Exam Bulletin - Fire Fighter II (Paramedic) (1755)

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Exam Code: EX-2867

Examination Plans Included:

  • FIRE FIGHTER II (PARAMEDIC) - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

FIRE FIGHTER II (PARAMEDIC): $4,255.00 - $5,515.00 per Month

View the FIRE FIGHTER II (PARAMEDIC) classification specification.

Application Instructions

This examination is administrated on a continuous basis with quarterly cutoff dates every three (3) months. Please see the cutoff dates below for FY 24 - 25.

*If your application is received after the cutoff date, it will be retained and considered for the next examination administration.

The cutoff date of 6/30/2024 has been extended to 7/2/2024.

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

  • 7/2/2024
  • 10/30/2024
  • 2/28/2025
  • 6/30/2025

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

If using the United States Postal Service (USPS) for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be postmarked and arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark and arrives after the final filing date, your application may not be accepted into the examination. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof the application was sent prior to the final filing date.

EXTENDED DUTY WEEK COMPENSATION - SALARY INFORMATION

The Fire Fighter II (Paramedic) classification is eligible for the following pay:

$4,255 - $5,515 Base Salary (paid every month)
$2,238 - $2,988 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$250 - $6,000 Paramedic Bonus (paid every November; amount based on months worked)
$83,154 - $111,024 Annual Compensation

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for retirement and medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • FIRE FIGHTER II (PARAMEDIC) - Open

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements by the start of the examination, unless otherwise noted.

  • Applicants who have not passed probation in this classification are encouraged to apply.

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

    2867

For FIRE FIGHTER II (PARAMEDIC), once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02867

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

  • Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
    Attention: Examination Unit
    710 Riverpoint Ct.
    West Sacramento, CA 95605

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

  • Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
    Attention: Examination Unit
    710 Riverpoint Ct.
    West Sacramento, CA 95605
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

Please note the following:

1.) A State Application (STD 678) is REQUIRED and must be submitted.

2.) All applicants must include "from" and "to" employment dates (month/day/year), time base, and applicable civil service class titles on their STD 678. Applications received without this information may be rejected.

3.) 
Copy of your Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) License/card issued by the state of California, or a letter from your paramedic school stating you are within five months of completing the program (if attempting to meet minimum qualifications through early-in option).

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

00101755 - FIRE FIGHTER II (PARAMEDIC)

Minimum age of 18 years at the time of appointment. (Candidates who are within two (2) months of satisfying the age requirement will be admitted to the examination.) AND

 

Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment. AND

 

Possession of a current Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT- P) certificate issued by a California County Health Officer; or enrollment in an approved paramedic training program within five months of completion. (Proof of paramedic certification applicable to county of employment will be required prior to appointment.) AND


EXPERIENCE:

EITHER I

 

Three (3) months of fire-fighting experience.


OR II

 

One (1) year of experience as a certified volunteer fire fighter.

 

OR III

 

Completion of prerequisite training courses for Fire Fighter I certification.

 

OR IV

 

One (1) year of experience as a Fire Prevention Specialist I and successful completion of the mandatory training courses prescribed for a Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Fighter I.

Position Description

00101755 - FIRE FIGHTER II (PARAMEDIC)

Under supervision, (1) as a member of a fire apparatus crew, to perform the full range of fire-fighting duties in suppression of vehicle, building, improvement, and vegetation fires; to assist in building, grounds, and equipment maintenance and repair; and (2) as a member of a paramedic team, to perform paramedic duties in emergency medical situations; and to do other related work.


TYPICAL TASKS


Responds to fires; connects, lays, and operates hose lines; enters burning areas and structures with charged hose lines; operates and climbs ladders; makes forcible entry into buildings; ventilates buildings; uses hand tools and fire equipment to contain and suppress fire; assists in making fire prevention inspections; assists in building, grounds, and equipment maintenance and repair; inspects, cleans and repairs fire hoses and equipment; sharpens fire tools; paints equipment and buildings, and performs minor construction work; performs general housekeeping duties; may assist in the training of seasonal and volunteer fire fighters; keeps records and prepares reports.

