FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC (LATERAL)

Job Description:

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC (LATERAL)

Description

APPLICATION PERIOD
This recruitment is set to close on Sunday, October 11, 2026.


LATERAL INCENTIVE: $10,000*
*$5,000 upon successful completion of 6-week in-house academy. $5,000 upon successful completion of 12-month probationary period.
To be considered as a Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic, applicants must be actively employed by a California Fire Agency.

INTERVIEW DATE: Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of October 26, 2026

Candidates successful in all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligibility list for employment consideration by tier. The eligibility list will be certified for a minimum of one year but may be extended for a maximum of two years. This list will be used to fill current vacancies and future vacancies that may occur during the eligibility list certification period.

POSITION PURPOSE:

Under direct supervision, provides basic and advanced life support services to ill or injured persons in accordance with policies established by the Department of Health Services of Los Angeles County, performs general firefighting activities, victim rescue, and related duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives direct supervision from a Fire Captain.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Held in Common:

1. Supports the Mission of the City and its Elected and Appointed Officials.

2. Provides courteous and timely service to the public as the ultimate employer.

3. Works cooperatively with other City employees.

4. Exhibits integrity and displays ethical behavior.

B. Essential Job Specific Duties:

1. Responds to emergencies and fire alarms.

2. Performs fire control activities, exposure tactics, ventilation, fire containment and extinguishment, laddering, exposure protection, and salvage work.

3. Performs victim rescue, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, electrical defibrillation, intravenous access, primary and secondary physical assessments of ill or injured persons. Performs advanced airway management procedures for patients with compromised breathing. Immobilizes injured limbs and spinal vertebrae when injury is suspected.

4. Administers medication

5. Responds to hazardous materials releases.

6. Attends required training programs, including Paramedic school if applicable.

7. Provides basic and advanced life support.

In addition to the above, Firefighter/Paramedic II employees will utilize advanced protocols per the LA County Department of Health Services policies. They will also lead, mentor and train Firefighter/Paramedic I and Firefighter/Paramedic Trainees.

C. Other Job Specific Duties

1. Inspects, operates, and maintains all related equipment.

2. Performs traffic control.

3. Conducts public education sessions on fire/emergency safety practices and procedures.

4. Prepares fire alarm reports.

5. Inspects buildings and follows fire and building codes and federal, state, local, and departmental rules and regulations.

6. Identifies common, special, structural, and panic hazards.

7. Performs related duties as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The following requirements generally demonstrate possession of the minimum requisite knowledge and ability necessary to perform the duties of the position.

Education

• High school diploma or GED recognized by the State of California is required.

Experience

• Must be actively employed by another California Fire Agency.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Firefighter with successful completion of probation with the candidate's current agency is required.
• One (1) year of experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic is required.

License/Certification

• Completion of a State of California-accredited Fire Academy is required.
• A valid State of California driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required at the time of application and must be maintained as a condition of employment.
• A State of California-recognized Emergency Medical Technician certificate is required.
• Firefighter 1 certification preferred.
• State of California Paramedic certification is required.
• 24 Hour Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational certification is desirable.
• Hazardous Materials Technician certification is desirable.
• Hazardous Materials Specialist certification is desirable.
• Urban Search and Rescue certification is desirable.

REPRESENTATIVE COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to satisfactorily perform the jobs essential duties and responsibilities.

Knowledge of:

• Basic apparatus and equipment mechanics, maintenance, and operations.
  

• Emergency rescue procedures and practices involving fire, chemical, or other threats. Firefighting principles, techniques, and principles of hydraulics applied to fire suppression.
  

• Modern fire prevention and suppression methods, fire behavior, and basic chemistry.
  

• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
  

• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
  

Ability to:

• React quickly and calmly to fight fires and perform emergency rescue techniques and procedures.
  

• Respond quickly to changing situations under emergency pressures.
  

• Perform rescues.
  

• Sustain exposure to extreme heat.
  

• Operate, maintain, inspect and repair vehicles, apparatus, equipment, communication systems, and fire hydrants.
  

• Conduct fire inspections.
  

• Participate in public education demonstrations and activities.
  

• Write comprehensive reports and maintain accurate records.
  

• Follow written and oral instructions.
  

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  

• Work with accuracy and attention to detail.
  

• Operate and use modern office equipment.
  

• Effectively organize and prioritize assigned work.
  

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other people.
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters in performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors.
• Noise level is moderate to loud.
• Utilizes hand and power tools.
• Works at heights.
• Works with and around machinery having moving parts.
• Exposure to chemicals, smoke, fumes, gases, and odors.
• Exposure to extreme heat, flammable liquids, electrical hazards, faulty structures, and inclement weather.
• Exposure to bodily fluids.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Stand, sit, and walk.
• Perform heavy lifting, carrying, climbing, pushing, pulling, stooping, bending, and crawling.
• Push, pull, and reach overhead and above shoulders.
• Hear and speak in person, on the telephone, and on the radio.
• Use hands and fingers to operate equipment.
• See well enough to read documents and operate equipment.
• Lift and move up to 100 pounds.

