Firefighter/Paramedic (Internal Opportunity) - Quick Hire!

The City of Santa Cruz Fire Department is a dedicated public safety organization committed to protecting life, property, and the environment from fire and other hazards. Situated in the vibrant coastal city of Santa Cruz, California, the Fire Department is known for its professional and responsive service to the community. As a government entity, the department emphasizes community engagement, fire prevention, emergency medical services, and disaster response. With a focus on safety, training, and public education, the Fire Department works diligently to maintain a safe and resilient community. The City of Santa Cruz offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment dedicated to employee growth and public service excellence. The employment opportunity is a regular full-time position with a salary ranging from $88,944 to $133,740 annually, reflecting the level of responsibility and expertise required for the role. The Firefighter/Paramedic position within the City of Santa Cruz Fire Department is an essential role tasked with a broad scope of responsibilities vital to community safety and emergency response. This role involves protecting lives and property by preventing, controlling, and extinguishing fires and responding to a variety of emergencies, including medical incidents, rescues, hazardous material situations, and other critical calls. A Firefighter/Paramedic is trained to provide both Basic and Advanced Life Support, delivering emergency medical care in high-pressure situations. Beyond emergency response, Firefighter/Paramedics also contribute to fire prevention through inspections, public education activities, and pre-fire planning, helping to reduce the risk of fire incidents within the community. This position requires physical strength, agility, and endurance, as well as the ability to operate complex firefighting equipment and tools safely and efficiently. The City of Santa Cruz Fire Department places a strong emphasis on continuous training and professional development. Firefighter/Paramedics are expected to participate in regular training exercises to maintain and enhance their skills. The position involves working shifts of 24 hours, with potential recall during emergencies, requiring dedication and readiness to serve at all times. The role further demands adherence to detailed administrative responsibilities such as maintaining equipment and fire station facilities, preparing patient care reports, and coordinating with other emergency service agencies. Internally, this recruitment is exclusive to current regular and temporary City employees who meet specific eligibility criteria, including having accrued a minimum of 600 paid hours with the City within the past year. The recruitment process includes competitive screening, application documentation submission, physical ability testing, and interviews, followed by background and medical examinations. Successful candidates must obtain and maintain a range of certifications including CPAT, California Paramedic License, various fire training certifications, and driver’s licenses. This role offers a clear career ladder within the department, presenting opportunities for advancement to positions such as Fire Engineer, Fire Captain, Fire Battalion Chief, and ultimately Fire Chief. With a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation time, health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development, the City of Santa Cruz Fire Department provides a rewarding and challenging career path for individuals passionate about public safety, community service, and firefighting.

• At least 18 years of age
• willingness to work 24-hour continuous shifts and be subject to recall during emergencies
• possession of a valid California Class C driver's license at time of application
• possession of a current CPAT card issued within one year prior to recruitment open date
• successful completion of National Registry Paramedic Exam by Fire Academy start
• possession of a valid California Paramedic License by Fire Academy graduation
• ability to obtain and maintain current ACLS, PALS, CPR certificates
• ability to obtain Hazardous Materials First Responder, Confined Space Awareness, S-130, and S-190 certifications by probation completion
• high school diploma or equivalent
• willingness to undergo background and pre-employment physical examinations
• willingness to submit to pre-employment drug tests and random testing per Department of Transportation regulations
• internal candidate status required with a minimum of 600 paid hours worked for the City within the previous twelve months