Renders emergency medical assistance; performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation and electrical defibrillation; lifts and transports injured persons; administers intravenous saline, glucose and volume expanding agents; obtains blood for laboratory analysis; interprets cardiac arrhythmias; performs pulmonary ventilation by use of airway adjuncts; administers drugs; operates voice and biomedical telemetry communication systems and equipment; assists in childbirth; drives medical rescue vehicles under emergency conditions; prepares and presents to employees and the public demonstrations and classes in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other subjects relating to medical assistance.


JOB CHARACTERISTICS

Eligibles selected for positions in this classification are placed in an apprenticeship program. Permanent appointments are conditional upon successful completion of the training program.

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Willingness to work on weekends and holidays and remain on duty 24- hours a day, as required; color vision adequate to successfully perform the job as measured by the Ishihara Pseudo-Chromatic Plate Test or for persons failing the Ishihara, the Farnsworth D-15 Arrangement Test; hearing adequacy within speech frequencies (uncorrected); full use of both hands and both feet; physical strength and agility; weight in proportion to height; no more than a mild reaction to poison oak; emotional stability; sensitivity to needs of injured persons and their families; patience, tact, alertness and keenness of observation.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFCATION

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1WrittenAfter Acceptance100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

ONLINE WRITTEN EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%

 

The written examination will be administered in an online format consisting of job-related multiple-choice questions.

 

Candidates will be provided via email: CLASSMARKER Test Link


Candidates will need the following:
A cell phone, tablet, or computer with access to RELIABLE internet connection.


Recommended Compatible Web Browsers:
Microsoft Edge, FireFox, Chrome, Safari, or Opera.

 


Information regarding the examination will ONLY be sent to the email address provided on your State Application (STD 678). *Please ensure you have access to the email address provided* 

We recommend checking your email regularly to ensure no exam related information is missed. Accepted candidates can expect to receive additional examination information approximately one month after the cutoff date. 

 

CANDIDATES THAT DO NOT TEST DURING THE DESIGNATED TESTING WINDOW WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE EXAMINATION.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:

 

