Become a Fire Apparatus Engineer

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

Under general supervision, operates fire apparatus and equipment during wildland and structural firefighting operations; leads an assigned crew in the performance of firefighting duties; maintains and makes minor repairs on vehicles, equipment, and the fire stations; performs fire prevention tasks, and other related work. When performing in a paramedic position, as part of a paramedic team, performs paramedic duties in emergency medical situations.

Typical Tasks

Drives and operates fire apparatus in connection with extinguishing wildland, structural, and other fires, and in fire prevention and rescue work; leads a crew; performs maintenance and simple repairs on equipment; makes reports on the operation of equipment; uses maps; operates two-way radio as necessary; may act as fire captain relief; assists in training crews to fight fire efficiently and safely; checks, cleans, and polishes trucks; does general facility maintenance and repair work; assists in building roads, trails, telephone lines, and minor structures; as a learner, may operate other heavy equipment to assist when required; makes fire law inspections; investigates fire causes; prepares and presents fire prevention programs to the public; keeps records and prepares reports. Performs work outside with potential exposure to environmental elements (e.g., extreme weather, poison oak).

In addition to the tasks listed above, when working in a paramedic position, renders emergency medical assistance at the advanced life support level; performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation and electrical defibrillation; lifts and transports injured persons; administers intravenous fluids as needed; obtains blood for laboratory analysis; interprets cardiac arrhythmias; performs pulmonary ventilation by use of airway adjuncts; administers drugs; operates voice and biomedical telemetry communication systems and equipment; assists in childbirth; drives medical rescue vehicles under emergency conditions; prepares and completes documentation associated with patient care delivery; prepares and presents demonstrations and classes in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other subjects relating to medical assistance to employees and the public.

Eligible candidates selected for positions in this classification may be placed in an apprenticeship program.

(Range A - Non-Paramedic)
This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$5,416 - $6,689 Range A Base Salary (paid every month)
$1,841 - $2,273 Range A Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$88,925 – $113,232 Annual Compensation Range A

(Range B - Paramedic)
This classification is eligible for the following pay:
 
$5,789 - $7,163 Range B Base Salary (paid every month)

$2,053 - $2,605 Range B Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$250 - $6,000 Range B Paramedic Bonus (paid every November; amount based on months worked)
$94,354 – $123,216 Annual Compensation Range B

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a valid Class A, Class B, or Class C driver's license, with any applicable endorsements, issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or applicable agency. AND

Possession of a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Card of Completion, issued by a currently licensed CPAT organization authorized by the Department. Incumbents who have worked as a Fire Fighter II or Fire Apparatus Engineer with CAL FIRE and have not had a break in service greater than 12 consecutive months do not need to obtain a new CPAT card. (Applicants who do not possess the CPAT Card of Completion will be admitted to the examination but must submit the card before they can be eligible for a job offer.) AND

For paramedic positions, possession of a current California Emergency Medical Technician- Paramedic (EMT-P) license or a National Registry EMT-P license. (Applicants currently enrolled in a paramedic training program must be within six months of completing their training by the date of the exam to be eligible to apply for a position.) Paramedic applicants must have a California EMT-P license prior to a job offer or reassignment. AND

Experience:

Either I
Eight months of full-time firefighting experience.

Or II
1280 hours of experience as a volunteer firefighter. 

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge:
Firefighting and emergency medical rescue methods and equipment, and operation of fire apparatus; repair and upkeep of fire apparatus; rescue and auxiliary equipment; California Vehicle Code as it applies to the operation of trucks and emergency vehicles on the highways.

Ability to:
Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; learn to drive a fire apparatus safely on mountain roads, narrow streets, highways, and freeways; learn to operate emergency/paramedic rescue and other equipment as required; learn and apply to specific situations, rules, regulations, and departmental procedures; lead a firefighting crew; follow written and oral instructions; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; demonstrate leadership ability; maintain cooperative relationships with other organizations and agencies, and individuals in a work situation; write legibly; live in a fire station compatibly with others; and exercise good judgment in emergency situations.

Ability to be willing to work in remote areas, on weekends and holidays, and to remain on duty 24 hours a day, as required.

Special Personal Characteristics
Demonstrate good judgment in emergency situations; demonstrate leadership ability, be of high ethical character; foster diversity, equity, and inclusion; possess visual acuity, color vision and hearing adequate to successfully perform the job; and maintain physical strength, dexterity, and agility necessary to perform the duties of the position. Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of injured persons and their families; possess patience, tact, resilience, alertness, and keenness of observation.

Background Investigation
Positions located at a Camp or requiring the supervision of incarcerated individuals requires a criminal records background check prior to and during employment, i.e., Live Scan, to ensure compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act.

All employees shall have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.

The CAL FIRE Examination Unit is not accepting exam applications at this time. Please check back periodically to see when the next exam bulletin is released.

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!