Location
Description
Applications are being accepted for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic - Entry-Level with the City of South San Francisco in the Fire Department.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025 OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPLICATIONS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE, AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Fire Department operates five (5) fire stations throughout the City which are staffed 24-hours per day, plus an Emergency Operations Center and Fire Training Tower. Two fire stations have paramedic ambulances. The City of South San Francisco is the only Fire Department in San Mateo County providing its own paramedic transport services. The Paramedic ambulances respond to medical emergencies, as well as structure fires and other hazardous incidents. The department cross-staffs a Type I/Heavy Urban Search and Rescue, an OES Type VI Engine, and two Fire/Rescue Boats.
The Fire Department is an active participant in the San Mateo County automatic aid system and responds regularly in support of neighboring jurisdictions throughout the county, including the San Francisco International Airport. Department members are eligible to participate on FEMA USAR California Task Force 3, sponsored by the Menlo Park Fire Protection District. The department is also an active participant in the Bay Area Maritime Search and Rescue Council and regularly trains with other fire agencies and the United States Coast Guard.
The City is planning for the replacement and expansion of two of its existing fire stations, modernizing and relocating the facilities to better serve the public.
In support of the San Mateo County automatic aid agreement, all entry level candidates will attend a regional, county-wide, fire academy where they will be introduced to all agencies in the county and rotate through a variety of training sites. The roughly 12-week academy also includes specialized training depending on candidate certifications.
MISSION STATEMENT
The South San Francisco Fire Department exists to protect the members of our residential and business communities, our neighbors and visitors, their property, and environment. We will work to prevent injury and damage through education, fire prevention and to respond to the impact of fire, medical emergencies, natural and human-caused disasters, and release of hazardous materials.
THE POSITION
An eligible employment list will be created for the position of Paramedic/Firefighter and will be used to fill current and future vacancies. This classification encompasses the full range of firefighter duties and Paramedic Ambulance Transport Services. Incumbents currently work a 2/4 work schedule with a 24-hour work cycle (2/24 hour shifts with 4 days off). Training is provided to protect life, property, and the environment from the risks of fire, explosion, and hazardous materials.
THE DUTIES
Incumbents perform paramedic ambulance transport services, engage in medical aid, firefighting, and all other suppression and prevention activities to protect life and property; drive, operate, and maintain fire apparatus and equipment; assist and participate in training, inspections, and related fire prevention and public education activities.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Paramedic/Firefighter should be able to:
- Operate in physically and emotionally demanding environments associated with firefighting, rescue, emergency medical, and related duties.
- Learn to drive and operate pumpers, trucks, ambulances, and aerial apparatus with care and safety in accordance with traffic laws.
- Think and act quickly in emergencies.
- Comfort and deal effectively with distraught victims and families.
- Learn basic operation and mechanics of firefighting equipment, locations, streets, and the location of hydrants, mains, and major traffic and fire hazards.
- Demonstrate clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Learn and effectively apply city and state fire codes and associated laws.
- Commit to a rewarding career which requires excellent customer service skills, ethical habits, and lifelong learning.
QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Experience: None required. Two years' work experience as a field paramedic is preferred.
Training: High school diploma or GED. Successful completion of Firefighter I curriculum or 6 units of college-level fire science coursework.
Licenses/Certifications: The following must be maintained as a condition of employment.
1. Possession of a current State of California EMT-P or current National Registry Paramedic Certification prior to time of appointment. With National Registry Certification, you must also obtain a current State of California EMT-P prior to appointment.
2. Ability to meet California Department of Motor Vehicle and departmental requirements to operate fire apparatus.
3. Possession of current certification or successful completion of the equivalent of the following prior to appointment:
•Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) curriculum or Pediatric Education for the Pre-hospital Provider (PEPP) curriculum.
•Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR Health Care Provider (AHA & AED)
•Advanced Cardiac Life support (ACLS) curriculum.
•Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) or Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) or International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) curriculum.
•Possession of a current and valid CPAT card (Candidate Physical Ability Test) earned within 12 months of conditional offer.
•Possession of a valid Driver’s License, with ability to obtain a valid California Driver’s License prior to appointment.
•California Firefighter I certification or 6 units college-level fire science coursework.
4. Accredited by San Mateo County EMSA within six months of appointment.
5. May be required to obtain CPR Instructor's Certificate.
Age: Minimum of 21 years of age at time of the interviews.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
To be considered, applicants must submit the following REQUIRED items:
- City application
- Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
- Resume
NOTE: Applications must be filled out in their entirety. Failure to complete the application and/or supplemental questions or failure to include a required attachment will disqualify the applicant from the recruitment process. Failure to list work experience, education or training or indicating “see resume” in the work experience section of the application will be considered an incomplete application and subject to disqualification.
