Orange County Fire Authority — Irvine, CA
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The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently accepting applications for Firefighter Paramedic - Professional Experience. Candidates must agree to a two-year assignment in a paramedic post position . Please review the entire recruitment bulletin for important information before applying.
Salary (during academy): $8,312.57 per month (Step 7 of Firefighter Classification) + 9% EMT Bonus = $9,060.70** per month
Salary upon paramedic accreditation/activation (approximately week 22 of employment): $8,312.57 per month (Step 7 of Firefighter Classification) + 9% EMT Bonus + 17.5% Paramedic Bonus = $10,515.40** per month
24-Month ** Salary Outlook: Effective July 21, 2029, a candidate who is hired as part of this selection process, may be making up to $13,385.44 per month (step 12, $10,376.31 + 9% EMT Bonus + 20% Paramedic Bonus). This salary does not include possible, future negotiated cost of living increases.
*Estimates based on the following base salary adjustments this classification is scheduled to receive: 4.5% effective March 19, 2027 4.5% effective March 17, 2028 4.5% effective March 16, 2029 4.5% effective March 15, 2030 4.5% effective March 14, 2031
Medical, Vision, and Dental Benefits: A Firefighter Paramedic with no dependents pays **ZERO ($0) ** out of pocket for PPO Medical and Vision. Optional PPO Dental insurance is only $6.00 per month. Please use link below to learn more about benefits available for this position.
OCPFA Benefits
OCFA FIRE ACADEMY: Candidates who successfully complete the selection process and are selected for employment with the Orange County Fire Authority must successfully complete a nineteen (19) week firefighter academy.
ORANGE COUNTY PARAMEDIC ACCREDITATION: **MUST ** complete Orange County Paramedic Accreditation.
**PROBATION PERIOD: ** Fifty-two (52) weeks / 364 days from the date of appointment (first day of fire academy).
PARAMEDIC POST POSITION COMMITMENT REQUIRMENT: All candidates selected for this position must agree to a 2-year commitment in an OCFA Firefighter/Paramedic position. The 2-year commitment for Firefighter Paramedic - Professional Experience recruits begins upon obtaining OCEMSA Paramedic Accreditation specifically through or sponsored by OCFA, not through any other agency. All newly hired paramedics must promptly complete the OCEMSA and OCFA accreditation process directly following the OCFA recruit academy or at the next available accreditation session. Throughout this commitment period, these individuals are not intended to fill BLS roles. Additionally, if a member is Administratively Assigned by OCFA during the commitment, the assignment period counts toward their 2-year obligation. Should a member promote within OCFA, specifically through FAE promotions—such advancement will also be counted as part of the commitment time. ## ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS To review the entire Firefighter job description please go to www.ofa.org.
**CLASS SUMMARY: ** Under supervision, to perform a full range of firefighting duties in the suppression of structural, aircraft, wildland, and other types of fires; and/or to provide emergency paramedical services to the community; and to do other work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: ** Incumbents perform a full range of firefighting and paramedic duties and may serve in a technical assignment performing one of the following: fire prevention, training, arson investigation, communications, and others. Paramedic and hazardous materials emergency response duties required additional qualifications and receive special compensation. ## MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION (position requirements at time of application) :**
**EXPERIENCE: **
Examples of government experience includes cities, counties, public education institutions, special districts/authorities, Tribal, and state and federal government.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS (position requirements at time of application) :
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License or out of state equivalent
Candidates who possess an out of state equivalent license must possess a Commercial Driver’s License at time of appointment.
Applicants MUST ** attach a copy of their valid, current California or National Registry Paramedic License at time of application submission. Failure to submit required documentation at time of application will result in disqualification. ## SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:* Monday, September 21, 2026: Recruitment Opens Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.: Last day to apply on-line November 7 - 15, 2026: Biddle Physical Agility Test coordinated by the OCFA (possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed on or after April 15, 2026 WILL be substituted for this portion of the selection process) December 7 – 18, 2026: Paramedic Assessment Center (Interview/Skills/Written) TBD: Eligibility List Established January 1 – 31, 2027: Chief's Interview February 15 – April 30, 2027: Background Investigation, Pre-employment Medical Examination, and Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment June 11, 2027 (Preferably May 28): Academy On-Boarding Orientation July 23, 2027: First Day of Fire Academy/Family Orientation
* Please note, all dates are subject to change.
