Firefighter Paramedic - Professional Experience en Orange County Fire Authority, CA

About the Department

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently accepting applications for Firefighter Paramedic - Professional Experience.  Candidates must agree to a two-year assignment in a paramedic post position.  Please review the entire recruitment bulletin for important information before applying.   

Salary (during academy):
$7,953.95* per month (Step 7 of Firefighter Classification) + 9% EMT Bonus = $8,669.81 per month

Salary upon paramedic accreditation/activation (approximately week 22 of employment):
$7,953.95* per month (Step 7 of Firefighter Classification) + 9% EMT Bonus + 15% Paramedic Bonus = $9,862.90 per month

*Salary listed includes a 2.75% increase due in the pay period which includes January 1, 2026 per side letter agreement OCPFA Local 3631 - Base Salary.

24-Month Salary Outlook:
Effective July 21, 2028, a candidate who is hired as part of this selection process, may be making up to $11,275.85 per month (step 12, $9,093.43 + 9% EMT Bonus + 15% Paramedic Bonus).  This salary does not include possible, future negotiated cost of living increases.

Medical, Vision, and Dental Benefits:
A Firefighter Paramedic with no dependents pays ZERO ($0) out of pocket for PPO Medical and Vision.   Optional PPO Dental insurance is only $6.00 per month.  Please use link below to learn more about benefits available for this position.  
OCPFA Benefits

OCFA FIRE ACADEMY:
Candidates who successfully complete the selection process and are selected for employment with the Orange County Fire Authority must successfully complete a nineteen (19) week firefighter academy.

ORANGE COUNTY PARAMEDIC ACCREDITATION:
MUST complete Orange County Paramedic Accreditation. 

PROBATION PERIOD: 
Fifty-two (52) weeks / 364 days from the date of appointment (first day of fire academy). 

PARAMEDIC POST POSITION COMMITMENT REQUIRMENT:
All candidates selected for this position must agree to a 2-year commitment in an OCFA Firefighter/Paramedic position. The 2-year commitment for Firefighter Paramedic - Professional Experience recruits begins upon obtaining OCEMSA Paramedic Accreditation specifically through or sponsored by OCFA, not through any other agency. All newly hired paramedics must promptly complete the OCEMSA and OCFA accreditation process directly following the OCFA recruit academy or at the next available accreditation session. Throughout this commitment period, these individuals are not intended to fill BLS roles. Additionally, if a member is Administratively Assigned by OCFA during the commitment, the assignment period counts toward their 2-year obligation. Should a member promote within OCFA, specifically through FAE promotions—such advancement will also be counted as part of the commitment time.

Position Duties

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

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION (position requirements at time of application):

• Possession of a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)  

EXPERIENCE:  

• Currently employed as a full-time, paid Firefighter/Paramedic (dual role) for a minimum of six (6) months with a government agency by September 30, 2025 

Examples of government experience includes cities, counties, public education institutions, special districts/authorities, Tribal, and state and federal government. 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS (position requirements at time of application):

• Possession of a valid, current California or National Registry Paramedic License 
• Possession of a valid Class C California 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. 

Applicants MUST attach a copy of their valid, current California or National Registry Paramedic License at time of application submission. Failure to submit required documentation at time of application will result in disqualification.   

Other Qualifications

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS*:

September 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.: Last day to apply on-line  

November 1 – December 21, 2025:  Biddle Physical Agility Test coordinated by the OCFA

• Possession of a current Biddle Certificate within the last six (6) months may be substituted for this portion of the selection process (April 1, 2025 – Current)

January 5 – 30, 2026:  Paramedic Assessment Center (Interview/Skills/Written)

TBD: Eligibility List Established

February 1 – 28, 2026:  Chief’s Interview

March 1 – May 31, 2026:  Background Investigation, Pre-employment Medical Examination, and Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment  

June 12, 2026: Academy On-Boarding Orientation  

July 24, 2026:  Family Orientation/Date of Hire/First Day of Fire Academy (19-week academy)  

December 11, 2026:  Academy Graduation  

*Please note, all dates are subject to change.  

ONLINE APPLICATION: 
Human Resources will screen all applications for minimum qualifications as listed above.   

