Fire Recruit (Paramedic)

City of Sacramento

THE POSITION

THIS POSITION IS FOR FIRE RECRUIT (PARAMEDIC)

THIS JOB POSTING WILL AUTOMATICALLY CLOSE UPON THE RECEIPT OF 250 APPLICATIONS

OR

AT THE FINAL FILING DEADLINE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

This recruitment is only open to candidates who reside in California.

To be considered eligible for this challenging and rewarding career opportunity, you MUST be on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) as of July 20, 2026. Sacramento Fire Department is hiring directly off the FCTC SEL. PLEASE ENSURE YOUR FCTC PROFILE IS UP TO DATE. For questions regarding the FCTC SEL, please visit www.fctconline.org or call 1-877-648-2728.

YOU MUST UPLOAD COPIES OF THESE CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES TO YOUR FCTC PROFILE. The City Of Sacramento Will Be Receiving FCTC's Statewide Eligibility List, Which Will Have Confirmation Of The Following Candidate Information

  • Age- Must be 21 or older by the completion of Academy (See Recruitment Timeline)
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Possession of a valid Driver License
  • Possession of a valid CPAT Certificate, issued within the past twelve months from July 20, 2026
  • Received a passing score (70% or above) on the FCTC Written test within the past twelve months from July 20, 2026
  • Possession of a valid California or National Registry Paramedic License

The California Fire Foundation, in partnership with the FCTC, awards financial hardship grants to qualified applicants to cover all FCTC/CPAT testing fees. For more info, please visit https://www.fctconline.org/financialaid/

Please Note

  • 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.
  • Candidates hired as a Fire Recruit must successfully complete the Sacramento Fire Department’s (SFD) Fire Academy. Upon satisfactory graduation from the SFD Fire Academy, a Fire Recruit meeting the requirements of the Firefighter classification shall be advanced to the career classification of Firefighter. For more information regarding the Firefighter classification, salary, and benefits please visit the following links:

Firefighter Classification Specification & Salary: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/saccity/classspecs/33479

L522 Benefits Summary

https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/Divisions/Benefits/benefitsummaries/benefitsummary_522.pdf

Fire Recruit is a training-level classification that exists solely for those who are completing their initial Sacramento Fire Department Training in the Sacramento Regional Fire Academy. Fire Recruits undergo a formal training program that meets the California State Firefighter 1 curriculum standard. Academy instruction includes basic training in firefighting methods, equipment operations, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and physical fitness. Successful completion of this Academy is required, even if similar training has been achieved elsewhere. Failure to complete the Academy successfully will be cause for release from City employment. Upon completing the training requirements and graduation from the Academy, a Fire Recruit is eligible for probationary appointment to Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Fire Recruit is a non-career developmental classification used to recruit and prepare qualified candidates for advancement to the journey-level classification of Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic). Incumbents in this class undergo a formal training program in the Sacramento Regional Fire Academy, where they receive their California Firefighter 1 certification upon completion. Under close supervision, the Fire Recruit must gain an understanding of lifesaving and firefighting methods through intensive academic instruction and specialized training. Classroom academics, hands-on training, and daily physical fitness training will be required.

Upon satisfactory completion of the training and graduation from the Academy, a Fire Recruit is eligible for a 12-month probationary appointment to the career classification of Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic).

Fire Recruit is distinguished from the Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic) in that the former is a recruiting and training level classification, and incumbents do not perform emergency duties outside of closely supervised training drills. Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic) is a journey-level classification, and incumbents are expected to perform the full range of responsibilities of a Firefighter (EMT or Paramedic).

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Immediate supervision is provided by higher level Fire and Civilian personnel.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Attend assigned training sessions for both classroom training and manipulative exercises and drills.
  • Learn concepts of fire science and firefighting methods, including safety practices.
  • Studies and completes homework assignments.
  • Takes periodic quizzes, tests, examinations, and evaluations.
  • Learn basic defensive driving techniques and emergency vehicle operations of fire apparatus.
  • Learn equipment operation and maintenance procedures and practices.
  • Learn to operate fire extinguishers, hose lines, nozzles, and similar equipment used in extinguishing fires.
  • Learn to raise, lower, and climb ladders.
  • Learn salvage and overhaul operations.
  • Learn basic emergency medical procedures.
  • Learn the organization, chain of command, polices & procedures, and the rules and regulations of the Sacramento Fire Department.
  • Successfully participate in and practice physical fitness training.
  • Learn other related courses or programs as required.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Experience

None

The Following Are Desirable

  • Possession of California State Fire Marshal approved Firefighter I Certification.
  • Current service in the Sacramento Fire Department Reserve program.

Special Qualifications

Active Status on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) State Eligibility List

For more information, please visit: www.fctconline.org

FCTC Written Test

Passing score must be obtained within the past twelve months from the final filing date.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Certificate

Possession of a CPAT Certificate issued within the past twelve months from the final filing date.

Age

Must be at least 21 years of age by completion of the Academy.

Driver License

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment. Loss of license is cause for discipline. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Successful completion of Phase I Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) training is required by the completion of the Academy. (Phase I EVOC training for a firefighter endorsement is provided during the Academy.)