THE SELECTION PROCESS:
The selection process will consist of the following independent parts:
- Applicants must be active on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List at the time of application closing. The South San Francisco Fire Department will receive a list of eligible candidates from FCTC. If you are currently not on the list, visit www.FCTConline.org to register and to find out the minimum qualifications to be placed on the Statewide Eligibility List.
- Examination process will consist of a review of application material and responses to supplemental questionnaire.
- Candidates with a complete application packet as well as a verified FCTC score of 70% and above will be placed on the City of South San Francisco's Eligible Employment List which is valid for one year.
Candidates must pass all parts of the qualification and selection process in order to be considered for employment. Top scoring candidates placed on the eligible list will be invited to a final selection interview with the hiring department, tentatively scheduled for the week of August 18th, 2025. Candidates invited to the departmental selection interviews will need to submit all required certifications mentioned on this job announcement.
To review complete job descriptions which include all special requirements, go to www.ssf.net
Benefits
Paramedic/Firefighter Recruit Salary: $124,092.00* Annually (while in the Firefighter Academy – Entry Level Only)
Paramedic/Firefighter Salary: $130,282.00 - $158,383.00* Annually – Before Incentives.
*Anticipated cost of living adjustment of 4% in July 2025 and an additional 4% in July 2026.
Retirement: As a Recruit, participation in the CalPERS Miscellaneous benefit formula. CalPERS retirement formula is either 2% at age 60 for Classic members or 2% at age 62 for new members, depending on individual's eligibility. Medicare participation and option to participate in 457 deferred compensation plans. Social Security participation while in the Miscellaneous classification only. City contributes the equivalent of 1.5% of base pay towards a medical after-retirement account. Once a sworn Paramedic/Firefighter, CalPERS retirement formula changes to that of Safety employees with survivor's benefits, either 3% at age 55 for Classic members or 2% at age 57 for new members, depending on individual's eligibility.
Overtime: Time and one-half for all overtime.
Holidays: Fourteen paid holidays per year, including one floating holiday.
Vacation: 144 hours up to 432 hours annual vacation, depending on length of service.
Health Insurance: City offers a choice of medical HMO (two providers) or PPO plan, and offers vision and dental coverage. City pays 100% of vision and dental premiums for employee and eligible dependents. Employees shall contribute 10% of the HMO premium cost based on category of coverage (single, two, family). For PPO, employee pays cost difference between PPO and HMO plans. City provides 100% City-paid short- and long-term disability insurances. The City offers a discretionary benefit account for employees who demonstrate health coverage elsewhere. Long-term disability insurance available through California Association of Professional Firefighters.
Programs: 457 Deferred Compensation, Paid Parental Leave, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Enhanced Employee Assistance Program, Long-Term Care, Disability and Life Insurance Programs, City Recreation Classes, Reduced-fee Childcare Programs and Commuter Benefit Programs are available.
Education Incentive Pay: Up to 7.5% depending on education level
Education Reimbursement Program: 50% of tuition costs, up to $5,000/fiscal year
Longevity Pay: 2.5% after completion of 7 years of service. An additional 1% after completion of 15 years of service for a total of 3.5%
Uniform Allowance: $1,100/fiscal year
Technical Rescue Incentive Pay: 2% dependent on certifications
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Technicians and Personal Protective Equipment Program Managers are eligible for additional incentive pay contingent on appointment by the Fire Chief.
Bilingual Pay: Premium pay of 2.5% for employees who speak designated languages of Spanish, Tagalog, or American Sign Language. (Qualifications determined through testing procedures).
This classification is in an employee bargaining unit.
Special Instructions
Prior to appointment, candidates will be required to submit to any or all of the following (as applicable):
- Reference Check
- Department of Justice (DOJ) Fingerprint Check
- Fire Department Background Check
- Polygraph
- Psych Evaluation
- Pre-Employment Medical Examination and Drug Screen
A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the nature and recency of the conviction and relationship to job duties. All City standards must be met before the final appointment is made.
Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of application.
Candidates requesting veteran’s preference must provide a copy of U.S. Government DD Form 214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" as an attachment to their CalOpps application.
The policy of the City of South San Francisco is to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or national origin. It is the intent and desire of the City of South San Francisco that equal employment opportunity will be provided in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The City of South San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).