**ONLINE APPLICATION: ** Human Resources will screen all applications for minimum qualifications as listed above.
BIDDLE PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMINATION : Candidates must pass the Biddle Physical Ability Test in a time of 9 minutes and 34 seconds or less. The Biddle Physical Ability Test will be coordinated by the OCFA at a nearby Orange County college (TBD) and proctored by the college staff.
Human Resources will notify candidates by ** EMAIL ** of the scheduled dates, times, and locations. Candidates will be required to pay the cost of the Biddle Physical Ability Test (approximately $40.00) at time of examination. All candidates who pass the Biddle Physical Ability Test (or attach a valid copy of a Biddle to their application) will be invited to the Paramedic Assessment Center.
Candidates who want to obtain a Biddle on their own can find more information on how to schedule a Biddle locally at Rio Hondo College, Santa Ana College, and Mt. San Antonion College.
PARAMEDIC ASSESSMENT CENTER: ** The Paramedic Assessment Center consist of: **
**PARAMEDIC WRITTEN EXAMINATION: ** The minimum passing score is 80%. The written exam will have a weight of 15% of the candidate’s overall score.
PANEL ORAL INTERVIEW: The minimum passing score is 80%. The panel interview will have a weight of 50% of the candidate's overall score.
**PARAMEDIC SKILLS EXAMINATION: ** The minimum passing score is 80%. The paramedic skills examination will have a weight of 35% of the candidate's overall score. Candidates who achieve passing scores on all portions of the paramedic assessment center will be placed on the eligibility list.
Human Resources will arrange the Paramedic Assessment Center. Human Resources will notify referred candidates by **EMAIL ** of the scheduled dates, times, and locations.
**ELIGIBILITY LIST: ** Placement on the eligibility list will be established based on a combination the written examination (15%), panel oral interview scores (50%) and paramedic assessment examination (35%). The Biddle Physical Ability Test is pass/fail. The eligibility list will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of establishment or until all the names on the list are exhausted. The eligibility list may be extended or abolished at the discretion of the Assistant Chief of Human Resources.
CHIEF'S INTERVIEW: Candidates who successfully complete the Chief's interview may be invited to begin the pre-employment background process.
Human Resources will arrange the Chief’s interview. Human Resources will notify referred candidates by EMAIL of the scheduled dates, times, and locations.
SELECTION: Tentative selections will be completed after the Paramedic Assessment Center. Final placement in any academy will be determined based on successful completion of:
**PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION: ** Candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment medical exam including a drug screen through the OCFA's designated physician.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND: Candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation including but not limited to fingerprinting, current and previous employment history check, reference check, DMV check, criminal history check, and licensure/certification check.
**PRE-ACADEMY PHYSICAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT: ** Candidate must complete a comprehensive Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment through the OCFA's designated assessment vendor.
All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal conviction check (Live-Scan), comprehensive pre-employment medical exam and drug screen, and pre-academy physical fitness assessment.
After an offer of employment is made, a candidate must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.
**LOYALTY OATH: ** All new employees must take an oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California.
**AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA ACCOMMODATION): ** In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at (714) 573 - 6816 or via email at bradstephens@ocfa.org within 72 hours prior to the need for the accommodation.
**TOBACCO PRODUCTS: ** Employees represented by the OCPFA hired after September 1, 2016 are not permitted to use tobacco products on or off duty.
**QUESTIONS: ** All questions regarding this position should be directed to Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at (714) 573 - 6816 or via email at bradstephens@ocfa.org.
**NOTE: ** The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Please note: This summary reflects the benefits for shift employees assigned to a 56-hour average duty week. For benefits information related to staff assignments (40-hour workweek), please refer to the OCPFA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) Local 3631: This classification is represented by the OCPFA Local 3631. Please visit http://www.ocfirefighters.org for more information.
Merit Salary Increases Employees are eligible for an initial merit salary increase (1 to 4 steps) on the first day of the pay period following completion of fifty-two (52) weeks of service, and thereafter annually based on their work performance and until they reach the top of their 12-step salary range.
Health Benefits Pursuant to a Health Plan Agreement, the Authority contributes to the OCPFA medical benefit trust fund for health insurance and other related benefits. Brown Insurance Services (BIS) is the administrator for these benefits. The current contribution to the medical benefit trust fund will continue through 3/1/2028 in the amount of $2,199.49/month for "actively employed" enrollee members of the unit.
