Firefighter-EMT or Firefighter​/Paramedic

FIREFIGHTER-EMT / FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC

Salary: FIREFIGHTER-EMT $79,731 - $96,940 annual, FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC $87,680 - $106,608 annual.
With a 6% increase on 7/1/26.
This is a 12-month probationary assignment.

Morro Bay is a general law City incorporated in 1964, located on California's Central Coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on Scenic Highway 1. The City has a population of 10,700 plus about 1 million visitors per year and operates under a City Council/Manager form of government. Morro Bay features a temperate year-round climate and offers a coastal setting with access to metropolitan areas and recreational activities.

The Department is a small, dynamic agency with 13 full-time suppression personnel, a Fire Chief, one Division Chief/Fire Marshal, and one Administrative Technician. Staffing is augmented by a small pool of seasonal employees. The Department operates two Type 1 engines, a 75' aerial, a Type 3 engine, and a REMS Type 3 UTV. It responds to over 2,200 calls per year from two stations (one staffed, one equipment-only).

As a non-transporting paramedic fire department, it handles a large number of medical emergencies and responds to fire, hazardous materials, technical rescue, vehicle, and ocean-related incidents. The Department participates in the State-wide Fire Mutual Aid System and collaborates with the Harbor Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard for ocean responses. Suppression personnel work with the community on fire-code enforcement, outreach, and related services.

This recruitment fills one current vacancy and establishes an eligibility list for up to one year for future vacancies. The successful candidate will be hired into a full-time, benefitted 56-hour week position. Under supervision, the person will participate in firefighting and fire prevention, respond to medical, rescue, and ocean-related emergencies, respond to hazardous material incidents, respond to automatic and mutual aid incidents, assist in maintenance and repair of fire stations, apparatus, and equipment, participate in related training and drills, and perform related duties as required.

Knowledge of basic firefighting functions and techniques. Ability to learn technical firefighting principles and target hazards; learn to drive fire apparatus safely in accordance with traffic laws and ordinances. Ability to keep records and prepare reports; calculate drug dosages and hydraulic equations; use computers and related software; follow verbal and written directions; think and act quickly and safely in emergencies; and maintain cooperative work and public relationships.

Haz Mat First Responder-Operational (FRO), Confined Space Operations, LARRO and Rescue Systems I certifications are also desired.

• Must submit a City employment application and copies of required certifications by the deadline.
• Must be current on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) on 2/12/2026. It is highly recommended candidates confirm active status on the SEL at time of application; expired documents can lead to removal from the list.
• Cal-JAC CPAT card must be dated between 2/12/2025 and 2/12/2026.
• A passing score on the FCTC Written Test must be dated between 2/12/2025 and 2/12/2026.
• Must possess a valid California EMT-P license and the ability to obtain accreditation in San Luis Obispo County. Applicants certified at the EMT level must complete Paramedic certification at their expense. Probation may be extended to a total of 4 years to complete Paramedic licensure.

Please visit www.

FCTConline.org for information on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List, Cal-JAC CPAT and written tests, study materials, and available financial hardship grants and testing fees.

• Equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Firefighter I Academy certificate of completion or CSFM Firefighter I certification at time of appointment.
• Current EMT-Paramedic certification at time of appointment, with ability to obtain and maintain San Luis Obispo County Paramedic Accreditation within 60 days of appointment.
• Must possess CPAT and be able to maintain established physical conditioning, including the ability to swim.
• Employees must be clean-shaven (mustache allowed) and cannot use tobacco on or off duty. A drug test will be administered prior to appointment.
• Residency:
  Morro Bay firefighters are required to reside within 1 hour driving time of the city limits.

• Retirement:
  CalPERS. Public Employees Retirement System 2.7% at 57; average of the 3 highest years. Classic PERS Members: 3% @ 55; average of the 3 highest years.
• Insurance:
  CalPERS cafeteria-style health benefits;
  City contributes 100% of the Employee-only premium, 90% of Employee+1, 89% of Employee+2 or more for the lowest-cost PPO plan; 100% of dental and vision premiums for employees and dependents; $50,000 life insurance.
• Sick Leave: 5.60 shifts per year; balance applied to service time at…