Fire Department · Career
Fremont Fire Department
Fremont, CA · Alameda County
serves the fourth-largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area
Fremont Fire Department seeks a Fire Prevention Inspector with strong communication skills for $107,092–$130,171 annually. Apply now as position is open until filled.
Fremont Fire Department seeks a Public Affairs Manager with strategic communication skills. Salary $127,484–$172,104 annually; apply continuously.
The Fremont Fire Department is a full-service, all-risk agency protecting the fourth-largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area. It responds to more than 16,000 calls per year across a community of roughly 230,000 residents spread over about 88 square miles.
Service is delivered from 11 strategically located fire stations staffing 13 companies. The department is organized into five divisions: Fire Suppression, Fire Prevention, Fire Administration, Training & Emergency Medical Services, and Emergency Management. It cross-staffs specialty units for wildland, hazardous materials, and technical rescue.
Fremont Fire is budgeted for roughly 140 full-time sworn suppression personnel supported by civilian staff. It is known for a progressive paramedic program, an elite Special Operations Task Force, community disaster-preparedness training, and certification as a state rescue team at the heavy level.
Fremont hires Firefighter/Paramedics and Firefighter-EMTs primarily through California's Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List. Candidates first create an FCTC account, pass the written exam and CPAT, and upload required documentation to make the list, then move through an oral board, an interview with the Fire Chief and Deputy Chiefs, a conditional offer, background investigation, and medical and psychological exams. The full process takes about six months.
Experienced firefighters are encouraged to apply as laterals; the lateral academy runs approximately six weeks, versus the longer recruit academy for entry-level hires.
Requirements
- U.S. citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States
- At least 18 years of age
- High school graduate, GED, or CHSPE
- Valid California Class C Driver License at time of hire
- Valid CPAT certification issued within one year of the interview date
- EMT Certificate or Paramedic License (State of California, NREMT, or recognized certifying authority)
Hiring process
- Create an account with FCTC and complete the Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) requirements
- Pass the written exam
- Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Upload required documentation and meet all SEL eligibility requirements
- Interview with an Oral Board Panel
- Interview with the Fire Chief and Deputy Chiefs
- Receive a Conditional Job Offer as a Firefighter Recruit
- Complete a comprehensive public safety background and fingerprint investigation
- Pass medical and psychological examinations
Benefits
Benefits include a paid Fire Academy, a Paramedic Pay Premium (10% of top-step firefighter pay), and special-assignment pay for the Special Operations Task Force, Tiller, Staff Captain, and Fire Investigator roles. The department offers roughly a $1,780/month health benefit allowance, biannual paramedic re-certification support (up to $2,500), educational incentive, specialist, acting, and longevity pay, overtime opportunities, paid vacation starting at 158 hours/year, 144 hours/year of holiday pay, and a California state retirement plan. After academy, personnel work a schedule of about ten 24-hour shifts per month.
Entry-level recruits attend a full Fire Recruit Academy; experienced lateral hires attend a shorter lateral academy of approximately six weeks.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Fremont firefighter?
You must be a U.S. citizen or have the legal right to work in the U.S., be at least 18, hold a high school diploma/GED/CHSPE, have a valid California Class C license at hire, hold a valid CPAT certification issued within one year of your interview, and have an EMT certificate or paramedic license.
How much do Fremont firefighters earn?
The Firefighter-EMT annual salary range is $98,844-$120,131 plus 2.5% EMT premium pay. Firefighter/Paramedics earn more, with a paramedic pay premium of 10% of top-step firefighter pay once assigned to full paramedic duties.
What schedule do firefighters work?
Firefighters work a 48/96 schedule, which after academy equates to about ten 24-hour shifts per month, and are assigned across 11 fire stations.
Does Fremont accept lateral firefighters?
Yes. Experienced lateral firefighters are encouraged to apply, and the lateral academy runs approximately six weeks rather than the full recruit academy.
How do I apply and how long does hiring take?
Apply through California's FCTC Statewide Eligibility List by creating an account, passing the written exam and CPAT, and uploading required documents. The full process, including oral board, chief interview, background, and medical/psychological exams, takes about six months.
How large is the department?
Fremont Fire is budgeted for roughly 140 sworn suppression personnel, operates 11 stations and 13 companies, and responds to over 16,000 calls per year for a community of about 230,000 people.