Firefighter Trainee

Summary

Salary : $78,151.15 Annually
Location : City of Brea-Civic Center
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00040
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 10/21/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 12:00 PM Pacific

Description
Applications will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be utilized to fill future Firefighter Trainee vacancies.
Candidates who successfully pass the pre-employment process along with the Fire Department Drill Tower Academy which runs up to eight (8) weeks will transition to Firefighter at the salary range of $94,495.33 - $120,977.28.
To participate in a non-sworn capacity in the in-house Brea Fire Department Firefighter Trainee Academy in preparation of becoming a "sworn" full-time Firefighter. During training, incumbents will not have the same responsibilities or perform the exact same duties as sworn Firefighters, but are subject to the rules and regulations of the Brea Fire Department.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the non-sworn Trainee position designed to give incumbents first-hand experience and exposure to regular firefighter duties and responsibilities. Incumbents in this classification attend the in-house Brea Fire Department Firefighter Trainee Academy attending classes and receiving training while working under very close supervision to perform structured, routine firefighter duties requiring limited independent judgment and in accordance with explicit instructions and well defined procedures. Employees in this classification are observed during the training period to determine if their progress will qualify them to become sworn Firefighters. Incumbents are miscellaneous non-sworn employees as it relates to retirement and workers' compensation purposes.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is received from a Fire Captain.

Technical supervision is received from a Firefighter and/or Fire Engineer regarding the operation and maintenance of vehicles, equipment, and apparatus.

Examples of Duties
Essential job functions include, but are not limited to, the following: (These functions may not be present in all positions in this classification. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.)

Attend and successfully complete the in-house Brea Fire Department Firefighter Trainee Academy including all classes and required training necessary to become a sworn Brea Firefighter.
Click here for additional information on the Firefighter Trainee job description.

Typical Qualifications
Experience and Education

To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities and enable the individual to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

A typical combination is:

Experience

Some directly related experience is desirable.

Education

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Certificate of completion from a California State Fire Marshal accredited Basic Fire Academy program.
Proof of certification from an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) or Accredited Local Academy (ALA)
OR
California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Fire Fighter 1 certification.
Licenses and Certification
Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License with a Firefighter Endorsement issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles is highly desirable upon appointment.

Possession of a current State of California E.M.T. or Paramedic certificate from an accredited organization.

Possession of a current CPR certificate from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Supplemental Information

TO BE CONSIDERED
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit to submit a City of Brea electronic employment application.
Electronic applications will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of a City of Brea employment application. The City of Brea cannot accept responsibility for notifying candidates of incomplete applications. It is the candidate's responsibility to make sure the application is properly submitted.
THE SELECTION PROCESS

Shall consist of three phases: (If you should need assistance in completing the employment application or in participating in the selection process, please notify Human Resources prior to the filing deadline or as soon as possible).
Phase One - Application Review: The first phase of the selection process shall be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application and attachments. Applicants MUST include electronic copies of ALL required documents as outlined below.

Documents to be ProvidedRequirement of DocumentsPlease name and upload required documents as follows:Links for Additional Information:Certificate of completion from an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) or Accredited Local Academy (ALA)
OR CA OSFM Fire Fighter 1Must be a certificate from a ARTP, ALA or CA OSFM Fire Fighter 1

Academy CertFor Accredited Regional Training Programs, please click here. For Accredited Local Academies, please click here.Current State of California E.M.T or Paramedic certificationValid Card or Certification must show an expiration date
EMT CardSample of Required Documents can be found on Appendix "A" of FAQCurrent CPR cardFrom the American Red Cross or American Heart Association
CPR CardSample of Required Documents can be found on Appendix "A" of FAQ
Proof of Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Biddle Physical Ability Test (PAT)Must be completed within the last six (6) months; 4/21/2026 - 11/2/2026
PATSample of Required Documents can be found on Appendix "A" of FAQ
Class C Driver's License issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles
Valid Class C CA Driver's License CardDL Card
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City of Brea employment application. Faxes, emails, postmarks hand deliveries will not be accepted.

FAILURE TO UPLOAD THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AS LISTED ABOVE MAY CAUSE DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE PROCESS