Click here to view MOU: https://www.santafesprings.gov/DocumentCenter/View/426/Santa-Fe-Springs-Employees-Association-2024-to-2027-MOU-PDF

Summary of Benefits - Santa Fe Springs Employee Association, effective January 1, 2026

Retirement: The City of Santa Fe Springs contracts with the California Public Agency Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits. The retirement formula is calculated as follows:

First Tier: Employees hired before November 19, 2012

Formula: 2.7% @ 55

Pension Base: single highest year

Employee pays cost sharing of 8%

Medical Insurance Cap: $2,519.53 per Month (2025 Kaiser Region 3 / Fam Coverage)

Second Tier: Employees hired on November 19, 2012 through December 31, 2012 and

(Classic) Classic Members

Formula: 2% @ 55

Pension Base: highest 36 months

Employee pays PERS member contribution of 7%

Medical Insurance Cap: $2,519.53 per Month (2025 Kaiser Region 3 / Fam Coverage)

Second Tier (PEPRA): Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013

Formula: 2% @ 62

Pension Base: highest 36 months

Employee pays PERS member contribution of 7.25% *Employee pays PERS member contribution of 50% of normal cost, as calculated by PERS

Medical Insurance Cap: $2,519.53 per Month (2025 Kaiser Region 3 / Fam Coverage)

Medical Insurance: The City of Santa Fe Springs contracts with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) for health benefits. An employee and their dependents are eligible for this benefit. A dependent may remain on the plan until age 26. If a dependent is qualified as disabled, the dependent may remain on the plan past their 26 th birthday pending the approval from CalPERS Health Benefits Division.

Basic EPO & HMO Health Plans

Basic PPO Health Plans

Anthem Blue Cross Select / Traditional HMO

PERS Gold

Blue Shield Access + HMO / Trio HMO

PERS Platinum

Kaiser Permanente

Health Net Salud y Mas

UnitedHealthcare SignatureValue

Alliance / Harmony

Medical Insurance Opt-Out: If a full-time employee can provide proof of insurance elsewhere with another carrier, they can drop out of their City plan and receive a rebate $775.24 single party;

$1, 550.48 two party; $2, 015.624 family. If interested, please contact the Human Resources Office for details (2026 Kaiser Region 3 / 80% of Monthly Rate).

Retiree Medical : An employee who is vested in CalPERS and retires from the City is eligible for medical through retirement. The City pays the insurance premium up to the applicable medical cap, currently $2,519.53 per Month (2026 Kaiser Region 3 / Fam Coverage)

Dental Insurance: The City contracts with Delta Dental Insurance. The City pays the full premium for employee and eligible dependents in a HMO (Delta Care) Plan. Employees who elect to receive Delta Dental PPO coverage shall contribute fifty ($50) dollars per month towards the monthly premium. A dependent may remain on the plan until age 26.

Vision: The City has a vision reimbursement program. The City reimburses up to $450 annually for eye examination and frames/lenses for employee and up to $400 for eligible dependents. There is a $20 deductible for eye examinations. The City also reimburses up to $1,800 for laser eye surgery for employee and up to $1,600 for eligible dependents. A dependent may remain on the plan until age 26.

Life Insurance: The City provides a $75,000 term life insurance. The premium is paid in full by the City. The City also offers an optional life insurance plan that the employee may purchase on their own. An employee may purchase twice their annual salary minus $50,000.

Longevity Pay : Unit members with continuous services as a Full-Time City of Santa Fe Springs employee, plus any verifiable prior collective public service with another public agency as an active, full-time employee shall count toward years of longevity;

2% at 10 years of service (completion of 9 years),

2% at 15 years of service (completion of 14 years),

3% at 20 years of service (completion of 19 years),

*2% at 25 years of service (completion of 24 years),

*Total cumulative rate of 9% at 25 years of service

Long Term Disability Insurance: The City contracts with Standard Insurance for Long Term Disability benefits. The City does not pay into the State Disability system. This plan is used in lieu of State Disability. The premium is paid in full by the City. There is a 60-day elimination period for this insurance. If your claim is accepted, you will be paid two-thirds of your monthly salary up to 24 months.

Deferred Compensation: The City matches contributions by full-time employees to the City’s Deferred Compensation Plan at a rate of *2:1 up to a maximum of 3%. MissionSquare Retirement is the record-keeper and third-party administrator of the 457(b) plan and 401(a) Plan. Employee matching is contributed towards 401(a) plan. *Ratio: City: Employee

Leaves: The City offers a generous leave package including vacation, sick and flex leave.

Tuition Reimbursement: An employee is allowed up to $350 per fiscal year for tuition and books. The maximum reimbursement for full-time employees engaged in a degree program is $4,000 per year.

Education Incentive Pay : Employees who have received a Master’s degree from an accredited university, shall receive an additional 5% of base pay.

Optional Benefits : Credit Union, AFLAC, Computer Loan Reimbursement Program, and Flexible Benefit Plan (Dependent Care/Medical Assistance Plan).

Salary:

$99,993.78 - $130,469.21 Annually