Firefighter Trainee & Firefighter Trainee/Paramedic Certified

Description

Applications will be accepted from January 23, 2026, through January 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

THE DEPARTMENT
The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) is committed to excellence in public safety, delivered with pride. Serving more than 840,000 residents in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County and the cities of Ojai, Port Hueneme, Moorpark, Camarillo, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks. The Department operates as an all-hazard, full-service agency supported by approximately 658 dedicated personnel.

Established in 1928 as a special district, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors serves as the Department’s Board of Directors. VCFD’s mission is to anticipate and respond to the evolving public safety needs of a diverse community through prevention, education, communication, and emergency response. The Department provides fire protection, emergency medical services, rescue operations, hazardous materials response, and a broad range of additional services to protect life, property, and the environment.

THE POSITION
Firefighter Trainees, under direct supervision, suppress fires using firefighting equipment; perform emergency medical treatment; conduct rescue operations using ropes, associated hardware, and power tools; respond to hazardous materials releases as appropriate; assist in fire prevention, public relations, and educational activities; operate firefighting apparatus; perform station maintenance tasks; and perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level classification of the firefighter series. Trainees are eligible for promotion to Firefighter following completion of a one (1) year probationary period, during which they must graduate from the Fire Academy, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

PAYROLL TITLES AND APPROXIMATE SALARIES:
Firefighter Trainee: $3,119.438080 - $3,579.008320 (biweekly)
Firefighter: $3,443.652080 - $4,583.794800 (biweekly)

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE
Incumbents may be eligible for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.

COUNTY SERVICE/VETERANS' POINTS
The Firefighter Trainee classification is an entry-level position. Eligible applicants may receive either County service points or Veterans’ points. Applicants requesting Veterans’ points must attach official military documentation, such as a DD-214, DD-215, or NGB-22, prior to the close of recruitment. These points may not be applied simultaneously.

DEPARTMENT: Ventura County Fire Department/Fire Protection District

Firefighter Trainee/Firefighter are represented by the Ventura County Professional Firefighters' Association (VCPFA) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (NOTE: dates are subject to change*) :
OPENING DATE: Friday, January 23, 2026
CLOSING DATE: Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST
ONLINE WRITTEN EXAMINATION: Friday, February 27, 2026 - Wednesday, March 4, 2026*

RECORDED ORAL EXAMINATION: Monday, March 30, 2026 - Monday, April 6, 2026*

SELECTION INTERVIEWS: TBD

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Suppression and control of building and other fires by operating firefighting equipment in hazardous areas, confined spaces, and high places such as ladders. Suppresses grass and brush fires using fire hose and equipment and wildland firefighting hand tools. Conduct rescue operations from smoke-filled or confined areas that have been compromised by fire. Cleans up debris and does salvage work during and after firefighting.
• Performs emergency medical treatment to the minimum EMT - 1 level on ill and injured persons while in training. For paramedics only: Following completion of firefighting training, and upon recertification as a Paramedic, will be assigned to an advanced life support apparatus to perform paramedic duties for a period of at least three (3) years.
• Performs technical rescues using ropes and associated rescue hardware, various power tools and hand tools and techniques for special rescue situations (mechanical entrapments, confined spaces, high angle, and trench rescues).
• Responds to hazardous materials incidents to safely isolate and deny entry, make appropriate notifications, and perform mitigation tasks as appropriate.
• Performs company level fire prevention inspections and hazard reduction activities.
• Performs public relations and educational awareness actions by meeting and speaking to civic and school-based groups.
• Drives and maintains firefighting apparatus. Performs minor repair and inspection work. Makes necessary adjustments as needed.
• Completes routine daily fire station janitorial and maintenance tasks.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are minimum entrance requirements to the examination process and do not guarantee continuation in the process or placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE



REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION:

• Be at least 21 years of age on or before 01/30/2026.
• Be a high school graduate or possess a GED certificate.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class C driver license.
• Current and valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The Firefighter Trainee's work environment varies. During an emergency incident, the Firefighter may be outside for an extended period of time exposed to both extreme hot, cold, and/or wet weather conditions. Firefighter Trainees must have the ability to climb ladders, climb stairs, and work in high places and in closely confined spaces; must be able to utilize a wide range of motion from pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting heavy objects to inspecting objects above shoulder level and overhead; and must be able to lift, push/pull and carry more than 100 lbs.

HIGHLY DESIRED:

• Bilingual.
• Current and valid California Paramedic License from the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA).
• Completion of a California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I academy or equivalent.
• Experience as a Fire Control Worker with the Ventura County Fire Department.

REQUIRED AT TIME OF HIRE:

• Successful completion of the Ventura County Physical Ability Test, certified and validated by Fire & Police Selection, Inc. (commonly referred to as the “Biddle” test).
• Current and valid California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification OR

• Current and valid California Paramedic License from the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA).
• A valid, unrestricted California Class C driver license.

