Emergency Medical Services Trainee

City of Sacramento

THE POSITION

A candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check, fingerprinting, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history, to be considered for this position.

THIS JOB POSTING WILL AUTOMATICALLY CLOSE UPON THE RECEIPT OF 150 APPLICATIONS

OR

AT THE FINAL FILING DEADLINE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

The EMS Internship Program is designed to create a career pathway for community members at any level of experience to become Paramedics with the Sacramento Fire Department (SFD). This opportunity is designed to support individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those early in their educational or career journey, by providing access to training, mentorship, and a clear pathway to a professional role.

Program Information

  • Program provides a structured, earn-while-you-learn opportunity that combines part-time paid work experience (20 hours per week) with hands-on ambulance-based clinical training and supportive skills labs aligned with academic coursework.
  • Participants must commit an additional 20–30 hours per week to unpaid academic coursework.
  • SFD fully funds all required academic coursework to reduce financial barriers to emergency medical services careers. (Tuition Assistance Agreement)
  • Program duration ranges from approximately 12 to 48 months, depending on experience, certification, and college readiness.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate is motivated to serve their community and is interested in building a long-term career in emergency medical services. Successful candidates demonstrate reliability, a willingness to learn, and the ability to manage both academic and hands-on training responsibilities in a structured, fast-paced environment. Applicants are encouraged to consider their current commitments and support systems to ensure they can fully participate in the program. SFD is committed to supporting trainees throughout their progression toward becoming licensed Paramedics.

The purpose of this classification is to provide education, training, and paid work experience, typically over 12 - 48 months to prepare for employment as a Paramedic with the Sacramento Fire Department (SFD).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Trainee is a non-career, part-time classification. EMS Trainees will enroll in and attend required college courses. They will assist in the emergency medical care of the sick and injured under the guidance of a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or licensed Paramedic with the City of Sacramento, following all applicable State and local laws, regulations, and policies.

The EMS Trainee classification aims to train, certify, and hire community members as Paramedics with the SFD through a paid EMS Internship Program. The SFD will provide tuition assistance for all student academic and tuition costs. Any EMS Trainee who accepts tuition assistance will be required to sign a Tuition Assistance Agreement. EMS Trainees must meet all critical milestones for success, including completing all prerequisites, EMT and Paramedic courses, and passing the national registry EMT and Paramedic exams. Additionally, EMS Trainees must demonstrate a commitment to patient care and the core skills, competencies, and principal duties required of the EMT and Paramedic positions. The EMS Trainee is a full-time commitment that will require 20-30 hours per week of unpaid academic coursework in addition to 20 hours per week of paid work experience.

Incumbents who complete this comprehensive Paramedic training program will be eligible for a twelve (12) month probationary appointment to the career classification of Sacramento Fire Paramedic. SFD may award positions at the earliest available date upon receipt of a Paramedic license. EMS Trainees must meet the minimum qualifications of the position offered.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Direct supervision is provided by higher-level SFD Sworn and Civilian personnel.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

All work experience duties and responsibilities will be learned through comprehensive mentorship from career EMTs and Paramedics. Depending upon assignment and training progression, training duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Perform support functions such as restocking and inventory maintenance of supplies and equipment, cleaning equipment, and transporting equipment.
  • Demonstrate cognitive competency of EMT and Paramedic knowledge measured by quizzes, tests, examinations, and evaluations.
  • Demonstrate the psychomotor competency of EMT and Paramedic skills measured by completing practical stations and field performance.
  • Demonstrate successful completion of the required number of field contacts, field objectives, and scheduled field hours for EMS course completions.
  • Under the guidance of an EMT or Paramedic, respond to emergency medical events, perform patient assessments, and provide efficient and immediate pre-hospital care.
  • Complete patient records on transports and transfers performed. Complete a comprehensive narrative description of the patient's condition.
  • Communicate with the dispatch center, Fire, and EMS units using UHF/VHF radios and cellular telephones as necessary.
  • Participate in and practice physical fitness training.
  • Learn other related courses or programs as required.
  • Perform related work of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

None

  • Proof of a high school diploma or equivalent may be required by the college institution for enrollment into the required college courses as part of the EMS Internship Program.

