FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINEE

Job Description

Description

NOTE : THIS RECRUITMENT IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT AND FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The City of Huntington Beach Fire Department is seeking career minded individuals who wish to prepare for a long-term career in the fire service profession. Ideal candidates will possess excellent interpersonal and multi-cultural skills, have a strong commitment to community involvement, as well as have a good understanding of basic teaching techniques. This is a full-time, limited term, at-will City position serving under the terms of an employment agreement. A range of benefits is provided, including medical, dental, and retirement benefits. In this position, the incumbent attends Huntington Beach Fire Department (HBFD) Fire Academy. Current and future vacancies for Fire Department Trainee may be filled from the hiring list established from this recruitment and examination process.

Applicants for this position are required to submit an ON-LINE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION to the City of Huntington Beach by the recruitment DEADLINE of 11/18/2026, 5:00 pm.

Job Summary
Under direction of the Training Section, participate in and successfully complete a Huntington Beach Fire Department Academy and to perform all related learning and testing activities. In addition, Fire Department Trainees will be directed to complete paramedic training, and/or additional fire training. In this scenario, the employee is eligible to receive the salary scale equal to that of a Fire Department Trainee while completing paramedic training. Upon successful completion of designated required training and completion of training required for a State certification as a Firefighter I and Firefighter Paramedic, a Fire Department Trainee will be eligible to be placed as a probationary status Firefighter Paramedic.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a trainee-level non-sworn classification as a firefighter. The position is distinguished from the higher level classification of Firefighter Paramedic in that incumbents of the latter classification have graduated from the fire training academy, the Huntington Beach Fire Department Fire Academy, and Paramedic school and serve as first responders to all identified fire, medical and environmental emergencies. The Fire Department Trainee receives direct supervision from Training Officers and other sworn personnel assigned to support the recruit-training academy and paramedic program.

Examples of Essential Duties

Participate in classroom lectures; evaluations; team and individual manipulative drills; knowledge, skills, and ability testing; and problem solving exercises. Receive training in firefighting activities such as: fire suppression, wildfire operations, hose evolutions, nozzle evolutions, use of extrication tools, such as chain saws, axes, ladder raises, ropes and knots, fire extinguishers, water supply systems, fire prevention, public safety education, radio operations, map reading, salvage and overhaul operations. Learn the policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the City of Huntington Beach and Huntington Beach Fire Department such as ethics, diversity and sexual harassment. Remains in direct contact with the Training Section with the current status of progress during training programs. Potential for enrollment in a comprehensive paramedic program including classes, clinical, and internship assignments.

WORK PERIOD
In general, the Fire Department trainee will work a 40-hour shift. To the extent required by federal and state labor laws and/or regulations, the City agrees to provide the Firefighter with overtime pay based upon a 40-hour work week.

The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. The City, at its discretion, may add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed, including duties/assignments that require a 56-hour work week.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education, training, and experience that will provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position. A typical combination includes but is not limited to:

Knowledge of:
• Applicable federal, state, county and Huntington Beach regulations, practices and procedures
• Principles of first aid, resuscitator, and automatic external defibrillator; safe emergency work practices
• Infectious control procedures
• Emergency radio communication procedures
• Medical terminology and documentation
• Basic mathematics and mechanical principles that demonstrate the ability to learn technical concepts, procedures, and equipment operation
• Local geography and use of maps

Ability to:
• Follow oral and written instructions in a timely and effective manner
• Learn to perform physical and strenuous firefighting work requiring physical strength, coordination, endurance, and flexibility in a safe and effective manner
• Learn general principles and practices of firefighting activities including fire suppression and prevention, hazardous materials, rescue and salvage operations, radio communications, and water systems
• Learn the standard operation and uses of fire suppression equipment, apparatus, and vehicle operation and maintenance
• Understand and act in accordance with departmental policies, rules, and regulations as well as instructional materials related to firefighting and emergency treatment responses
• Administer CPR and emergency medical services at the Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) level
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties
• Draw diagrams and read maps
• Learn to read and interpret building plans
• Use computer systems and software applications

The following must be met by time of application: High school diploma or equivalentAt least 18 years of ageValid Driver LicensePossession of a California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) License OR a valid National Registry EMT-Basic Certification.A valid current American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider or BLS Provider Card issued by an American Heart Association Training Center or a CPR card for health care providers issued by an American Red Cross. Military-level CPR certification is subject to review on a case-by-case basis. Possession of a Certificate of successful completion of Physical Abilities Test (PAT). Only CPAT or Biddle PAT, issued on or after November 2, 2025 , will be accepted (If CPAT or Biddle PAT are not current, an opportunity to test may be provided at a later date).Currently working as an employee with the City of Huntington Beach Fire Department or former employee of the Huntington Beach Fire Department. Must complete the following requirement prior to consideration of Firefighter Paramedic classification:

• Graduation from a California State accredited Firefighter I Academy (minimum of 348 hours) or possession of a California Firefighter I Certificate.
• Graduation and certification as a Paramedic.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS
DMV Employer Pull Notice Program: Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a city or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work shall be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program.