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification/Paramedic License

Possession of a valid California or National Registry EMT Certificate is required for EMT assignments; EMT certification must have Sacramento County Emergency Medical Service Agency (SCEMSA) endorsement by completion of the Academy.

Possession of a valid California or National Registry Paramedic License is required for paramedic assignments; Paramedic Licenses must have SCEMSA accreditation by the completion of the academy.

For more information, please visit: https://dhs.saccounty.net/PRI/EMS/Pages/EMS-Home.aspx

Assistance with SCEMSA endorsement or accreditation sponsorship is provided by the Sacramento Fire Department.

Medical Examination / Drug Test

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

Employment Eligibility

Documentation verifying the candidate's eligibility for employment in the United States will be required and shall be presented upon hire. This includes citizens and noncitizens.

Background

If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and drug use history.

Respiratory Protective Equipment

Work 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.

Other Requirements

Successful candidates must adhere to the established City of Sacramento Smoke-Free Workplace policy.

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE

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

Fire Recruit Application Process Opens

July 6, 2026

Deadline For Filing

July 20, 2026

Review Of Minimum Qualifications

July 27, 2026

Interview

Week of August 17, 2026

Conditional Job Offer/Background Process Begins

Week of September 14, 2026

Background Process Completed

Week of December 14, 2026

Fire Recruit Academy Start Date

January 4, 2027

Fire Recruit Academy Graduation Date

May 27, 2027

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. 2. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail)– Human Resources will be receiving the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center Statewide Eligibility List (FCTC SEL) to confirm applicants meet the minimum qualifications stated on the job announcement. Minimum qualifications include:

  • Application: (Pass/Fail) – All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline of July 20, 2026 or upon the receipt of 250 applications; whichever occurs first.
  • Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
  • Applicants must be on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center Statewide Eligibility List (FCTC SEL) as of the final filing deadline of July 20, 2026 or upon the receipt of 250 applications; whichever occurs first.
  • Age- Must be 21 or older by the completion of Academy (See Recruitment Timeline)
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Possession of a valid Driver License
  • Possession of a valid CPAT Certificate, issued within the past twelve months from July 20, 2026
  • Received a passing score (70% or above) on the FCTC Written test within the past twelve months from July 20, 2026
  • Possession of a valid California or National Registry Paramedic License
  • Interview: Those candidates 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 Fire Recruit position, hiring process, Sacramento Regional Fire Academy, 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

FIREFIGHTER CANDIDATE TESTING CENTER STATEWIDE ELIGIBILITY LIST: I understand the City of Sacramento Fire Department is hiring directly off the FCTC SEL. I must have active status on the FCTC SEL as of the final filing date of July 20, 2026, in order to be considered as a Fire Recruit (Paramedic). It is my responsibility to ensure my FCTC profile at www.fctconline.org is up to date with the following items/information; failure to do so may result in my application being disqualified. (Documents uploaded to this application, submitted separately from the FCTC profile, or submitted past the final filing date will not be considered or accepted). -Age- Must be 21 or older by the completion of Academy -High School Diploma or GED -Valid CA Class C Driver License -Valid CPAT Certificate, issued within the past twelve months from July 20, 2026 -Passing Score on FCTC Written test within the past twelve months from July 20, 2026 -Valid

California or National Registry Paramedic License -(Firefighter I Certificate- optional)

  • Yes

PARAMEDIC: I understand that if I am applying for the Fire Recruit (Paramedic), I must currently possess a California or National Registry Paramedic License; and obtain a Sacramento County Paramedic Accreditation card from Sacramento County Emergency Medical Services Agency (SCEMSA) by the completion of the Sacramento Fire Training Academy.

  • Yes

AGE: I confirm that I will be at least 21 years of age at completion of the Academy, scheduled for May 27, 2027.

  • Yes

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

  • Yes

I understand that I must 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.

  • Yes

I understand that to work in this classification, I will be wearing respiratory protective equipment at times. When assigned to such work, I will have facial hair shaven when it interferes with the safe fitting of respiratory protective equipment.

  • Yes

This recruitment is only open to candidates who reside in California. I confirm I reside in California.

  • Yes
  • No

DRIVER'S LICENSE CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a valid California Class C Driver's License by the time of appointment if I am selected for this position.

  • Yes
  • No

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. Please answer each question completely and concisely. Do not include names of supervisors, family members, instructors, employers, schools, or other personally identifying information. Do not include medical information. I understand and agree to the above instructions.

  • Yes

The Fire Recruit Academy is a physically and academically rigorous training program lasting approximately five months. Describe the specific steps you have taken, or are currently taking, to prepare for a full-time academy environment that includes classroom instruction, homework, practical skills training, testing, evaluations, and daily physical fitness.

Describe a project, assignment, class, or test you completed that required you to learn a new skill or course content. In your response, include the study methods, time-management habits, or preparation strategies you used to learn the new skill.

Describe a time when you participated in a structured environment, such as a class, training program, job, volunteer role, sports team, or other organized activity, where you were required to follow rules, procedures, safety practices, or direction from supervisors or instructors. In your response, explain the expectations you were required to meet and how you demonstrated punctuality, accountability, teamwork, and consistent performance.

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