This examination is administered on a continuous basis with biannual cutoff dates every six (6) 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.

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

• 3/6/2025

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 Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic) classification is eligible for the following pay:

$4,949 - $6,123 Base Salary (paid every month)
$2,583 - $3,290 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$250 - $6,000 Paramedic Bonus (paid every November; amount based on months worked)
$95,967 - $122,246 Annual Compensation

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

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 APPARATUS ENGINEER (PARAMEDIC) - Open

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

• Once you have participated in this examination, you may not test again for six (6) months.
• 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):

3717

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

Exam Code(s):

• EX-03717

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:

• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
  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:

• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
  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.) Candidates that wish to apply unplanned overtime hours towards the experience requirements outlined in the Minimum Qualifications section of this bulletin, MUST complete the Unplanned Overtime (OT) Questionnaire. Please copy and paste this URL into your web browser to access this form: 
https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/36B2F1AA2D7F4FA281AAEC6E0FA7F827

4.) 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).

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

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.

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.) 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

EITHER I

EXPERIENCE: Eight months of fire-fighting experience.

OR II

Enrollment in the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee Pre-Apprenticeship Outreach Program and Eight months of fire-fighting experience.

OR III

Two years of experience as a certified volunteer fire fighter.

OR IV

Two years of experience as a Fire Prevention Specialist II and successful completion of the mandatory training courses prescribed for a Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Fighter I.

(Candidates who are within two months of satisfying the experience requirement under Pattern I above for this class will be admitted to the examination, but they must fully meet the experience requirement before being eligible for appointment.)

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Willingness to live and work in remote areas and on weekends and holidays, to remain on duty 24 hours a day, as required; distant visual acuity (Snellen) of not less than 20/100 without corrective lenses in each eye, separately corrected to not less than 20/40 in one eye with corrective lenses; distant binocular acuity (Snellen) of at least 20/40 in both eyes with or without corrective lenses; 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 adequately 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 and sensitivity to needs of injured persons and their families; patience, tact, alertness and keenness of observation.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

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 RELIABLE access to the internet.

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.