Experience

None

EMS Internship Academic Placement & Training Expectations

  • There are no training or EMT/Paramedic experience requirements to apply for the EMS Trainee position. Placement is dependent on the level of experience, certification, and college readiness upon entry into the EMS Internship Program. EMS Trainees must complete the required EMS Internship Program expectations as listed below to advance academically through the program:
  • EMS Trainees are required to successfully complete all EMT coursework, obtain National Registry EMT certification, secure California State EMT certification, and Sacramento County Emergency Medical Services Agency (SCEMSA) affiliation before attending Paramedic school.
  • EMS Trainees entering the EMS Internship Program with EMT certification must obtain affiliation through SCEMSA upon renewal of EMT Certification.
  • SFD EMS Preceptors will evaluate EMS Trainees for EMT proficiency to obtain the work experience required for Paramedic School.
  • EMS Trainees must obtain a California driver's license to qualify for enrolling in Paramedic School.
  • EMS Trainees must maintain and keep their EMT certification current while working toward a Paramedic license. They must pass all required Paramedic coursework and obtain a National Registry Paramedic License, a California State Paramedic License, and local accreditation through SCEMSA. Successful EMS Trainees who have met the minimum requirements for Sacramento Fire Paramedic may be offered a position at the earliest available opening upon receipt of Paramedic Licensure.

Age

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Must be at least 17 years of age at time of appointment.

Must be at least 18 years of age by EMT certification date.

Driver License

The EMS Trainee is not required to hold a driver's license but must be able to arrange reliable and timely transportation through private or public transportation to attend off-site meetings, events, and training.

  • Proof of a valid California Class C driver’s license is required by the college institution for enrollment in the mandatory Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) in Paramedic School as part of the EMS Internship Program.

Work Permit

EMS Trainees under 18 years of age must obtain a valid work permit.

Medical Examination/Drug Test

If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a medical examination and a drug test.

Background

If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a background investigation, including a criminal history check, fingerprinting, psychological test, credit check, and drug use history.

Residency Requirement

Must reside within a 35-air-mile radius from the freeway interchange at W - X Streets and 29th - 30th Streets within one year following appointment as a Sacramento Fire Paramedic.

Respiratory Protective Equipment

Working in this classification requires wearing respiratory equipment at times. When assigned to such work, facial hair must be shaven when it interferes with the safe fitting of respiratory protective equipment.

Working Conditions

In the performance of job duties, the employee will work inside and outside in day and/or night conditions, congested traffic, and unsafe road conditions. Employees may work near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places. Exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as wet and humid conditions, icy or muddy areas, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, vibration, risk of electrocution, and extreme heat or cold is common. Employees may be exposed to grotesque sights and smells associated with significant trauma and burn victims.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain occasional EMS activities, when it may be loud.

Health Exposure

Tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues in accordance with the Department of Industrial Relations Title 8,

  • 5193. Bloodborne Pathogens.

Physical Demands

In the performance of job duties, EMS Trainees may lift, drag, carry, and move 100 pounds or more; sit, stand, walk, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, or crawl; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, controls, or tools; reach with hands and arms; and smell. This job's specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Manual dexterity and coordination are required to perform the work, including operating equipment such as computer keyboards and telephones.

Physical Requirements

EMS Trainees will be required to participate in a physical fitness program with standards set by the requirements of the SFD.

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE

The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the Agency.

