Firefighter/Paramedic

Job Description:

Firefighter/Paramedic

Description

Position Description

BE THE ULTIMATE RESPONDER: Are you ready to answer the call, protect lives, and serve your community at the highest level?

The Tulare Fire Department is actively seeking dedicated, courageous, and highly skilled professionals to join our team as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic. This is your opportunity to build a rewarding career delivering critical emergency medical services, fire suppression, and technical rescues where your skills make a direct impact every single day.

If you are a certified paramedic with a passion for public safety, excellent teamwork skills, and the drive to protect life and property, we invite you to apply today!

Why Join Tulare Fire Department?

• Elite Emergency Response: Utilize advanced paramedic training to deliver critical life-saving care and perform technical rescue operations.
• Continuous Growth: Sharpen your skills through regular physical fitness, fire suppression, and hazardous materials containment training.
• Community Impact: Beyond emergency response, you will play a vital role in fire prevention, public education, school presentations, and building safety inspections.

Are You the Ideal Candidate?

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

• Education: Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade, supplemented by specialized Paramedic training.
• Core Certifications: You must possess and attach a valid California EMT-P license, ACLS, PALS, and health care provider CPR certification.
• Fire Service Readiness: Possession of a Fire Fighter I certification (or completion of an approved Firefighter I Academy), Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations certification, and a valid CPAT/Chief’s Physical Abilities card.
• Driving Record: A valid Class C California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record (and the ability to obtain an "F" endorsement within 18 months).r

Recruitment Timeline:

• Closing Date: Wednesday, November 18 th at 11:59 p.m.
• Interview & Assessment Center: Thursday, December 3 rd and/or Friday, December 4 th
• Chief's Interview: Tuesday, December 15 th
• Start Date: February 22, 2027

Why Tulare?

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The organization, staffed with 400 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

Message from Michael Ott, Fire Chief

The City of Tulare Fire Department (TFD) is in the midst of a bold and deliberate transformation. Over the past few years, we have made significant, measurable progress toward aligning our operations with National Fire Protection Association 1710 staffing standards and ISO benchmarks, ensuring we deliver the highest level of fire and emergency services to the Tulare community, while prioritizing the safety of our personnel.

TFD has made substantial investments in modern apparatus, advanced technology, and state-of-the-art equipment. Our firefighters operate with cutting-edge tools designed to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and, most importantly, safety on every call.

We have also elevated our training standards. By bringing in instructors from across the country and sending our personnel to premier national conferences such as Fire Department Instructors Conference, Fire-Rescue International, and programs through the National Fire Academy, we ensure our team remains at the forefront of fireground operations and emergency response. The knowledge, skills, and capabilities of TFD personnel reflect that commitment.

Equally important, we are leading the way in firefighter health and wellness. Our department has implemented comprehensive annual physicals, including advanced cancer screening (LifeScan), established a newly built NFPA 1851-compliant PPE cleaning and inspection facility, and is actively working towards advanced rehabilitation and resiliency efforts through cold-water immersion and sauna protocols.

This is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking, high-performing organization committed to excellence, innovation, and service.

I challenge you to take a closer look at what TFD has to offer and join a growing team proud to serve the City of Tulare.

About Tulare Fire Department (TFD)

The TFD was established in 1882. The department has an outstanding history, tradition, and connection to the community of Tulare. Today, the TFD strives to evolve each day to meet the demands of the citizens, visitors, organizations and companies who live, learn, play, work, worship, and prosper in Tulare.

TFD is comprised of 52 full-time sworn personnel, supported by four non-sworn members, one Fire Marshal, one Fire Inspector, one Management Analyst, and one part-time Fire Inspector. This staffing model ensures comprehensive operational readiness, fire prevention oversight, and administrative support.

TFD operates from three strategically located fire stations, each housing an engine company staffed with up to four personnel on duty per day. In addition, the department operates a ladder company from Fire Station 61, also staffed with up to four personnel daily. Daily staffing levels range from 13 to 17 members.

The department’s highly trained firefighters maintain constant readiness to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, ensuring timely and effective protection for the community. TFD operates advance life support apparatus, non-transport.