BIDDLE PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMINATION:  
Candidates must pass the Biddle Physical Ability Test in a time of 9 minutes and 34 seconds or less. The Biddle Physical Ability Test will be coordinated by the OCFA at a nearby Orange County college (TBD) and proctored by the college staff.  

• Possession of a current Biddle Certificate within the last 6 months may be substituted for this portion of the selection process (April 1, 2025 – Current).
• Candidates MUST attach a copy of their valid Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed between April 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025 to their application in order to substitute for participation in this portion of the selection process. 
• Possession of a CPAT will NOT be accepted in lieu of the Biddle Physical Agility Examination portion of the selection process.

Human Resources will notify candidates by EMAIL of the scheduled dates, times, and locations. Candidates will be required to pay the cost of the Biddle Physical Ability Test (approximately $40.00) at time of examination.  All candidates who pass the Biddle Physical Ability Test (or attach a valid copy of a Biddle to their application) will be invited to the Paramedic Assessment Center. 

PARAMEDIC ASSESSMENT CENTER: 

The Paramedic Assessment Center consist of: 

• Paramedic Written Exam
• Oral Interview
• Practical Paramedic Skills Examination

PARAMEDIC WRITTEN EXAMINATION: 
The minimum passing score is 80%.  The written exam will have a weight of 15% of the candidate’s overall score.  

PANEL ORAL INTERVIEW:
The minimum passing score is 80%.  The panel interview will have a weight of 50% of the candidate's overall score.  

PARAMEDIC SKILLS EXAMINATION: 
The minimum passing score is 80%.  The paramedic skills examination will have a weight of 35% of the candidate's overall score.  Candidates who achieve passing scores on all portions of the paramedic assessment center will be placed on the eligibility list.

Human Resources will arrange the Paramedic Assessment Center. Human Resources will notify referred candidates by EMAIL of the scheduled dates, times, and locations. 

ELIGIBILITY LIST: 
Placement on the eligibility list will be established based on a combination the written examination (15%), panel oral interview scores (50%) and paramedic assessment examination (35%).  The Biddle Physical Ability Test is pass/fail.  The eligibility list will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of establishment or until all the names on the list are exhausted.  The eligibility list may be extended or abolished at the discretion of the Assistant Chief / Human Resources Director. 

CHIEF'S INTERVIEW:
Candidates who successfully complete the Chief's interview may be invited to begin the pre-employment background process.  

Human Resources will arrange the Chief’s interview. Human Resources will notify referred candidates by EMAIL of the scheduled dates, times, and locations. 

SELECTION:
Tentative selections will be completed after the Paramedic Assessment Center.  Final placement in any academy will be determined based on successful completion of:

• Pre-employment medical examination    
• Background check    
• Pre-academy physical fitness assessment   

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION: 
Candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment medical exam including a drug screen through the OCFA's designated physician. 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND:
Candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation including but not limited to fingerprinting, current and previous employment history check, reference check, DMV check, criminal history check, and licensure/certification check. 

PRE-ACADEMY PHYSICAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT: 
Candidate must complete a comprehensive Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment through the OCFA's designated assessment vendor. 

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal conviction check (Live-Scan), comprehensive pre-employment medical exam and drug screen, and pre-academy physical fitness assessment. 

After an offer of employment is made, a candidate must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.  

CLASS SUMMARY: 
Under supervision, to perform a full range of firefighting duties in the suppression of structural, aircraft, wildland, and other types of fires; and/or to provide emergency paramedical services to the community; and to do other work as required. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: 
Incumbents perform a full range of firefighting and paramedic duties and may serve in a technical assignment performing one of the following: fire prevention, training, arson investigation, communications, and others. Paramedic and hazardous materials emergency response duties required additional qualifications and receive special compensation. 

LOYALTY OATH: 
All new employees must take an oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California. 

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 Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at (714) 573 - 6816 or via email at [email protected] within 72 hours prior to the need for the accommodation. 

TOBACCO PRODUCTS: 
Employees represented by the OCPFA hired after September 1, 2016 are not permitted to use tobacco products on or off duty. 

QUESTIONS: 
All questions regarding this position should be directed to Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at (714) 573 - 6816 or via email at [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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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