DESCRIPTION

Salary (during academy):
$5,974.80 per month

Salary (first day of the pay period following academy graduation):
$6,763.12 per month (Base Salary Step 1) + $608.68 (9% EMT Pay)* = $7,371.80 per month

*Additional bonus pay may be applicable after academy graduation, depending on eligibility criteria specified in Article XXIV, Section 2 of the OCPFA Local 3631 MOU (Download PDF reader).

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Trainee. Please review the entire recruitment bulletin for important information before applying.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple future academies.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.: Last day to apply on-line
March 21, 2026 – April 12, 2026: Biddle Physical Agility Test coordinated by the OCFA (possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed on or after September 1, 2025 WILL be substituted for this portion of the selection process)
May 4 – 29, 2026: Oral Interview
TBD: Eligibility List Established
June 15 – July 17, 2026: Chief’s Interview
August 17 – November 30, 2026: Background Investigation, Pre-employment Medical Examination, and Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment
December 11, 2026: Academy On-Boarding Orientation
February 5, 2027: First Day of Fire Academy/Family Orientation

Please note, all dates are subject to change based on the OCFA needs.

CLASS SUMMARY:
Under close supervision in a training capacity, to learn to perform firefighting duties used in the suppression of structural, aircraft, wildland, and other types of fires; to learn to perform routine fire prevention activities; and to learn other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a trainee class. Incumbents attend an OCFA departmental academy to develop and demonstrate the minimum qualifications required for entry into a career as a firefighter. Appointment as a firefighter is based on satisfactory evaluations and graduation from the academy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To review the entire Firefighter Trainee job description please go to www.ocfa.org.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (position requirements at time of application):

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Possession of a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)
• No experience required

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS (position requirement at time of application):

• Possession of a valid Class C 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.
• Possession of a valid, current California or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License

A valid, current California Paramedic License or National Registry Paramedic License will be accepted in lieu of a valid California or National Registry EMT License.

View the full job announcement to learn more and apply.

Tagged as: California Firefighter Jobs