Fire Lieutenant

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Fire Department. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.

Current vacancies are with the Fire Department located in multiple locations throughout Tulare County. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

Typical Duties

• Respond to fire, medical, and other emergency alarms by driving assigned equipment to appropriate locations.
• Operate equipment and assist in the suppression of fires, medical emergencies, and in the protection of life, property, and the environment.
• Drive assigned firefighting apparatus to and from fires; operate pumps, ladders, and other mechanical equipment as required.
• Perform tactical incident management and direct the activities of fire fighters until relieved by a senior officer.
• Assist in conducting residential and commercial inspections to discover and eliminate potential fire hazards.

For a full list of duties for this position, please click here .

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth(12 th ) grade.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of full-time fire suppression and prevention experience, including one (1) year at the driver/operator level.
• Completion of the TCFD Acting Company Officer Position Task Book (for internal applicants).

License or Certificate:

• Possession of an Emergency Medical Technician I certificate.
• Possession of a Professional Rescuer CPR/AED certificate.
• Possession of a valid California Class A or B commercial or Class C driver’s license with Firefighter Endorsement.
• Possession of Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certification.

Note: Copies of all required certificates must be turned in prior to the close of the recruitment. Certificates will not be accepted after the September 27, 2025.

CPAT Requirement:

• Possession of a valid CPAT Certificate at time of first interview (this requirement is waived for current, full time Tulare County Fire personnel). In addition, the CPAT certification must have been issued within 12 months at time of first interview. For information on how to obtain a CPAT Card of Completion, visit www.cpatonline.org or call 1-877-648-CPAT.

Knowledge of:

• Fire prevention and suppression methods, including use of the Incident Command System
• Operation, use and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Basic principles of fire prevention including building construction, fire safety inspections, and fire department pre-plans.
• Mechanical principles involved in operating fire apparatus and allied equipment.
• First aid and CPR techniques.
• Firefighter Procedural Bill of Rights (FBOR)
• Departmental policies and procedures

Skill/Ability to:

• Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
• Prioritize, plan and schedule daily shift activities.
• Plan, direct, and organize fire suppression and support activities during emergencies.
• Effectively apply fire suppression and prevention methods and techniques.
• Operate and maintain firefighting, rescue and emergency medical equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Follow oral and written instructions, react quickly in emergencies, and display sound judgment in making decisions.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Direct activities of fire fighters.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff, and others.
• Make effective decisions and solve problems.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and records using personal computers.
• Operate radio communication equipment.
• Manage credentials, assignments of subordinates and other time sensitive assignments.
• Ability to delegate when necessary.
• Provide situational leadership and mentorship to peers and subordinates.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bargaining Unit 23

The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.

Employees who waive County health, dental and vision insurance will receive $1,000 per year, pro-rated on a per pay period basis. Effective January 1, 2022, all employees who waive the County's health insurance coverage will receive zero ($0.00) for cash-in-lieu of medical benefits. This applies to all new waivers beginning with Health Plan year 2022.

Safety Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.

Holiday Pay: Employees receive 96 hours pay at straight time in lieu of any holiday time off. Two equal payments will be made annually on the first pay period in June and first pay period in December. This benefit will be prorated based on length of service.

Employees working a 40-hour shift are not entitled to holiday pay as indicated above. For these employees, holidays will be paid in accordance with established Personnel Rules.

Vacation Accrual:
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)

Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation.

Career Incentive Pay

Employees who have completed five (5) or more Years of Service with Tulare County and meet the eligibility criteria described in Administrative Regulation – 52, earn additional pay according to the schedule below.

Years of Service

% Increase

Total

5

3%

3%

10

2%

5%

15

3%

8%

20

2%

10%

Uniform Allowance: The County Fire Department will provide the initial uniform to new employees. Effective July 1, 2017 and annually thereafter, employees may be reimbursed for up to $950.00 per fiscal year for new uniforms.

Assignment Pay: Fire Captains designated as Fire Training Officer or Fire Prevention Officer will work a 40-hour shift and receive special assignment pay of 5% of the regular hourly rate.

Acting Officer Pay: Employees who work out of classification for will be entitled to an additional 5% of their base pay for qualifying hours, upon assignment, for the duration of such assignment.

Certification Pay: Employees who possess a Fire Officer Certification will receive an additional $40 per pay period ($1,040 annually). Proof of certification must be submitted in accordance with department policy.

Group Term Life Insurance: $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Deferred Compensation: A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.

To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site. https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/

The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.

Closing Date/Time: 9/27/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Tulare - HR&D

• 559-636-4900

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