REQUIRED FOR "PARAMEDIC CERTIFIED" AT TIME OF HIRE:
All certification requirements noted above, and:

• Current and valid Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification

POST HIRING REQUIREMENTS :
All new hires will be required, as a condition of continued employment, to:

• Within 12 months of hire, obtain the Firefighter Endorsement through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), regardless of driver license class (A, B, or C).
• Successfully complete all aspects of, and thereby graduate from, the Ventura County Fire Protection District Academy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
Knowledge of: hand tools used in the construction industry and building maintenance activities; proper operation of vehicles to include standard transmissions; basic emergency medical techniques to the minimum California EMT level.

Skilled at: the use of various basic construction hand tools and building maintenance equipment; driving vehicles to include standard transmissions and large pick-up sized vehicles; and the application of basic EMT manipulative skills.

Ability to: recognize and evaluate alternatives under emergency conditions and to make decisions independently; learn the proper use of firefighting tools and equipment; exercise initiative and work with limited supervision; understand and follow written and oral directions; effectively communicate orally; work under a structured organization that will require emotional and physical stability under stress; work in an outdoor environment and perform moderate and heavy physical activities for prolonged periods.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE : Applications must be received by the Ventura County Human Resources Division no later than January 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Online applications are preferred. To apply online, refer to the website: www.venturacounty.gov/jobs . If utilizing a paper application form, please call (805) 389-9710 for application materials or go to Ventura County Human Resources - address: 800 S. Victoria Ave., Loc. # 1970, Ventura, CA 93009. We do not accept resumes in lieu of our application form, nor do we accept any application materials via email.

Note to Applicants: Sufficient information must be provided under the Education/Work experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications to determine eligibility. A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above sections; however, it may not be submitted in lieu of completing the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - Qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this examination at the time of filing. This questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - Qualifying: All applications and supplemental questions will be reviewed to determine whether or not the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to participate in the examinations outlined below.

ONLINE WRITTEN EXAMINATION - Pass/Fail: A proctored, online, internet-based job-related written examination will be administered to test candidates' knowledge of reading ability, math, map reading, writing ability, spatial skills, problem solving, analysis, decision making, and mechanical aptitude for successful performance on the job. Examinees must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to advance in the recruitment process.

RECORDED ORAL EXAMINATION - 100%: An online, unproctored, job-related oral examination will be conducted to evaluate and compare participating examinees' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Examinees must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a minimum of 6 months. The eligible list established for this position may be used to fill existing and future regular, temporary, fixed-term, intermittent and extra-help positions within the Fire Protection District and/or Fire Academies through 2028.

PRACTICAL EXAMINATION (VCPAT) - Pass/Fail: The Ventura County Physical Ability Test (VCPAT) is a job-related physical agility examination and will be administered by department personnel.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
A thorough pre-employment background investigation will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment and will include review of the Personal History Statement (PHS). The investigation may also include inquiries into past employment, education, criminal history, and driving record.

MEDICAL EVALUATION
The medical standards to become a Firefighter Trainee/Firefighter have been developed over many years and are consistent with standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Some of the most common reasons individuals are unable to pass are listed below. These are minimum and maximum standards and are significantly different from what may be considered ideal or average health.

Hearing Loss
Hearing must meet NFPA standards as verified through an audiogram, with no hearing loss greater than 40 decibels in the better ear at required frequencies.

Color Vision Deficiency
Applicants must pass a color vision test as verified through medical evaluation; monochromatic vision is disqualifying.

Poor Vision (in either eye)
Visual acuity must be 20/40 or better in each eye , with or without corrective lenses, as verified through medical evaluation.

Cardiovascular or Blood Pressure Conditions
Uncontrolled high blood pressure, abnormal cardiac testing, or insufficient cardiovascular fitness may prevent an applicant from meeting medical standards; Stage II hypertension (160/100 or higher) is incompatible with Firefighter job performance unless controlled with medication.

Weight and Body Composition
Applicants must be in excellent physical condition, with weight proportionate to height, as determined by overall health indicators, metabolic risk factors, and evaluation by the examining medical provider; ideal body fat targets are approximately 20% for males and 30% for females.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Applicants must be free from the use of illegal drugs and the misuse of controlled substances. Failure to pass or refusal to comply with testing requirements may result in disqualification from the selection process.

UNSATISFACTORY RESULTS IN ANY ASPECT OF THE FOREGOING PROCESS, INCLUDING BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION FINDINGS, MAY RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE ELIGIBLE LIST.

For further information about this recruitment, please email Ventura County Fire Human Resources at JoinVCFD@venturacounty.gov .

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Employer
County of Ventura

Address
800 S. Victoria Avenue
LOC. #1970
Ventura, California, 93009

Phone
(805) 654-5129

Website
https://hr.venturacounty.gov/

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

VENTURA COUNTY PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS' ASSOCIATION

(VCPFA)

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
• Retirement FAQ's
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: FFF, FGF

Closing Date/Time: 1/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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• County of Ventura

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