Fire Department · Career
Huntington Beach Fire Department
Huntington Beach, CA · Orange County
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Department careers page ↗The Huntington Beach Fire Department serves Orange County's "Surf City" from eight fire stations, delivering fire protection, rescue, emergency medical, and hazardous materials response across the community.
The department is organized into four divisions: Fire Administration, Emergency Response, Community Risk Reduction, and Marine Safety. Emergency Response staffs paramedic engine companies (four personnel each) along with truck companies, hazardous materials response, and urban search and rescue capability.
A distinguishing feature is the department's integrated Marine Safety Division, which runs year-round ocean lifeguard services on city and Sunset Beach with 14 permanent Marine Safety Officers and more than 150 recurrent lifeguards, plus a Junior Lifeguard program.
HBFD also operates the FireMed paramedic/ambulance membership program and helps administer the Central Net Training Center, a joint powers training facility (with Fountain Valley) featuring a five-story burn tower.
MissionThe Huntington Beach Fire Department is dedicated to providing the highest quality fire, marine safety and emergency medical services to protect our community.
Firefighter recruitments are handled through the City of Huntington Beach Human Resources Department, and candidates apply through the City's careers portal on GovernmentJobs. Prospective applicants can subscribe to job alerts under the "Fire & EMS" or "EMS" categories to be notified when positions open.
The department also supports entry pathways into the fire service through its Ambulance Operator Program and Explorers program.
Requirements
- Graduation from a California State accredited Firefighter I Academy (minimum 348 hours) or possession of a California Firefighter I Certificate
- California Class C Driver License with Firefighter Endorsement (to be obtained prior to completing probation)
- Paramedic credentials for Firefighter Paramedic positions
- Proof of required certifications submitted at time of application
Hiring process
- Submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire through the City careers portal
- Oral interview
- Paramedic practical assessment
- Physical assessment exam
Benefits
Full-time employees receive longevity pay of 2.5% of base salary at five years, increasing up to 10% of base salary at twenty years, per the city firefighters' association MOU.
How do I apply to become a Huntington Beach firefighter?
Apply through the City of Huntington Beach careers portal on GovernmentJobs. You can subscribe to alerts under the "Fire & EMS" or "EMS" categories to be notified when firefighter recruitments open.
What certifications do I need to apply?
Applicants generally need graduation from a California State accredited Firefighter I Academy (minimum 348 hours) or a California Firefighter I Certificate, plus a California Class C Driver License with Firefighter Endorsement obtained before completing probation. Firefighter Paramedic positions require paramedic credentials.
What does the selection process involve?
The process includes an online application and supplemental questionnaire, an oral interview, a paramedic practical assessment, and a physical assessment exam. Proof of required certifications must be submitted at time of application.
Does Huntington Beach accept lateral applicants?
Yes. Lateral applicants are individuals with current or former full-time paid professional fire department experience, and the city recruits for these candidates when positions are available.
Are there entry-level pathways into the department?
Yes. In addition to firefighter recruitments, the department offers an Ambulance Operator Program and an Explorers program as entry pathways into the fire service.