Personal Appearance Standards: The HBFD has a policy that applies to the general appearance of staff. Tattooing on areas of the body that would cause the tattoo(s) to be readily visible while wearing a long-sleeved uniform is not authorized.

Public EmployeeDisaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all Huntington Beach city employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

SELECTION PROCESS:
Each candidate is required to submit an on-line application and supplemental questionnaire to the City of Huntington Beach. No walk-ins will be permitted . Applicants will be reviewed for qualifications and completeness. Candidates meeting the requirements of this recruitment will be invited to participate in the examination process.

• Any incomplete application or application not meeting qualifications will be disqualified from further participation in the examination process.
• Proof of required certifications ( only those specified) must be submitted at the time of application. Failure to provide copies will result in disqualification.
• Candidates successfully passing all the components of the examination process will be placed on the hiring list from which appointments will be made.
• This list will be in effect for one year unless exhausted sooner.

COMPONENT / TENTATIVE DATES

• Application Filing Period
  • November 4, 2026 - November 18, 2026
• Department Qualifications Review
  • Schedule to be determined - most qualified applicants will advance
  • Candidates who advance from this step and who do not possess a current CPAT or Biddle PAT will be provided with an opportunity to take the physical abilities test.
  • Oral Interview (Qualifying)
• Command Staff Selection Interview (100%)
  • Schedule to be determined
  • The top qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the Fire Chief's oral interviews.
• Hiring List
  • Placement on the hiring list is comprised of successful completion of the above testing components, in addition to the physical abilities test. Candidates must pass all components to be placed on the hiring list.
• Background Investigation
  • Conducted after placement on hiring list and upon a conditional offer of employment. A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted on all candidates considered for employment.
• Conditional Offer of Employment
  • Upon conditional offer of employment, a pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen, polygraph examination and psychological evaluation must be completed with acceptable results.
  • Upon hire, employee is subject to further reporting from DOJ via subsequent arrest notification.

APPLICATION PROCESS
1. City of Huntington Beach On-line employment applications required. No walk-ins will be permitted.
2. Respond to the supplemental questions to help us determine your qualifications for this classification.
3. Applications will be screened for completeness, required qualifications and applicable certifications.
4. Please include correct email address on your application as all communication will be sent via email.
5. Please check any spam blocker you may have on your computer to enable your email account to receive our correspondence.
6. Be prepared to upload and attach copies of all required certifications listed below to your on-line application.

• Copy of current driver license.
• Resume (one or two pages).
• Copy of California State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) OR copy of National Registry EMT-Basic card.
• Copy of current American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider or BLS Provider card issued by an American Heart Association Training Center or CPR card for health care providers issued by American Red Cross.
• Copy of certification (CA accredited Firefighter I Academy OR CSBFS Firefighter I), IF you currently possess one of these certifications.
• A copy of CPAT or Biddle PAT certification. A Biddle will be provided for those passing the Department Qualifications Review who do not possess one of these certifications.

Note:

• Failure to provide copies of all required certifications as listed above at the time of application will result in disqualification.
• Expired or missing certifications will result in disqualification.
• Please DO NOT attach documents other than those requested to your on-line job application. Doing so could result in disqualification.

SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Apply on-line by the posted deadline. No walk-ins will be permitted.
• All communication with candidates will be sent via email, therefore, please include correct email address on your application.
• Be prepared to upload and attach copies of all requested certifications listed above to your on-line application.

Supplemental Information

The incumbent must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

Position requires sitting, standing, walking, running, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and crouching in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in creating reports, and using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near, far, night, and color vision in situations where there is viewing of maps and fire scenes. When in a classroom, requires reading and comprehending English, and taking written and practical tests. When providing emergency services, incumbent may be required to walk or run on uneven and slippery surfaces and climb ladders. Incumbents may be required to work outdoors in all weather conditions; around loud siren noise; and moving vehicles. This position's responsibilities will train around fires, chemicals, pesticides, blood, and other potentially toxic exposures. Incumbents may be subject to stressful situations.

Reasonable accommodations for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case- by-case basis.

The SALARY RANGE is composed of seven steps. Merit step increases are based on satisfactory performance.

PROMOTIONS within the City are based upon the merit system principles emphasizing individual ability and utilizing competitive examinations.

CREDIT UNION membership is available to all City employees and provides access to low interest loans.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 11/18/2026 5:00 PM Pacific