  1. Patient assessment (e.g., vital signs, skin signs, level of consciousness) to effectively treat patients at the Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) level.  
  2. Pharmacology (e.g., uses, dosage, administration) as appropriate for patient care and scope of practice.
  1. Basic Life Support (BLS) (e.g., vital signs, skin signs, level of consciousness) and/or Advanced Life Support (ALS) techniques (e.g., Electrocardiogram [EKG] placement, Intravenous (IV) administration set up, glucometer set up) to effectively treat patients during medical and traumatic emergencies.  
  2. Principles and practices of emergency medical procedures (e.g., Basic Life Support [BLS], Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation [CPR], Automated External Defibrillator [AED]) to safely respond to and render medical aid.
  3. Safety precautions (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], body substance isolation) to provide protection from communicable diseases.
  4. Patient triage procedures and techniques (e.g., Respirations, Perfusion, Mental Status [RPM], Simple Triage and Rapid Transport [START], triage tags) to ensure appropriate treatment is administered.
  5. Appropriate receiving facility criteria (e.g., ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction [STEMI], trauma, burn, pediatrics) to comply with State and local protocols.  
  6. Basic human anatomy for effective treatment of patients during medical emergencies.
  7. Controlled substance management to ensure Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) compliance.
  8. Decontamination techniques (e.g., proper hand washing, sanitization of reusable medical equipment, biohazard disposal, Personal Protective Equipment [PPE]) to minimize the spread of communicable diseases following an incident.
  9. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) laws, rules, and regulations to ensure compliance and information security.
  10. Safety gear (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], traffic vest, fire shelter) to ensure compliance with safety rules, regulations, and personal safety.  
  11. Emergency operations (e.g., rescue, fires, hazardous material incidents) to mitigate incidents in a safe and effective manner.
  12. Mobile communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios, Mobile Data Computers) to effectively communicate with others.
  13. Wildland firefighting safety rules of engagement (e.g., 10 Standard Firefighting Orders, 18 Situations That Shout Watch Out, Lookouts, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones) to ensure safe operations.
  14. The proper uses and abilities of transport resources (e.g., ambulance, air-ambulance, rescue helicopters) to ensure patient is provided proper transport to appropriate medical facility.
  15. Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) tactics (e.g., large area search, breaching and breaking, softening a structure) for firefighter safety and rescue.
  16. Selection, maintenance, and inspection methods for safety gear (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment, traffic vest, fire shelter) to ensure compliance with safety rules, regulations, and personal safety.
  17. Basic fire behavior (e.g., types, phases, characteristics) to identify the most effective extinguishing methods.
  18. Fire suppression practices and procedures for various types of fire (e.g., structural, vehicle, wildland) to safely and effectively mitigate an incident.
  19. Fire suppression principles, strategies, and tactics for various types of fires (e.g., structural, vehicle, wildland) to safely and effectively mitigate an incident.
  20. Lookouts, Communication, Escape routes, Safety zones (LCES) to ensure incident safety.
  21. California Occupational Safety and Health Agency (CAL/OSHA) policies (e.g., two in – two out, accountability, lockout – tag out) to ensure personnel safety and compliance with Federal and State law.
  22. Fire hose types (e.g., attack, supply) to ensure appropriate use in fire suppression and other activities.
  23. Rescue/extrication equipment (e.g., hydraulic and pneumatic tool, stabilizing devices) to safely and effectively remove entrapped victims.
  24. Factors affecting wildland fire behavior (e.g., fuel, weather, topography) to ensure safe and effective operations.
  25. Various terminology (e.g., incident command system, medical, fire) to communicate effectively.
  26. California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 22, Division 9 pertaining to Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
  27. Emergency scene safety practices (e.g., traffic, life safety hazards, apparatus placement) to ensure the safety of the public and emergency response personnel.  
  28. Proper ladder placement in various situations (e.g., multilevel buildings, heavy smoke, rescues) and emergency incidents (e.g., how they are used to ventilate a structure) to ensure personnel and public safety.
  29. Incident accountability techniques (e.g., safety checks, Personnel Accountability Report, accountability tags) to ensure personnel safety.
  30. Hand and power tools (e.g., chain saws, McCleod, Pulaski) during emergency and non-emergency incidents to remove fuel and assist in fire suppression and prevention.
  31. Fire tools and equipment (e.g., chainsaw, axe, ventilation fans) to ensure proper use and maintenance.
  32. Rescue, Exposures, Confinement, Extinguish, Overhaul, Ventilation, Salvage (RECEO VS) and Size Up, Locate the Fire, Identify and Control Flow Path, Cool the Space from Safest Location, Extinguish the Fire, Rescue, Salvage (SLICERS) procedures to ensure effective operations in structural fires.
  33. Hose deployment techniques (e.g., hose loads, drop points, fire flow) to effectively suppress and mitigate various types of fires (e.g., structure, wildland, vehicle).  
  34. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and procedures to ensure employees are protected from discrimination in the workplace.
  35. Safe food handling methods to ensure health and wellbeing of personnel to avoid food borne pathogens.
  36. Structural chainsaw operations (e.g., rescue, ventilation, overhaul) to ensure life, safety, and compliance with Department Chainsaw policy.  
  37. Techniques involved in performing extractions in search and rescue operations to assist performance in emergency response.
  38. Rescue and/or extrication techniques (e.g., vehicle, building, trench) to safely and effectively remove entrapped victims.
  39. Fire service ladders (e.g., testing, maintenance, use) to ensure operational readiness and personnel and public safety.
  40. Writing elements (e.g., spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure) to ensure that written materials are complete, concise, and error-free.  
  41. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) standards to ensure proper patient care and document trending of patient care.
  42. The proper uses and abilities of air-ambulance and rescue helicopter to ensure proper transport of patient to appropriate medical facility.
  43. Accepted command systems (e.g., Incident Command System [ICS], National Incident Management System [NIMS]) for proper incident organization and structure.
  44. Defensive driving techniques (e.g., traffic laws, intersection approach, utilization of warning devices) to safely operate Department vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations.
  45. Extinguishing agents (e.g., water, foam, gel) and their appropriate use during fire suppression.
  46. Hazardous material incident operations to analyze the situation and determine the appropriate actions (e.g., isolate and deny entry, lock-out, tag-out, dike or dam the flow) to safely minimize and/or mitigate an incident.
  47. Mathematic calculations (e.g., algebra, arithmetic, geometry) for effective job performance.

