Reserve Firefighter at Orange County Fire Authority, CA

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently recruiting to fill multiple Reserve Firefighter positions. The OCFA’s Reserve Program is a community-based program. This program gives members of the community the opportunity to augment full-time career Firefighters with the delivery of emergency fire and rescue services and public relations and education to the community.  

Reserve Firefighters volunteer their time to the community solely based on civic and humanitarian reasons. Reserve Firefighters receive a nominal stipend and limited benefits for their voluntary participation in this program. The Reserve Firefighter Program is managed through the Community Volunteer Services Office.

The OCFA's Reserve Firefighter Program offers a variety of participation levels.  A volunteer upon entering this program attends a Reserve Firefighter Academy and becomes a Trainee. Upon graduation from the Academy, a Trainee may, if selected and qualified, advance to a higher level depending on his/her response area, training completed, service as a volunteer, and any other requirements specific to the assignment. Advanced levels include:

A Reserve Firefighter is provided a pager that alerts him/her of an emergency call for help.  When a Reserve Firefighter is able to volunteer his/her time, he/she reports to the station and responds on an assigned fire apparatus. The OCFA has three levels of service needed: 

  

Level 1: Reserve Firefighters are assigned to an Engine Company and receive training to respond to:  structure fires, wildland fires, traffic collisions, incident support, and medical aid emergencies. They may also operate a patrol and/or water tender. (Fire Stations:  11, 14, 16)

 

Level 2: Reserve Firefighters are assigned to Patrols and receive training to respond to:  wildland fires, traffic collisions, incident support, and medical aid emergencies. They may also operate a water tender and/or air utility unit. (Fire Stations: 7, 10, 18, 26, 30)

Wildland Support Unit or Helicopter Support Crew:  Wildland Support Unit or Helicopter Support Crew are assigned to Fire Station 26 (Irvine) or Fire Station 41 (Fullerton Airport) and receive training in wildland firefighting and special equipment operations. 

Reserve Firefighters must be able to commit to attending mandatory training meetings and weekly station drill nights at their respective stations. Reserve Firefighters also must commit to responding to a minimum of 30% of all pages for response and complete all mandatory training. 

More information regarding the position of Reserve Firefighter can be found in Reserve Firefighter Handbook.

Please note, all dates are subject to change based on organizational need. Should a change occur, Human Resources will notify all affected candidates via email.

SELECTION PROCESS: 
HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:  
Applicant must submit, during the application filing period, an online application and attach any supplemental information as required in the job announcement which may include submitting responses to a supplemental questionnaire. Online resumés and other unsolicited materials may be attached but will not be considered in lieu of the required online application, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement. The OCFA reserves the right to limit the number of online applications when necessary. Applicants are responsible for maintaining/updating their contact information through the online application system.  

The selection process for Reserve Firefighter includes the following: 

Application Screening - Pass/Fail   
The Human Resources Department reviews all initial application materials to identify qualified applicants. Screening includes verification of Minimum Qualifications and Response Time (15 or 45 minutes). 

TESTING: 
If a revision is made to a testing component during a recruitment process, the assigned recruiter will notify by email all affected applicants. 

Physical Ability Testing - Pass/Fail 
See descriptions below on required testing depending on Level requirements. 

Panel Interview 
Candidates should be prepared to discuss their education, work experience, community involvement, etc. 

Background Investigation - Pass/Fail 
Candidates selected for further consideration, including alternates, will be referred to a background investigation. The background investigation includes but is not limited to: Department of Justice/FBI criminal background check, employment reference check, and DMV check.

Medical Exam - Pass/Fail 
Candidates invited to attend the Reserve Fire Academy must pass a medical exam before beginning the Academy. The medical exam is conducted through the OCFA's designated physician which includes drug and alcohol testing. The initial exam costs are paid by the OCFA. 

PHYSICAL ABILITY TESTS:
Candidates must pass a physical ability test as part of the selection process for Reserve Firefighter. The OCFA conducts three different tests depending on the Level requirements: 

Level 1 Stations:  Biddle Physical Ability Test - This test is comprised of several physical tasks consistent with the duties of a firefighter. This test must be completed within 9 minutes and 34 seconds. Possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificated completed on or after November 30, 2024 WILL be substituted for this portion of the selection process. The OCFA does NOT accept a CPAT in lieu of participation in the Biddle Physical Ability Test. Biddle tests are scheduled and administered through Santa Ana, Rio Hondo, and Mt. San Antonio Community Colleges. All Level 1 candidates must schedule and complete the Biddle Physical Ability Test by February 13, 2026.

For information about the Central Net Training Center (through Santa Ana College), please CLICK HERE.
<https://www.sac.edu/AcademicProgs/HST/FireTech/Pages/Physical-Ability-Test.aspx>

For information about the Rio Hondo College Biddle Examination, please CLICK HERE. <https://www.riohondo.edu/public-safety/firetech/fac/testing/>

Level 2 Stations:  Pack Test (Arduous) - The Pack Test is a 3-mile hike over level terrain carrying a 45 lb. pack within 45 minutes or less. The Pack Test is administered by the OCFA.  

Wildland Support Unit and Helicopter Support Crew:  Pack Test (Arduous) - The Pack Test is a 3-mile hike over level terrain carrying a 45 lb. pack within 45 minutes or less. The Pack Test is administered by the OCFA. 

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 Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst II at (714) 573-6828 or [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to any portion of the examination process.  

RECRUITMENT/SELECTION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS: 
All recruitment/selection process and requirements will be held in accordance with the OCFA's Selection Rules, which are available for inspection in the Human Resources Department.  

ELIGIBLE LIST: 
The duration of the Eligible List is one (1) year, unless abolished by the Human Resources Director prior to the expiration. 

WITHDRAWING FROM RECRUITMENT PROCESS: 
If an applicant chooses to withdraw from this recruitment process, they are required to submit an email notification to Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst II at [email protected] requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email must include the applicant's current phone number.  

QUESTIONS: 
All questions regarding this position should be directed to Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst II at (714) 573-6828 or [email protected].

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.