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DESCRIPTION:

The Department:

The Santa Clara Fire Department was established in 1854 when local residents formed the Columbia Hose Volunteer Fire Company. Today, the city has 9 fire stations (one more in design process) consisting of 8 engines, 2 trucks, 1 rescue/light unit, 1 hazardous materials unit, 1 ambulance and 2 command vehicles. The fire department is comprised of 175 personnel staffed across five divisions and serves a population of approximately 130,000 people spread over 18.4 square miles.  The Fire Administration Division provides management, organization, and support for the various divisions of the fire department actively engaged in the protection of life and property.  The Emergency Medical Services Division is responsible for training personnel to deliver pre-hospital emergency medical services to people who live, work and visit in Santa Clara.  The Community Risk Reduction Division is primarily responsible for fire safety education, fire cause determination, inspection of high hazard occupancies, and fire code enforcement. This division also maintains a vital role as technical consultant to the fire department, the City, and the business community, advising on site construction, process installation, and the safe use and handling of hazardous materials as outlined in federal, state, and local regulations. The Field Operations Division efficiently manages over 11,000 emergency responses annually.  The Training Division provides services to the Fire Department, other City departments, industry, and the community at large.

The Position:

Firefighter I is the entry level classification in the Firefighter series. An incumbent in this classification responds to medical emergencies, fire alarms, performs rescue services, and protects life and property endangered by fire. When qualified and assigned, Firefighter I's may be assigned to paramedic duties. Performs related duties as assigned.

Selection Process:

Please refer to the "Firefighter Selection Process Guide" guide for additional information on the selection process.  Depending on the applicant pool, it is possible that only a limited number of applicants will be invited to the written examination.  Depending on logistical considerations and the size of the qualified applicant pool, it is possible that only those candidates scoring highest on a particular exam will be invited to continue in the selection process.   Candidates who pass a phase of the examination but do not earn an invitation to continue in the process will remain eligible to participate in future examinations if deemed necessary by the City.  Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List, which may be used for current and future vacancies in the job classification.  Placement on the eligible list does not guarantee nor imply that a job offer will follow.  A department interview will be required prior to appointment.

Additional Information:

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Complete Employment Application, 2) Respond to supplemental screening questions, and 3) Submit a valid National Registry or State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate or proof of course enrollment in a valid EMT program. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of August 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM or when 1200 applications are received. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.

The annual salary range for this position is $104,407.68– $129,909.36. This position will be filled at the minimum of the salary range.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED
• No experience is required

Acceptable Substitution:
None.

License/Certifications:

• A valid National Registry or State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate or proof of course enrollment in a valid EMT program is required at time of application.  Upon appointment to the classification, a valid National Registry or State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate is required to be possessed and maintained as a condition of employment.
• A valid California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card issued within 6 months prior to the date of a conditional offer of employment
• Successful completion of a City of Santa Clara approved Fire Academy is required within 6 months of appointment
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of appointment. A valid California Class C driver's license with Firefighter endorsement is required within 24 months of appointment 
• All of the listed licenses and certifications must be maintained as a condition of continued employment in this classification for as long as they are required

Desirable Qualifications:

• Demonstrated proficiency in a second language, in accordance with the City's needs
• Military experience, journey-level status in the building construction trades, or other work experience relevant to the fire service
• Community service experience
• Completion of thirty (30) or more units of coursework in Fire Science/Technology at an accredited college
• An associate's or higher-level degree from an accredited college or university
• Possession of a valid California Paramedic (EMT-P) license (required prior to appointment to a Paramedic assignment)
• A valid California Class A or B commercial driver's license

Other Requirements:  

• Typically assigned to a 56-hour workweek (24-hour shifts); may be assigned to a 40-hour workweek as required
• May be required to work odd and unusual hours, including weekends and designated holidays and to be subject to call-back in the performance of job duties
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

Physical Requirements:

• At least 21 years of age 
• Able to distinguish primary colors (red, green, amber), each eye free of any abnormal condition or disease which might affect performance of job duties, visual acuity in each eye of at least 20/50 vision (uncorrected) and 20/30 (corrected), and normal night vision 
• Normal hearing without correction in both ears
• Free from disabling speech impediments, disabling neuroses or psychoses, and disabling physical conditions or diseases 
• Strength and physical abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Firefighter I. A valid CFFJAC CPAT card issued within 6 months prior to the date of a conditional offer of employment is required. 

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE POINTS: This position qualifies for Veteran’s Preference Points.  Applicants who have separated from service (Active Duty Status) must submit proof of honorable discharge (Form DD214) with their application at time of filing or will be ineligible to have points added to their final score.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.