Retirement All regular OCFA employees are members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) - a defined benefit retirement program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.
Legacy Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who establish reciprocity with OCERS are enrolled in the 3% at age 55 retirement formula (Plan R). Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits. https://www.ocers.org/post/compensation-and-benefit-limits
New Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 without reciprocity are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 57 retirement formula (Plan V). Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits. https://www.ocers.org/post/compensation-and-benefit-limits
For more information about OCERS retirement, please visit OCERS, or view the Retirement Plan HERE.
Deferred Compensation Employees may voluntarily participate in the Authority’s deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Nationwide Retirement Services and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals. This plan is 100% employee funded.
**Retiree Medical Savings Plan ** Employees participate in an employer sponsored retirement Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with a contribution of 3.0% of base salary. Firefighter Trainees and Handcrew Firefighters do not participate in this benefit.
OCPFA Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan Employees contribute 1.0% of their base salary towards the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan Trust Fund.
Social Security Orange County Fire Authority employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.
Medicare Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare. Employees whose wages exceed $200,000 in a calendar year shall contribute an additional 0.9%.
Educational Incentive Pay Employees with college-level semester units or a bachelor’s degree are eligible for educational incentive pay as follows:
The maximum educational incentive pay an employee shall receive is 7.5% of base salary. To receive educational incentive pay, the employee must submit a written request to receive the educational incentive pay and submit satisfactory proof of qualification (for example, grade cards, transcripts, and/or other verification from an accredited, college-level educational institution). Employees must provide official transcripts for verification.
Hand Crew Firefighters are not eligible for educational incentive Pay.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Pay Employees (other than Firefighter Trainees) who maintain an active State of California EMT certification will receive, in addition to their regular salary, seven (9%) percent of each employee’s base salary per month, prorated on an hourly basis for regular hours paid.
Other Specialty Pays Employees who move into special assignments at OCFA, or who possess specialized skills, may be eligible for other specialty pays. Please refer to the OCPFA MOU and Side Letter Agreements for further details.
Tuition Reimbursement Tuition reimbursement is $2,000 per fiscal year to cover certain expenses associated with academic pursuits.
Holidays Employees in the Firefighters Unit observe 13 holidays within the calendar year:
Shift employees receive 11.2 hours holiday pay of which 0.7 hours is designated to a Union Time Bank for Union release time.
Vacation Vacation accrual is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime. For shift employees:
Sick Leave Sick leave is is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime. For shift employees:
Uniforms The Authority provides uniforms to employees.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) The OCFA offers regular, limited-term, and probationary employees both a Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account that can be used throughout the year on qualified medical or dependent care expenses. Participants pay fewer taxes and take home more money. For 2022, the maximum employee contribution is $2,750 for eligible medical expenses. The maximum employee contribution is $5,000 for eligible dependent care expenses.
WEFIT Program The WEFIT Program is mandatory/non-punitive. The OCFA shall provide all five (5) of the following aspects of the WEFIT Program:
Pet Discount Program OCFA has partnered with United Pet Care to offer a pet healthcare program. This program helps employees reduce the cost of escalating veterinary bills at an affordable rate. All pets are eligible regardless of their age or medical condition.
Benevolent Association Employees have the option to join OCFA’s Benevolent Association which was created to “Take Care of Their Own.” Included in your $8.00 per pay period cost is $10,000 Member Death Benefit, $4,000 Dependent Death Benefit, $30,000 Annual Scholarships for Members and Dependents, Hardship Grants/Loans, Annual Picnic for Members, Holiday Ball, and Retiree Tribute. In addition, Discount Offers- Recreation/Amusement Parks, fitness 19 and 24-Hour Fitness gym membership, discount movie tickets, Angels Baseball game with tailgate party, etc. Membership also allows access to very good supplemental insurances of many types, including, Long Term Disability, Long Term Care, various AFLAC (ICU, Cancer, Accident Injury, CSFA membership, Living Trusts and more. The Family Auxiliary and KIDS Fund (provides monetary assistance only to kids of members), both operate under the Benevolent Association.
Updated 07/2026
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Memoranda of Understanding, Personnel and Salary Resolution, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Orange County Fire Authority, including Standard Operating Procedures and General Orders. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Orange County Fire Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers. _ _Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Department at (714) 573-6800.