Skill to:

 

  1. Render basic medical aid (e.g., Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation [CPR], oxygen administration, control bleeding) to stabilize patient.  
  2. Perform and adhere to the California State Paramedic scope of practice (e.g., intubation, vascular access, medication administration).  
  3. Operate medical devices (e.g., Automated External Defibrillator [AED], bag valve mask, splints) to render medical aid.
  4. Operate resuscitator and/or bag valve mask to individuals having difficulty breathing and in respiratory failure.
  5. Operate Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment for effective operation and use.
  6. Acquire and maintain a valid California driver’s license.
  7. Speak to others in English to effectively convey information (e.g., incident, safety, education) at the high school graduate level.
  8. Don and doff infectious control equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g., mask, gloves, eye protection) to provide for firefighter safety in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
  9. Perform arduous physical activity (e.g., lifting, hiking, climbing) while carrying equipment in all conditions and terrain for effective job performance.
  10. Don and doff appropriate fire & safety gear (e.g., Nomex, turnouts, vests) to provide for firefighter safety in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
  11. Operate firefighting equipment (e.g., hoses, extinguishers, ladders) for safe and effective use during fire suppression and training.
  12. Speak to others to effectively convey information (e.g., incident, safety, education).
  13. Read and comprehend information (e.g., fire, medical, policies and procedures) at the high school graduate level to effectively interpret information.
  14. Produce written correspondence in English at the high school graduate level (e.g., email, letters, forms) to effectively convey information.
  15. Operate firefighting equipment (e.g., hoses, extinguishers, ladders) for safe and effective use during fire suppression and training.
  16. Operate and climb (e.g., carry, maneuver, raise) various types of ladders for safe and effective operation.
  17. Use proper lifting mechanics to prevent personal injury.
  18. Multi-task during emergency and non-emergency situations.
  19. Safely prepare food to ensure health and wellbeing of personnel and to avoid food borne pathogens.
  20. Use extrication tools and equipment (e.g., hydraulic tools, pneumatic tools, stabilizing devices) to effect rescue of pinned or trapped victims.
  21. Tie knots (e.g., bowline, clove hitch, family of eights) to prepare patients, personnel, or equipment for movement and rescue.
  22. Manipulate various tools (e.g., gas, electric, manual) for safe and effective use.  
  23. Use communication equipment (e.g., radio, telephone, Mobile Data Computer) for effective communication in emergency and non-emergency situations.
  24. Perform vertical ventilation operations (e.g., single/multi family dwelling, commercial structures) under fire conditions in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
  25. Clean and maintain fire facilities, apparatus, and equipment.
  26. Construct a fire line using tools (e.g., power, hand, firing devices) to limit fire spread in various fuel types and conditions.
  27. Safely operate emergency equipment (e.g., utility vehicles, fire apparatus, ambulance) through adverse conditions (e.g., heavy traffic, long drives, poor visibility).

Ability to:

 