SUBMISSION OF ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS NOT LISTED MAY ALSO CAUSE DISQUALIFICTION FROM THE PROCESS.
Phase Two - Written Exam: Weighted 30% of overall score. The written test is a video-based exam conducted by the National Testing Network (NTN). Candidates must schedule a FireTeamTM Firefighter Entry Level Test (FireTeam) at Candidates are required to pay a $55 fee to NTN to take the FireTeam exam. Testing can be completed at any NTN location. Completion of written test scores must be submitted through NTN by assigning it to the City of Brea by Monday, November 2, 2026 at 11:30am. Please visit the NTN website for testing locations, eligibility, and instructions on how to forward your scores to the City of Brea. Screenshots of NTN scores attached to the application will not be accepted. Candidates who receive a passing score on the written examination as established by the City of Brea, may be invited to participate in the oral appraisal interview.
Phase Three - Oral Appraisal Interview: Weighted 70% of overall score. This phase of the selection process will consist of an oral appraisal interview. A minimum score of 70 must be obtained in this phase of the selection process. The tentative dates for the oral appraisal interviews are the week of January 4 - 8, 2027.
Prospective candidates must successfully complete a thorough background review. Upon a contingent offer of employment, prospective candidates must successfully complete a medical and psychological examination and provide proof of legal work status. All new employees will be fingerprinted as a part of the employment process and a criminal history check will be conducted with the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, in the event of a disaster, City employees are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
THE CITY OF BREA RECRUITS, PROMOTES, AND HIRES WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, PHYSICAL DISABILITY OR CONDITION, GENETIC INFORMATION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AGE OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, EXCEPT IN THOSE SPECIFIC INSTANCES WHEREBY A BONA FIDE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION DEMANDS OTHERWISE. THE CITY OF BREA HIRES ONLY UNITED STATES CITIZENS OR LAWFULLY AUTHORIZED ALIENS.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
For a detailed overview of the benefit plan for full-time equivalent unrepresented employees in the Ambulance Operator classification, please see Resolution No. 2026 - 54 HERE.

Firefighter Trainee: upon successful completion of the pre-employment process along with the Fire Department Drill Tower Academy which runs up to eight (8) weeks, candidates will be placed on the Brea Firefighters' Association (BFA), which can be found HERE.

For part-time employee benefits, please see the Part-Time Employment and Benefits Policy available HERE.
01

Did you retire from an agency under the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you attached a valid certificate of completion from an Accredited Regional Training Program, Accredited Local Academy, OR California Office of the State Fire Marshal Fire Fighter 1?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you attached a current State of California E.M.T or Paramedic certification?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you attached a current CPR certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association?

• Yes
• No

05

Have you attached a current CPAT or Biddle certificate completed within the last six (6) months?

• Yes
• No

06

Have you attached a valid Class C Driver's License issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles?

• Yes
• No

07

I understand that I must complete a written exam through NTN and test scores must be submitted through NTN by assigning them to the City of Brea by 11:30 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026.

• Yes
• No

08

I understand and am aware there is a FAQ link and link of Accredited Regional Training Programs provided in Phase 1 of the job flyer that can assist me with identifying the appropriate required documents.

• Yes
• No

09

I understand that I must attach current copies of the required documents and failure to upload the required documents listed in the job bulletin may cause disqualification from the process.

• Yes
• No

10

I understand that only candidates who are placed on the eligibility list and invited to a Chief's interview will be allowed and encouraged to participate in station visits and ride-alongs.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Job Description

Salary : $78,151.15 Annually
Location : City of Brea-Civic Center
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00040
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 10/21/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 12:00 PM Pacific

Description
Applications will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be utilized to fill future Firefighter Trainee vacancies.
Candidates who successfully pass the pre-employment process along with the Fire Department Drill Tower Academy which runs up to eight (8) weeks will transition to Firefighter at the salary range of $94,495.33 - $120,977.28.
To participate in a non-sworn capacity in the in-house Brea Fire Department Firefighter Trainee Academy in preparation of becoming a "sworn" full-time Firefighter. During training, incumbents will not have the same responsibilities or perform the exact same duties as sworn Firefighters, but are subject to the rules and regulations of the Brea Fire Department.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the non-sworn Trainee position designed to give incumbents first-hand experience and exposure to regular firefighter duties and responsibilities. Incumbents in this classification attend the in-house Brea Fire Department Firefighter Trainee Academy attending classes and receiving training while working under very close supervision to perform structured, routine firefighter duties requiring limited independent judgment and in accordance with explicit instructions and well defined procedures. Employees in this classification are observed during the training period to determine if their progress will qualify them to become sworn Firefighters. Incumbents are miscellaneous non-sworn employees as it relates to retirement and workers' compensation purposes.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is received from a Fire Captain.

Technical supervision is received from a Firefighter and/or Fire Engineer regarding the operation and maintenance of vehicles, equipment, and apparatus.

Examples of Duties
Essential job functions include, but are not limited to, the following: (These functions may not be present in all positions in this classification. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.)

Attend and successfully complete the in-house Brea Fire Department Firefighter Trainee Academy including all classes and required training necessary to become a sworn Brea Firefighter.
Click here for additional information on the Firefighter Trainee job description.

Typical Qualifications
Experience and Education

To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities and enable the individual to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

A typical combination is:

Experience

Some directly related experience is desirable.

Education

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Certificate of completion from a California State Fire Marshal accredited Basic Fire Academy program.
Proof of certification from an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) or Accredited Local Academy (ALA)
OR
California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Fire Fighter 1 certification.
Licenses and Certification
Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License with a Firefighter Endorsement issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles is highly desirable upon appointment.

Possession of a current State of California E.M.T. or Paramedic certificate from an accredited organization.

