Fire Department · Career
Folsom Fire Department
Folsom, CA · Sacramento County
The Folsom Fire Department is a full-service agency serving the City of Folsom in eastern Sacramento County. It provides emergency medical care, fire suppression, water and technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and public education from six strategically located fire stations.
The department employs about 81 staff and covers roughly 30 square miles serving a population of approximately 95,680. Its history reaches back to March 3, 1857, when citizens formed the Folsom Hook and Ladder Company to protect the wooden buildings of Old Town Folsom; the city still keeps two vintage trucks for parades and special events.
Beyond day-to-day response, Folsom firefighters staff specialized capabilities including a paramedic program, a water rescue team, and technical rescue disciplines such as confined space, trench, and high- and low-angle rescue.
MissionThe Folsom Fire Department is dedicated to enhancing and protecting the quality of life for all residents, business owners, visitors, and employees within the city, by providing prompt response to aid the sick or injured, controlling the spread of fire, performing special rescue operations, and providing fire prevention through the use of code enforcement, fire investigation, and education.
Folsom recruits primarily at the Firefighter/Paramedic level, accepting both entry-level and lateral candidates when a recruitment is open. The Training Division oversees recruitment and candidate selection, and firefighters are represented by Sacramento Area Firefighters, IAFF Local 522.
The selection process is competitive and multi-stage: a written test measuring mechanical, spatial, and mathematical aptitude, a physical ability test (CPAT, Biddle, or the department's own test), an oral panel interview, and a paramedic skills assessment. Applicants must hold a valid California driver license and a current paramedic certification. Watch the city's Job Opportunities page for open filing periods.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age by the final filing date on the job announcement
- Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License (or higher) with DMV printout at time of appointment
- Current National Registry (NREMT) Paramedic certificate or California Paramedic license at time of appointment
- Current CPR certification
- Prior full-time Paramedic and/or Firefighter experience highly desirable
Hiring process
- Written test (mechanical, spatial, and mathematical aptitude)
- Physical Ability Test (CPAT, Biddle, or Folsom's test)
- Oral Panel Interview
- Paramedic Skills Assessment
Benefits
Firefighters are represented by Sacramento Area Firefighters, IAFF Local 522. City benefits information is available through Human Resources (benefits@folsom.ca.us).
The Fire Training Division advances education and promotional goals through technical schools, the state fire academy, and on-the-job training.
What position does Folsom hire firefighters into?
Folsom recruits at the Firefighter/Paramedic level, accepting both entry-level and lateral candidates when a recruitment is open.
What certifications do I need to apply?
Applicants need a current NREMT Paramedic certificate or California Paramedic license and CPR certification at time of appointment, plus a valid California Class C driver license.
What does the hiring process involve?
The selection process includes a written test (mechanical, spatial, and math aptitude), a physical ability test (CPAT, Biddle, or Folsom's test), an oral panel interview, and a paramedic skills assessment.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work two consecutive 24-hour shifts (48 hours), averaging about 56 hours per week.
Are lateral candidates accepted?
Yes. Folsom's Firefighter/Paramedic recruitments are open to both entry-level and lateral applicants.
How do I apply?
Watch the city's Fire Department Job Opportunities page for open filing periods and follow the application instructions on the current job announcement.