Firefighter Recruit/Paramedic - Lateral (6 Week Academy)

The Position

Recruitment Type: OPEN

The salary range for Firefighter/Paramedic A is $8,997.24 $11,484.99 per month. Individuals with less than 12 months as a Paramedic with a municipal fire agency, will still be credited for their time as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the previous agency. Upon completion of the Glendale Fire Academy, Lateral Firefighters with less than 12 months as a Paramedic with a municipal fire agency will be classified as a Firefighter/Paramedic A, until a cumulative 12 months of Paramedic time has been completed. Starting the 13-month Lateral Firefighters will move to the Firefighter/Paramedic B salary schedule.

The salary range for Firefighter/Paramedic B is $9,744.16- $12,201.17 per month. Individuals with 12 months or more as a Paramedic with a municipal fire agency will be credited for their time as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the previous agency. Upon completion of the Glendale Fire Academy, Lateral Firefighters who have already served at least 12 months as a licensed paramedic with a municipal fire agency will be classified as a Firefighter/Paramedic B salary schedule.

Effective July 1, 2026, there will be a 5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The starting salary step as a Firefighter/Paramedic may depend upon the candidate's qualifications and experience.

NOTE: The respective salaries include the applicable PERS contribution. Upon graduation from the Academy, "classic" members of CalPERS participate in a retirement formula of 3% at 55 and contribute a total of 13.5% towards retirement. New CalPERS members will be enrolled in PEPRA, which has a formula of 2.7% at 57. PEPRA members pay a total of 16% towards retirement. Rates are pursuant to CalPERS and/or MOU provisions.

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION:
Pursuant to the Glendale Firefighters’ Association Memorandum of Understanding, unit employees in the classification of Firefighter/Paramedic may be eligible for the following:

Longevity Pay - 10 years at 4% and 20 years at 8%

Special Operations Pay - $275 per month for Hazardous Materials or Urban Search & Rescue programs

Foreign Language Pay - conversational $70/month and fluent $140/month

Education/Career Development Pay - $200-$300/month depending upon level of education (AA Degree/CA State Fire Officer Certification or a higher degree)

The Glendale Fire Department delivers the premier emergency deployment response model in Southern California with our Paramedic Engine Program. Firefighter Paramedics assignments will be on Engine and/or Truck Company and/or Squad. The Paramedic Engine Program consists of nine (9) Paramedic Engines staffed with minimum of two (2) Firefighter Paramedics per Engine.

This classification is a non-sworn trainee position that receives basic instruction in firefighting work and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) involving the protection of life and property.

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:
Ensures Department services are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.

Advances and extends hoses.

Performs straight/natural, reverse and multiple hose lays.

Loads hoses.

Connects/disconnects fire hoses to fire protection equipment, such as fire hydrants, sprinkler and standpipe systems or fire apparatus.

Operates nozzles.

Shuts off and turns on fire hydrants.

Carries ladders.

Climbs up or down ladders.

Raises or lowers and positions ladders.

Carries equipment, tools and hose lines up or down ladders.

Performs lock-in procedures to ladders.

Ties specific knots used in various firefighting rescue operations.

Uses self-contained breathing apparatus.

Participates in on-the-job training both in the classroom and on the drill field; this includes EMS training and basic instruction in firefighting.

Participates in physical fitness programs.

Conducts public education on fire safety and life safety.

May drive on City business as necessary.

Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of this position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

Minimum Requirements

Age Requirement
Must be 18 years of age at time of appointment.

Experience
Must currently be employed as a Firefighter Paramedic and possess a minimum of one year of experience as a full time paid professional firefighter with a municipal fire department.

Education/Training
Completion of a certified Paramedic program is required.

Completion of a CA Firefighter I Academy or equivalent (i.e. IFSAC, Pro Board) is required.

Graduation from high school or equivalent required.

License(s)/Certification(s)
Valid State of California Paramedic License at the time of application is required. For out-of-state applicants, MUST possess a valid National Registry Paramedic certification at the time of application; however, MUST possess a California Paramedic License prior to the start of the academy.

Valid California Class C driver's license with an acceptable driving history is required.

NOTE: Must possess a driver's license which meets State and Department requirements for driving all emergency fire apparatus by the end of the training academy.

Desirable Qualifications
Bilingual abilities in languages spoken in the community, such as Armenian, Korean, and Spanish.

An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree in a related field.

California State Fire Marshal Driver Operator 1A Certificate.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of:
Exceptional customer service practices.
City geography and street layout.
Mathematical computations such as averages, percentages and fractions.