Possession of a current CPR certificate from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Supplemental Information

TO BE CONSIDERED
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit to submit a City of Brea electronic employment application.
Electronic applications will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of a City of Brea employment application. The City of Brea cannot accept responsibility for notifying candidates of incomplete applications. It is the candidate's responsibility to make sure the application is properly submitted.
THE SELECTION PROCESS

Shall consist of three phases: (If you should need assistance in completing the employment application or in participating in the selection process, please notify Human Resources prior to the filing deadline or as soon as possible).
Phase One - Application Review: The first phase of the selection process shall be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application and attachments. Applicants MUST include electronic copies of ALL required documents as outlined below.

Documents to be ProvidedRequirement of DocumentsPlease name and upload required documents as follows:Links for Additional Information:Certificate of completion from an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) or Accredited Local Academy (ALA)
OR CA OSFM Fire Fighter 1Must be a certificate from a ARTP, ALA or CA OSFM Fire Fighter 1

Academy CertFor Accredited Regional Training Programs, please click here. For Accredited Local Academies, please click here.Current State of California E.M.T or Paramedic certificationValid Card or Certification must show an expiration date
EMT CardSample of Required Documents can be found on Appendix "A" of FAQCurrent CPR cardFrom the American Red Cross or American Heart Association
CPR CardSample of Required Documents can be found on Appendix "A" of FAQ
Proof of Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Biddle Physical Ability Test (PAT)Must be completed within the last six (6) months; 4/21/2026 - 11/2/2026
PATSample of Required Documents can be found on Appendix "A" of FAQ
Class C Driver's License issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles
Valid Class C CA Driver's License CardDL Card
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City of Brea employment application. Faxes, emails, postmarks hand deliveries will not be accepted.

FAILURE TO UPLOAD THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AS LISTED ABOVE MAY CAUSE DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE PROCESS

SUBMISSION OF ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS NOT LISTED MAY ALSO CAUSE DISQUALIFICTION FROM THE PROCESS.
Phase Two - Written Exam: Weighted 30% of overall score. The written test is a video-based exam conducted by the National Testing Network (NTN). Candidates must schedule a FireTeamTM Firefighter Entry Level Test (FireTeam) at Candidates are required to pay a $55 fee to NTN to take the FireTeam exam. Testing can be completed at any NTN location. Completion of written test scores must be submitted through NTN by assigning it to the City of Brea by Monday, November 2, 2026 at 11:30am. Please visit the NTN website for testing locations, eligibility, and instructions on how to forward your scores to the City of Brea. Screenshots of NTN scores attached to the application will not be accepted. Candidates who receive a passing score on the written examination as established by the City of Brea, may be invited to participate in the oral appraisal interview.
Phase Three - Oral Appraisal Interview: Weighted 70% of overall score. This phase of the selection process will consist of an oral appraisal interview. A minimum score of 70 must be obtained in this phase of the selection process. The tentative dates for the oral appraisal interviews are the week of January 4 - 8, 2027.
Prospective candidates must successfully complete a thorough background review. Upon a contingent offer of employment, prospective candidates must successfully complete a medical and psychological examination and provide proof of legal work status. All new employees will be fingerprinted as a part of the employment process and a criminal history check will be conducted with the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, in the event of a disaster, City employees are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
THE CITY OF BREA RECRUITS, PROMOTES, AND HIRES WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, PHYSICAL DISABILITY OR CONDITION, GENETIC INFORMATION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AGE OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, EXCEPT IN THOSE SPECIFIC INSTANCES WHEREBY A BONA FIDE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION DEMANDS OTHERWISE. THE CITY OF BREA HIRES ONLY UNITED STATES CITIZENS OR LAWFULLY AUTHORIZED ALIENS.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
For a detailed overview of the benefit plan for full-time equivalent unrepresented employees in the Ambulance Operator classification, please see Resolution No. 2026 - 54 HERE.

Firefighter Trainee: upon successful completion of the pre-employment process along with the Fire Department Drill Tower Academy which runs up to eight (8) weeks, candidates will be placed on the Brea Firefighters' Association (BFA), which can be found HERE.

For part-time employee benefits, please see the Part-Time Employment and Benefits Policy available HERE.
01

Did you retire from an agency under the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you attached a valid certificate of completion from an Accredited Regional Training Program, Accredited Local Academy, OR California Office of the State Fire Marshal Fire Fighter 1?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you attached a current State of California E.M.T or Paramedic certification?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you attached a current CPR certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association?

• Yes
• No

05

Have you attached a current CPAT or Biddle certificate completed within the last six (6) months?

• Yes
• No

06

Have you attached a valid Class C Driver's License issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles?

• Yes
• No

07

I understand that I must complete a written exam through NTN and test scores must be submitted through NTN by assigning them to the City of Brea by 11:30 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026.

• Yes
• No

08

I understand and am aware there is a FAQ link and link of Accredited Regional Training Programs provided in Phase 1 of the job flyer that can assist me with identifying the appropriate required documents.

• Yes
• No

09

I understand that I must attach current copies of the required documents and failure to upload the required documents listed in the job bulletin may cause disqualification from the process.

• Yes
• No

10

I understand that only candidates who are placed on the eligibility list and invited to a Chief's interview will be allowed and encouraged to participate in station visits and ride-alongs.

• Yes
• No

Required Question