TFD is proud to maintain an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 2 rating, reflecting the department’s high level of operational effectiveness and training. This rating contributes to reduced property insurance rates for residents and businesses within the city.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general supervision, responds to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, rescues and other emergency and non-emergency situations; participates in all other suppression, prevention, inspection, education, and related activities to protect life and property; performs fire station and apparatus maintenance; serves in specialized departmental roles as assigned; provides information and assistance to the public; and performs other duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a Fire Captain or assigned supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the working-level class in the fire service series that performs all normal fire suppression, basic medical emergency, hazardous materials, and other emergency response activities. The nature of the work performed requires an employee in this class to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all others contacted in the course of work and requires the ability to perform heavy physical work at potential risk to health and safety. This class is distinguished from Fire Engineer in that the latter drives and operates all fire equipment and apparatus. It is further distinguished from Fire Captain in that the latter is the first supervisory level in this sworn class series.

Examples of Essential Functions

(Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Responds to fire alarms, delivers all equipment, and implements fire suppression and firefighting techniques to rescue victims and protect private and public property.
• Responds to emergency medical calls and administers advanced emergency medical procedures including EKG interpretation, intravenous access, drug therapy, endotracheal intubation, pediatric emergencies, cardioversion and defibrillation, needle thoracostomy, patient assessment techniques, and safe patient transport.
• Assumes a designated position on an assigned apparatus and follows command structure instructions for fire suppression or related emergency services.
• Serves within a command structure, requiring adherence to officers' orders in life threatening situations.
• Responds to structural residential, commercial, industrial, chemical, petroleum, vehicle, aircraft, and wildland fires, and performs search and rescue operations to remove persons from burning structures, and fire suppression techniques as appropriate; lays, connects, charges and uses supply lines and various water appliances to control and extinguish fires; places water curtains and performs ventilating and access maneuvers; uses foam and chemical extinguishers as required by the nature of the fire; operates fire streams as directed; raises and climbs ladders; ventilates roofs and windows.
• Operates all types of portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, smoke ejectors, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, aerial ladder equipment, emergency medical equipment, and other firefighting and medical equipment as required.
• Performs salvage duties at fire scenes by placing salvage covers, sweeping, vacuuming up water, and removing debris.
• Conducts daily inspections of condition and readiness of equipment including medical and first aid equipment; cleans, washes, and services fire apparatus, vehicles and equipment; inspects, tests, and maintains equipment and pump motors including nozzles, appliances, fittings, hydrants, fire extinguishers, hand and power tools, ropes, emergency lighting equipment, generators, rescue and first aid, and related equipment.
• Assists in the investigation of fires; obtains and preserves evidence at a fire scene, secures fire scene and controls traffic, and participates in determining fire origin and cause; may be required to testify in court, as necessary.
• Assists in inspecting building structures to ensure code compliance; explains City fire codes and fire prevention policies and procedures to the general public; identifies common, special, structural, and panic hazards and recommend pre-fire planning; issues orders to comply with codes; and prepares complete and accurate reports of inspection activities as required.
• Responds to emergency rescue calls, including auto accidents and collapsed buildings requiring extrication, search and rescue, gas system leaks, confined space rescues, and rope rescues.
• Performs overhaul operations to ensure the complete suppression of fire.
• Responds to a variety of alarms and follows established procedures to investigate.
• Maintains fire fighting and emergency equipment in a clean and operable condition, including performing daily equipment checks, and performing basic repair of damaged equipment as necessary; maintains inventories of apparatus, equipment, and supplies.
• Ensures the use of appropriate firefighting safety apparel and equipment, and follows appropriate safety procedures as required.
• Works closely with other emergency medical staff, public safety, and fire personnel from other agencies, depending upon response situation.
• Responds to hazardous materials emergencies, including scene assessment, identifying the extent of damage and/or potential hazard to the community, implementing containment plans, and protecting fire personnel and civilians from exposure to chemicals.
• Responds to man-made and natural disasters, including fires, floods, earthquakes, crash rescues and other catastrophic events, including providing medical assistance and removing persons from harmful structures or exposure to fire, smoke, adverse weather conditions, and harmful materials.
• Maintains an awareness of other Fire personnel on detail for the purpose of protecting other Firefighters' lives as necessary.
• Performs all necessary training activities as assigned and in accordance with readiness and preparation for firefighting activities, including training in fire suppression, emergency medical training, hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, technical rescues, equipment use and maintenance, and other related functions; participates in fire drills.
• Operates and maintains a variety of fire vehicles, apparatus, and equipment on a training basis.
• Performs physical fitness training to maintain physical abilities necessary for firefighting.
• Maintains station and personal living areas in a clean and orderly manner, and maintains surrounding grounds to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for fire personnel and the general public.
• Performs a variety of administrative duties including maintaining proper records and documentation on all job related activities, functions, apparatus, and equipment, preparing reports, forms, recommendations, and other required administrative procedures.
• Participates in a variety of public awareness activities to promote good public relations and fire safety awareness, including providing tours of fire facilities and giving presentations at local schools as requested; responds to complaints and requests for information from the public; engages in public information activities.
• May assume the responsibilities of Fire Engineer upon the absence of a Fire Engineer, if all acting requirements have been met.
• May provide direction to EMT-1 staff on medical emergencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of fire suppression, containment, rescue, clean-up and salvage.
• Symptoms of medical emergencies and of appropriate responses to such conditions.
• Purposes, uses, and operating characteristics of a variety of apparatus, equipment, tools, and devices used in rescue and medical assistance operations.
• Procedures, methods, and techniques of emergency medical services.
• Practices and techniques of hazardous materials response.
• Fire hazards and related prevention and abatement methods.
• Geography of the City, including locations of water mains, hydrants, major fire hazards of the City, and City streets.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes and ordinances.
• The operation and maintenance of a variety of fire services vehicles, equipment, and facilities.
• Basic principles of mechanics, hydraulics, and mathematics related to fire fighting and engineering duties.
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and computer applications.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to:

• Perform fire suppression and associated rescue and salvage work in a safe and effective manner.
• Apply the mechanics of fire fighting and emergency medical care at a paramedic level.
• Evaluate patients' conditions and properly render emergency medical care including administration of emergency medications.
• Perform at required EMS, technical rope rescue, and hazardous material operation levels.
• Deal with hazardous materials incidents in conformance with department procedures.
• Conduct fire inspections and perform code enforcement work.
• Participate in preliminary fact-finding inspections and investigations including evidence gathering and preservation.
• Learn the geographic layout of the City and the surrounding areas and the location of various fire suppression utilities.
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
• Calculate hydraulic engineering problems under emergency conditions.
• Establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized recordkeeping and project management systems.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines and protocols.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
• Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications / Requirements

EDUCATION &EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by Paramedic training.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS: Applicants must attach copies of each of the following to their application. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

• Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record, and the ability to obtain a Fire Fighter "F" endorsement within 18 months of appointment.
• Possession of a Fire Fighter I certification or completion of an approved Basic Firefighter I Academy.
• Possession of Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations certification
• Ability to obtain Fire Fighter II certification with 12 months
• Possession of a valid EMT-P issued by a California Emergency Medical Services Authority.
• Possession of the following certifications: Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
• Possession of a valid health care provider CPR certification.
• Possession of the Chiefs Physical Abilities or CPATcertification.
• Ability to obtain, within 12 months: Confined Space Rescue certification.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility, physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and use all emergency apparatus and equipment; perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders; vision to discern colors and assess emergency situations, including medical incidents, to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned apparatus and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials, objects, and individuals necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, extreme temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, substantial heights, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Employees are required to work shifts, as scheduled by the Department.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.7% at 57) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 3.0% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.

• City sponsored employee health care clinic. Services include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.
• Two complete sets of uniforms are provided upon initial appointment. One Class A uniform is provided upon completion of probation. Uniform allowance thereafter, of $1300 per year when appointment begins prior to January 1, if after January 1, allowance is granted the following year.
• Deferred compensation plan (ROTH and 457 Plans available) up to $50/pay period employer contribution match.
• Bilingual certification - an additional 2% of base salary for successful completion of city administered bilingual certification test.
• Education incentive program maximum amount 7.5% for all regular, full-time, permanent employees.
• 136 working hours of vacation per year. Additional hours based on years of service.
• 145.6 Hours of annual holiday time.
• 69.2 Hours per year sick leave.
• Term Life insurance - Based on annual salary subject to maximum of $150,000.
• A long-term disability insurance program is available.
• A mandatory wellness/fitness program.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.

Closing Date/Time: 11/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$6,916.90 - $8,407.54 Monthly