  1. Administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) support to patients in medical emergencies (e.g., cardiac arrest, respiratory failure).
  2. Assist an Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider with techniques (e.g., Electrocardiogram [EKG] placement, Intravenous [IV] administration set up, glucometer set up).
  3. Provide appropriate care and treatment to patients when necessary to preserve life in compliance with State law and local protocol.
  4. Perform Advanced Life Support (ALS) techniques (e.g., Electrocardiogram [EKG] placement, Intravenous [IV] administration set up, glucometer set up).
  5. Perform differential diagnosis (e.g., cardiac vs. non-cardiac chest pain, respiratory vs. anxiety) to ensure proper patient care.
  6. Check vital signs of a patient to determine whether circulation and respiration are functional and adequate.
  7. Make sound judgments regarding patient care while under a variety of stressful situations (e.g., dog attack, fire, medical rescue, victims of severe trauma) to ensure patient health and safety.
  8. Recognize the critically ill or injured (e.g., acute vs. non-acute) for proper treatment and patient destination.
  9. Maintain current licensures and certifications for Basic Life Support (BLS) and/or Advanced Life Support (ALS) level by attending continuing education as required by State law and local protocol.
  10. Pass annual medical clearance for fit-testing respiratory protection equipment to meet the requirements of the California Occupational Safety and Health Agency (CAL/OSHA).
  11. Learn current technologies and medical care techniques that are dynamic in nature (e.g., resuscitation, oxygen delivery).
  12. Take direction from all ranks and classes at incidents or where operationally applicable.
  13. Perform suppression activities in and around Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) atmospheres utilizing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g., Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus [SCBA], turnouts, hazmat).
  14. Recognize the characteristics of fire behavior (e.g., flashover, backdraft, firenado) to ensure firefighter safety and public safety.
  15. Live in a fire station compatibly (e.g., eat, sleep, travel) with others (e.g., supervisors, co-workers, cooperators).
  16. Quickly prepare self (e.g., mentally, physically) for response to an emergency.
  17. Communicate effectively in stressful situations and adverse conditions (zero visibility, fighting fire in an Immediate Danger to Life and Health [IDLH]).
  18. Work as a member of a team to reach a common goal and/or objective.
  19. Maintain situational awareness during stressful situations.
  20. Operate charged fire hoses and/or fire extinguishers for appropriate application during fire suppression and other activities.
  21. Communicate (e.g., read, write, speak) effectively in English at a level required for successful job performance.
  22. Perform job duties under adverse conditions in compliance with Department policies and procedures and local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) protocol.
  23. Place patient on gurney, assisted by another person, for transport to proper medical facility.  
  24. Accurately interpret and follow directions from others (e.g., adjoining forces, crews, supervisors).
  25. Safely lift, carry, and transport patients using the proper techniques and devices (e.g., gurney, backboard, stair chair) for transport to proper medical facility.
  26. Climb stairs (e.g., high rise, multistory structures) while carrying equipment in adverse environments.
  27. Recognize life safety hazards (e.g., down power lines, gas leaks) and make appropriate decisions for resolution.
  28. Safely perform arduous physical activity (e.g., lifting, hiking, climbing) for extended periods of time to maintain effective job performance.
  29. Present and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
  30. Multi-task and operationally prioritize during emergency and nonemergency situations to accomplish numerous tasks.
  31. Produce written correspondence in English at the high school graduate level (e.g., email, letters, forms) to effectively convey information.  
  32. Orally communicate effectively to a variety of audiences (e.g., patients, coworkers, public).
  33. Meet the physical characteristics in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines and Department policies and procedures.
  34. Analyze emergencies and/or problems and take best course of action to resolve situations.
  35. Perform job duties in extreme temperatures, hazardous conditions, and all types of weather.
  36. Calm emotionally distressed or distraught patients, victims, relatives, friends, co-workers, and spectators at an incident.
  37. Operate various fire hoses (e.g., charged, bundled) for appropriate application during fire suppression and other activities.
  38. Recognize the characteristics of smoke (e.g., Volume, Velocity, Density, Color [VVDC]) to determine operational needs and safety factors.
  39. Manage time effectively, multi-task, and prioritize assignments to meet objectives.
  40. Neutralize stressful situations in emergency and non-emergency situations.
  41. Perform arduous physical activity (e.g., running, hiking, climbing) while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g., structural, wildland, hazmat) for extended periods of time.
  42. Adapt to changing situations and circumstances (e.g., medical, fire, hazmat) when completing work assignments.  
