to change based on the OCFA needs.

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.

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.

To review the entire Firefighter Trainee job description please go to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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
• 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 license meets this requirement. Failure to submit required document at time of application will result in disqualification.

• 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 listed languages)

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

Written Examination
The OCFA utilizes the FCTC's Statewide Eligibility List (SEL). Applicants must be on the FCTC SEL at the end of OCFA’s application acceptance period, Sunday, March 1, 2026. Requirements to be placed on the FCTC SEL include:

• 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 CPAT Card dated March 2, 2025 through March 1, 2026 (CPAT results uploaded automatically by FCTC)
• Receive a passing score on the FCTC Written Test…