Knowledge of and skill in:
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) procedures and equipment.
Paramedic practices and procedures.

Skill in:
Applying common sense and logic in decision making.

Ability to:
Provide exceptional customer service to all employees and vendors.
Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Correct misunderstandings.
Develop necessary skills from on-the-job training and meet standards of performance for the classification by the end of the recruit or probationary period.
Establish and maintain smooth working relationships, and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Foster a teamwork environment.
Lift Fire Department equipment in a safe manner.
Listen carefully to understand others.
Maintain physical activity over long periods of time.
Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Perform basic research.
Read, write and comprehend directions and training materials in English.
Work at heights and in confined spaces.

Other Characteristics
Willingness to:
Applicants must be of good moral character.
Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.
Work outside in all kinds of weather.
Work overtime as requested or required.

Special Note
Appointees to the Glendale Fire Department will remain as non-sworn probationary Firefighter Recruits throughout the academy training period. Such employees serve on an "at-will" basis for the duration of the training academy and while on probation.

Upon successful graduation from the training academy, Firefighter Recruits will be appointed to the Firefighter/Paramedic A or B classification, a sworn position which functions both as Firefighter and a Paramedic. This role includes a one-year probationary period, during which appointees must meet the performance standards for both functions. Failure to do so may result in termination during the probationary period.
Special Condition
TATTOO POLICY: Unless otherwise exempted, no employee of the GFD shall have any "visible" tattoos or other skin markings. Tattoos, or other skin markings, shall be covered while on duty with a long-sleeved uniform shirt, long-sleeved work t-shirt, work pants, sweat pants or a tattoo wrap/sleeve (100% cotton-NFPA compliant) approved by the Department. Cosmetic tattoos on the face (e.g. eye brows, eye liner, and lip liner) and wedding band tattoos on the ring finger will be reviewed by the Fire Chief on a case by case basis. Marks or scars from injuries or medical procedures are exempt from these policy restrictions. For further information regarding this policy, please contact Human Resources at (818) 548-2110.

Medical Standards/Non-Smoking Requirement
Upon being offered employment, candidates must pass a pre-placement medical examination, which includes a drug and alcohol screening, as well as a psychological examination. Candidates selected for the Glendale Fire Department must meet medical standards in compliance with National Fire Protection Association 1582 Standards on Medical Requirements for Firefighters, adopted by the City of Glendale Civil Service Commission. Newly hired employees selected for the Glendale Fire Department for this position will be required to sign a condition of employment statement that they do not smoke nor use tobacco products and shall not do so while employed with the City of Glendale.

Note
An equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training may substitute for the listed minimum requirements.

Exceptional Customer Service Policy

The City of Glendale places a high importance on quality customer service and prides itself for the high level of services it provides by every employee of the organization. As employees of the City of Glendale, we are committed to providing our diverse community and each other with courteous, considerate, and personal attention.

Please click on the link to read the Exceptional Customer Service Policy .

Selection Process

EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: Submitted Firefighter Recruit Application will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the minimum requirements.

SKILLS ASSESSMENT: Administered to evaluate the applicants' paramedic skills.

ORAL INTERVIEW EXAMINATION: Administered to evaluate the applicants' experience, education and personal fitness for the position.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted on all finalists, which will review and verify personal history including, but not limited to, financial responsibility, criminal history, drug use history, driving record, and verification of application materials. Significant issues or omissions in the above-stated areas may be grounds for disqualification. Background investigation will include Livescan fingerprinting and a polygraph.

EXAMINATION WEIGHTING: Evaluation - qualifying, Skills Assessment -pass/fail, Oral - 100%, Background Investigation - pass/fail. All applications, resumes and submitted reference materials will be reviewed and evaluated and only the best-qualified candidates based on applicable experience will be invited to the selection process. Any evaluation will be based on the candidate's education and experience as related to the position. Any examination will be to evaluate the candidate's education, experience, knowledge and skills for the position. The City of Glendale reserves the right to modify the above stated examination components and/or weights.

ENTRY-LEVEL EXAMINATION - VETERAN'S CREDIT AWARDED FOR QUALIFIED APPLICANTS.

TIME AND PLACE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED. The City of Glendale conforms with State and Federal obligations to make reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. The Human Resources Department asks that it be advised of special needs at least five days prior to the first test part so that a reasonable accommodation may be made. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Glendale requires that all new employees provide documentation to establish both work authorization and identity.

The City of Glendale offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance.

The above listed benefits apply to full-time, salaried positions only.

Closing Date/Time: 10/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Glendale

• 818-548-2152

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