  43. Perform as part of a fire suppression crew during emergency incidents and work projects.
  44. Interpret applicable laws, rules and regulations (e.g., Emergency Medical Services [EMS], Ryan White Act) to ensure appropriate application in all administrative and firefighter activities.
  45. Prepare clear and concise reports (e.g., fire, finance, medical) in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
  46. Maneuver (e.g., carry, raise, lower, climb) various types of ladders (e.g., straight, extension).
  47. Determine appropriate route for response to emergency calls.
  48. Use mobile communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios, Mobile Data Computers) to effectively communicate in emergency and nonemergency situations.
  49. Safely use and maintain firefighting tools and equipment (e.g., chainsaw, axe, ventilation fans).  
  50. Hike on steep, uneven terrain while carrying equipment in all weather conditions.  
  51. Determine appropriate strategies and tactics (e.g., Rescue, Exposures, Confinement, Extinguish, Overhaul, Ventilation, Salvage [RECEO VS] and Size Up, Locate the Fire, Identify and Control Flow Path, Cool the Space from Safest Location, Extinguish the Fire, Rescue, Salvage [SLICERS], defensive vs. offensive, mode of operations) in emergency situations in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
  52. Extract specific details from complex information during oral communication.
  53. Handle (e.g., maneuver, position, carry) various sizes of fire hose.
  54. Analyze situations for development and implementation of an effective course of action during emergency and non-emergency situations.  
  55. Communicate effectively using a variety of terminology (e.g., Incident Command System [ICS], medical, fire) to relay pertinent information.  
  56. Analyze and assess effectiveness of emergency medical services care (e.g., audit emergency medical services reports, patient outcome, data collection) for quality improvement and patient care.  
  57. Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency fire service, ambulance service, information, and after hours calls for the departments within a city or county.
  58. Hear within speech frequency uncorrected.
  59. Read and interpret reference materials (e.g., training materials, policies, reports) for effective application.
  60. Construct a fire line (e.g., indirect, direct, hand tools, dozers, firing operations) to limit fire spread in various fuel types and conditions.
  61. Read and interpret maps (e.g., topographic, road, quadrangle) to accurately and efficiently arrive and depart from a destination.
  62. Use extrication tools and equipment (e.g., hydraulic spreading tools, pneumatic cutting tools, torches, drills, axes, hydraulic cutting devices, jacks, blocks, air bags, stabilizing devices) to rescue pinned or trapped victims.
  63. Assist in meal preparation (e.g., hand washing, cooking, food preparation) for station or facility crew to provide daily meals.
  64. Assist in leading personnel (e.g., co-workers, crews, cooperating agencies) in emergency and non-emergency situations.  
  65. Recognize sensitive situations (e.g., crime scene, fatality accident) to maintain confidentiality.
  66. Tie knots and hitches (e.g., family of eights, clove hitch) to facilitate rescues, secure items, and complete projects.
  67. Assist in properly managing an incident within an incident (e.g., wildland, structural, medical).  
  68. Instruct others (e.g., employees, public) in emergency and non-emergency situations.  
  69. Perform mathematical calculations (e.g., arithmetic, algebra, geometry) to prepare various reports and logs.
  70. Use computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, mapmaking, Department specific programs) to complete reports and presentations, create documents, conduct research, and communicate appropriately with others.  
  71. Develop and/or maintain programs (e.g., quality assurance, continuing education, Automated External Defibrillator [AED]).
  72. Operate Department and cooperating agencies’ equipment (e.g., mobile, emergency medical service, fire suppression) for effective incident mitigation.
  73. Instruct others (e.g., public, coworkers) for general educational purposes.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the FIRE FIGHTER II (PARAMEDIC) Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Successful candidates will be merged onto the current, existing eligibility list for the Fire Fighter II (Paramedic) classification. Candidates’ list eligibility is guaranteed for a minimum of 12 months, but may be extended up to 48 months, depending on the needs of the Department.

It is
recommended that candidates apply for this examination if one or more of the following is true:

  • You are a Limited Term (LT) hire.
  • You have not yet passed probation in a permanent position.
  • You are a Temporary Appointment (TAU) hire.
  • You are not on the current eligibility list.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Testing Departments

  • Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

CAL FIRE Examination Unit
710 Riverpoint Ct.
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: (916) 894-9580
CALFIREexams@fire.ca.gov

CAL FIRE Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
710 Riverpoint Ct.
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: (916) 894-9570 ext. Option 3
ReasonableAccommodations@fire.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)