EMS Trainee Application Process Opens

June 22, 2026

Deadline For Filing

July 05, 2026

Review Of Minimum Qualifications

July 06 – July 10, 2026

Hiring InterviewWeek of July 27, 2026Conditional Job Offer/Background Process Begins:

Week of August 10, 2026

Background Process Completed

Week of October 23, 2026

EMS Trainee Academy Start Date

November 16, 2026

Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

  • Application: (Pass/Fail) – All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline or the receipt of 150 applications, whichever occurs first;
  • Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
  • Supplemental : (Pass/Fail) - In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire to the City of Sacramento Employment Office as part of the application process;
  • Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaire will not be accepted.
  • Incomplete supplemental questionnaire will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
  • A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
  • Possession of the minimum qualifications is not necessarily a guarantee for further advancement in the selection process.
  • Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail) - Human Resources will evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement..
  • Hiring Interview: Candidates who are determined to be the MOST QUALIFIED will be invited to participate in an interview process coordinated by the hiring department. There will be no eligible list established. A hiring interview is not guaranteed.
  • Background Process & Medical Exam/Drug Test: If considered for appointment, candidates must complete and pass a background investigation, which includes but is not limited to, personal history, work history, reference checks, Live Scan/fingerprinting, and psychological test. Candidates must also pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance, and alcohol test.

Questions

If you have specific questions regarding the EMS Trainee position, hiring process, EMS Internship Program, etc.:

For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:

Bilingual Pay

Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

Pension Reform Act

The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Sacramento 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.

Additional Information

Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf

Union Contracts: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html

Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf

APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment

  • Yes

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: The answers to the questions below will be reviewed by the hiring department along with the information provided in your employment application. Therefore, your answers must be consistent with your employment application information (especially in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections), must be unambiguous, and must contain sufficient but concise detail and organization. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completing this Supplemental Questionnaire. Lack of clarity, incomplete or inconsistent information, and/or disorganized presentation may negatively affect the hiring department's review of your Supplemental Questionnaire. I understand and agree to the above instructions.

  • Yes

I understand that candidates considered for appointment must pass a medical examination and a drug test.

  • Yes

I understand that I must reside within thirty five (35) air miles from the freeway interchange at W-X Street, 29th - 30th Streets within one year following appointment as a Sacramento Fire Paramedic.

  • Yes

I understand that EMS Trainees

  • Receive part-time paid work experience (20 hours per week), including clinical experience on an ambulance.
  • Are required to attend SFD-sponsored college courses to complete a comprehensive EMS Internship Program.
  • Must commit an additional 20–30 hours per week of unpaid time to complete required academic coursework.
  • Must sign a Tuition Assistance Agreement to receive full funding for academic and tuition costs.
  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED to enroll in EMT courses.
  • Must possess a valid California Driver's License to enroll in Paramedic school.
  • Must successfully complete the EMS Internship Program and obtain a Paramedic license to qualify for promotion to a Paramedic position with SFD.
  • Yes

The following question is confidential and is being asked for program tracking purposes only. Your response will not be used to evaluate your application or affect your status in the hiring process. To ensure the Sacramento Fire Department (SFD) recruitment efforts are effective, please share how you heard about the job opening for EMS Trainee. (Select all that apply)

  • Friend or Family Referral
  • SFD Website
  • SFD Recruitment Event
  • SFD "Contact Us" email notification
  • SFD Sponsored Program Participant
  • JoinSacFire Instagram
  • Professional Network
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Careers in Government
  • None of the above

The following question is confidential and is being asked for program tracking purposes only. Your response will not be used to evaluate your application or affect your status in the hiring process. Please ensure that all relevant paid, unpaid, and/or volunteer experience is fully documented in the duties area of the Work Experience section of your application. Please indicate whether you have participated in any of the following programs (Check all that apply)

  • Sacramento Volunteer Fire Reserve, or a similar VOLUNTEER (Non-paid) training program funded through a municipal fire agency
  • Sacramento EMS Corps, or other CA EMS Corps
  • Sacramento Firefighter Youth Academy
  • Sacramento County High School Career Technical Education Pathways in Public Safety, Fire Service, or Health Professions
  • Sacramento Area Girls Fire Camp
  • None of the above
  • Required Question
Apply Now Apply Now Post a Resume

See more jobs in Sacramento, CA, jobs in the United States