Firefighter

Job Description

The next recruitment process will begin in December 2026 for applications received by November 30, 2026.

Summary: Under general supervision, performs fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous material incident response, emergency rescue and medical assistance duties to protect life, property and environment; performs other duties as assigned.   Distinguishing Characteristics: This position reports to and receives functional supervision and formal training from the on-duty Fire Captain and technical direction as needed concerning equipment operation and work methods from the on-duty Fire Engineer.

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following list is not a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s)may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Responds to structural, automotive or wild fires, rescue operations, and hazardous materials calls and alarms by performing search and rescue, forcibly entering buildings and operating fire equipment.
• Raises, lowers, and climbs ladders; scales and repels walls and other structures; ventilates and enters areas sometimes using force; extricates victims, opens up walls, structures and vehicles; extinguishes fires and engages in salvage operations.
• Assists in all operations necessary to ensure the confinement and extinguishment of fires or the elimination of other hazardous conditions, including driving fire apparatus and operating pumps or controls as needed.
• Responds to emergency medical treatment calls and alarms and provides first aid and emergency medical treatment, as qualified, such as stabilizing and evaluating patient condition, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, starting IVs, interpreting EKGs, applying bandages and splints and administering proper medications and oxygen levels.
• Participates in fire safety and physical fitness conditioning programs, training programs and coordinated response drills.
• Assists with fire prevention and fire safety and hazardous material inspections and routine fire investigations.
• Inspects, cleans, tests and performs preventative maintenance work on fire apparatus, hoses, tools, medical and firefighting gear and equipment and maintains all assigned apparatus and equipment in a state of readiness to respond to emergency calls.
• Cleans and maintains station grounds, landscaped areas and facilities.
• Restocks medical supplies.
• Makes public presentations concerning fire safety, emergency preparedness and emergency medical procedures; May conduct station tours.
• Completes incident reports and maintenance records.
• Trains and explains departmental procedures and fire safety practices to other staff.
• Participates on Regional strike teams and completes other special assignments.
• May serve as Fire Engineer, as assigned.
• Serves on callback status to respond to major emergencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The preceding activities have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by positions assigned to this job classification.  The City reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Firefighting procedures, techniques and methods.
• Medical services techniques, rescue and first aid methods.
• Maintenance of apparatus and equipment.
• Streets and city water system locations.
• Hydrants, water hydraulics and irrigation system.
• City and state fire safety codes.
• Hazardous materials, storage and containment practices.

• Fire prevention inspection procedures. Ability to:

• Operate a personal computer.

• Operate emergency equipment.
• Read and understand departmental policies, rules, regulations, and instructions.
• Understand fire inspection, prevention, control and suppression procedures.
• Apply standard firefighting, emergency aid, rescue operations and fire prevention technique.
• Remains calm and make proper fire safety decisions in life-threatening situations or under hazardous circumstances.
• Follow and effectively communicate oral and written instructions.
• Direct the activities and review the work of co-workers and other staff as assigned.
• Interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent.

• Current State of California Class C Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record must be maintained.
• Must obtain a California Driver’s License Firefighters Endorsement within eighteen months of employment.
• Possession of a California Firefighter I Certificate (or equivalent), OR Firefighter I Academy Graduate Certificate.
• Possession of a California Emergency Medical Technician B Certificate or higher level of care license. Must be in good standing prior to and throughout employment.
• Applicants are required to meet the City’s physical standards and pass a physical examination and aptitude test prior to employment.

Special Requirements

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Work is routinely performed inside and outside environments.
• Potential exposure to extreme weather conditions, extreme heat, unstable buildings and structures, hazardous chemicals and materials, disaster situations, body fluids, infectious diseases and air and water borne pathogens.
• Subject to shift work, evening or variable hours and emergency call-out.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights above ground.
• Ability to meet strength, stamina and endurance standards for strenuous and hazardous tasks in emergency situations or during department training and qualification programs.
• Ability to perform heavy lifting, climbing and standing for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds from ground to shoulder.
• Ability to carry 75 pounds at shoulder height for 50 feet.

• Ability to drag 165 pounds for 50 feet.   Equipment and Tools Utilized:

• Standard and usual fire suppression equipment and apparatus, including safety equipment, breathing gear, power and hand tools.

• Fire department vehicles
• Radios, cell phones and other communication devices.

If you have a disability that requires assistance at any point in the recruitment process (for example, filling out applications, testing, interviewing), please notify the Human Resources Department. The City of El Centro performs job-related medical/physical evaluations and pre-employment/promotional drug screening. EEO/ADA.

The City of El Centro offers a competitive compensation package which include medical, dental vision, life insurance, mental health counseling, short-term and long-term disability.  Total compensation includes not only your salary, but also the benefits paid by the City on your behalf.  These City provided benefits add significantly to the overall value of your compensation.

Benefits - Health Insurance is available at a shared cost. The City will subsidize a percentage of the medical premium and employee is responsible for the rest. The percentage subsidized by the City depends on coverage plan chosen  - All plans include vision and dental insurance - Basic life Insurance is fully subsidized by the City. (The coverage amount varies depending on the position classification and resolution with the City) - Optional Supplemental Life and Dependent Insurance is available at the employee's expense. - Worker's Compensation is paid by the City - Deferred Compensation (457b Plan) is available at the employee’s expense - Tuition Reimbursement up to $1,000 per calendar year subject to pre-approval and availability of funds Pay Practices This position is paid on a biweekly basis. 

Retirement CalPERS – Employee/Employer contributions. 

Holidays 15 paid holidays per year.  The City recognizes the following holidays:  - New Year's Day - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - President's Day - ½ Good Friday - Memorial Day - Juneteenth - Independence Day - Labor Day - Veteran’s Day - Thanksgiving Day - Friday after Thanksgiving - ½ December 24th - Christmas Day - ½ December 31st - Birthday Holiday