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. Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) airway adjuncts and techniques used on 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. Pharmacology (e.g., uses, dosage, administration) as appropriate for patient care and scope of practice.
4. Basic human anatomy for effective treatment of patients during medical emergencies.
5. Advanced Life Support (ALS) standards to ensure proper patient care.
6. Patient assessment (e.g., vital signs, skin signs, level of consciousness) to effectively treat patients at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level.
7. Fire apparatus (e.g., engine, truck, rescue) and their capabilities for effective use and maintenance.
8. Emergency scene safety practices (e.g., traffic, life safety hazards, apparatus placement) to ensure the safety of the public and emergency response personnel.
9. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) policies (e.g., two in – two out, accountability, lock out – tag out) to ensure personnel safety and compliance with Federal and State law.
10. Fire ground hydraulics (e.g., gallons per minute, pump operations, friction loss) to provide safe and effective water use.
11. Life hazard notification policies (e.g., Emergency Command Center notification, Three Stripes You’re Out, personnel accountability) to ensure firefighter and scene safety.
12. Basic fire behavior (e.g., types, phases, characteristics) to identify the most effective extinguishing methods.
13. Safety gear (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], traffic vest, fire shelter) to ensure compliance with safety rules, regulations, and personal safety.
14. Fire hose types (e.g., attack, supply) to ensure appropriate use in fire suppression and other activities.
15. Basic vehicle maintenance and repair (e.g., pre-trip inspection, scheduled maintenance, brake adjustment) to ensure safety and operational readiness.
16. Patient triage procedures and techniques (e.g., Respirations, Pulse, Mental status [RPM]; Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment [START]; triage tags) to ensure appropriate treatment is administered.
17. Rescue and extrication (e.g., vehicle, building, trench) techniques to safely and effectively remove entrapped victims.
18. Rescue, Exposure, Confinement, Extinguishment, Overhaul, Ventilation, Salvage (RECEO-VS) procedures to ensure effective operations in structural fires.
19. Wildland firefighting safety rules of engagement (e.g., 10 Standard Firefighting Orders; 18 Situations That Shout Watch Out; Lookouts, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones) for safe operations.
20. Various terminology (e.g., Incident Command System, medical, fire) to communicate effectively.
21. Factors affecting wildland fire behavior (e.g., fuel, weather, topography) to ensure safe and effective operations.
22. Necessary qualifications (e.g., Driver’s License, Emergency Medical Services [EMS] Credential) to comply with Federal, State, and local regulations.
23. Building construction (e.g., wood frame, masonry, metal frame) to determine appropriate fire suppression tactics and ensure firefighter safety.
24. Command systems (e.g., Incident Command System, National Incident Management System) for proper organization and structure.
25. Wildland-urban interface strategies and tactics for structure defense.
26. Standard response plans (e.g., medical, wildland, structure) for appropriate response to incidents.
27. Reference materials (e.g., Incident Response Pocket Guide [IRPG], Field Operations Guide, Fireline Handbook) to ensure firefighter safety and survival.
28. 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.
29. Fire protection systems (e.g., sprinkler systems, fire department connections, standpipes, alarm systems) for preplanning and fire suppression.
30. The Department’s safety procedures and programs (e.g., Injury and Illness Prevention Program [IIPP], Violence in the Workplace, Respiratory Protection Program [RPP], Workers’ Compensation Program, California Occupational Safety Health Administration [CAL/OSHA]) to achieve workplace safety.
31. Maintenance and inspection methods for safety gear (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], traffic vest, fire shelter) to ensure compliance with safety rules, regulations, and personal safety.
32. California Vehicle Code as it applies to the operation of commercial vehicles and emergency vehicles on the highways.
33. The Department’s and cooperating agencies’ communications systems (e.g., VHF, 800 MHz, UHF) to allow effective communications between agencies.
34. Navigational aids (e.g., Global Positioning System [GPS], maps, compass, Automated Vehicle Locator [AVL]) for assistance in navigation and mapmaking.
35. Applicable Department policies and procedures (e.g., material management, safety, procurement) for effective job performance.
36. The Department's mission, vision, and value statements to carry out the day to day activities of the Department.
37. Weather observation tools and techniques (e.g., belt weather kit, digital weather devices, online weather resources) to obtain location specific weather information.
38. Suppression resources (e.g., hand crew, dozers, aircraft) for ordering resources based on capabilities to ensure effective operations.
39. Writing elements (e.g. spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure) to ensure that written materials are complete, concise, and error-free.
40. The state-wide radio call plan to effectively communicate with Emergency Command Centers and other emergency responders.
41. The Department’s Employee Support Services (ESS) Program (e.g., Employee Assistance Program [EAP], Peer Counseling, Critical Incident Stress [CISM], Substance Abuse Assistance Program [SAAP]) to encourage health and wellbeing of staff in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
42. Mathematic calculations (e.g., algebra, arithmetic, geometry) for effective job performance.
43. Basic mechanics (e.g., automotive, small engine, household appliances) to perform general repairs to ensure proper maintenance and operational readiness.
44. Hazardous material incident command structure (e.g., Technical Reference Specialist, Entry Team Leader, Decontamination Leader) to safely mitigate an incident.
45. Federal, State, and local regulations affecting emergency plans (e.g., operating plans, response plans, pre-plans) to ensure personnel are in compliance during emergency operations.
46. Applicable codes, laws, rules, and regulations (e.g., Public Resource Code, Health and Safety Code, Penal Code, Uniform Fire Code) to ensure appropriate application in all administrative and firefighter activities.
47. Fire prevention principles and practices (e.g., defensible space, school programs, weed abatement) to prevent fires and provide fire safety.
48. Basic construction (e.g., buildings, trails, water systems) for appropriate maintenance and project completion.

Skill to:

1. Render basic medical aid (e.g., cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation, oxygen administration, control bleeding) to stabilize patients.
2. Perform and adhere to the California State Paramedic scope of practice (e.g., intubation, vascular access, medication administration).
3. Safely drive and operate emergency equipment (e.g., utility vehicles, fire apparatus, crew buses) through adverse conditions (e.g., mountainous and/or rough terrain, heavy traffic, long drives, inclement weather).
4. Operate resuscitator and/or bag valve mask to individuals having difficulty breathing and in respiratory failure.
5. Operate medical devices (e.g., Automated External Defibrillator [AED], bag valve mask, splints) to render medical aid.
6. Operate firefighting equipment (e.g., hoses, extinguishers, ladders) for safe and effective use during fire suppression and training.
7. Operate various fire pumps (e.g., vehicle, portable, auxiliary) for safe and effective use during fire suppression and training.
8. Multi-task during emergency and non-emergency situations to ensure effective operation and performance.
9. Perform arduous physical activity (e.g., running, hiking, climbing) in all conditions and terrain for effective job performance.
10. Use proper lifting mechanics to prevent personal injury.
11. Speak to others to effectively convey information (e.g., incident, safety, education).
12. Read and comprehend information (e.g., fire, medical, policies, procedures) to effectively interpret information.
13. Use communication equipment (e.g., radio, telephone, Mobile Data Computer) for effective communication in emergency and non-emergency situations.
14. Produce written correspondence (e.g., email, letters, forms) to effectively convey information.
15. Construct a fire line using tools (e.g., power, hand, firing devices) to limit fire spread in various fuel types and conditions.

Ability to:

1. Administer the correct medication appropriately in a given situation for proper patient care.
2. Assess and administer the appropriate level of care during medical emergencies.
3. Administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in medical emergencies to provide the highest level of care to the public.
4. Check vital signs of patient to determine whether circulation and respiration are functional and adequate.
5. Adequately administer emergency medical care to ill or injured persons to stabilize the patient.
6. Recognize the critically ill or injured (e.g., acute vs. non-acute) for proper patient care.
7. Exercise good judgement in emergency situations to ensure safe and effective operations.
8. Communicate effectively in stressful situations for effective job performance.
9. Maintain situational awareness during stressful situations for safe and effective outcome.
10. Multi-task during emergency and non-emergency situations to accomplish numerous or daily tasks.
11. Recognize the characteristics of smoke (e.g., volume, velocity, density, color [VVDC]) to determine operational needs and safety factors.
12. Recognize life safety hazards and make appropriate decisions for an effective resolution.
13. Properly manage fireline personnel emergencies (e.g., wildland, structural) to provide prompt care and treatment.
14. Accurately compute hydraulic calculations to achieve effective fire flow.
15. Operate various fire hoses (e.g., charged, bundled) for appropriate application during fire suppression and other activities.
16. Recognize the characteristics of fire behavior to ensure firefighter and public safety.
17. Communicate effectively using a variety of terminology (e.g., incident command system, medical, fire) for safe and effective operation.
18. Accurately interpret and follow directions from others (e.g., adjoining forces, crews, supervisors) to accomplish tasks.
19. Recognize sensitive situations (e.g., crime scene, fatality accident) to maintain confidentiality.
20. Interpret applicable medical codes, laws, rules and regulations (e.g., Emergency Medical Services [EMS], Ryan White Act) to ensure appropriate application in all administrative and firefighter activities.
21. Determine appropriate strategies and tactics (e.g., Rescue, Exposures, Confinement, Extinguish, Overhaul, Ventilation, Salvage [RECEO-VS], defensive vs. offensive, mode of operations) in emergency situations according to industry standards to ensure safe and effective operations.
22. Manage emergency incidents according to established procedures (e.g., laws, policies, agency agreements).
23. Follow written and oral instructions to ensure a safe and effective operations.
24. Safely use and maintain firefighting tools and equipment (e.g., chainsaw, axe, ventilation fans) to accomplish tasks.
25. Operate Department and cooperating agencies’ mobile equipment to safely and effectively complete daily tasks.
26. Maintain cooperative relationships with other organizations and agencies, and individuals in a work situation for safe and effective operations.
27. Verbally communicate effectively to a variety of audiences (e.g., patients, coworkers, stakeholders) to maintain effective relationships.
28. Prepare clear and concise reports (e.g., fire, finance, medical) for accurate report writing.
29. Safely coordinate resources (e.g., air, ground, water) with operations to maximize effective use of available resources.
30. Read and interpret maps (e.g., topographic, road, quadrangle) to complete tasks and locate specific areas.
31. Question callers to determine their locations, the nature of their problems, and determine the type of response needed with accuracy.
32. Solve mathematical problems (e.g., arithmetic, geometry, algebra) to ensure accuracy.
33. Assist in personnel functions (e.g., hiring, performance management, training) to meet the Department’s mission, vision, and values.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the FIRE APPARATUS ENGINEER (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.

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.

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

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.

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.