FIRE APPARATUS ENGINEER

Job Description and Duties

This job advertisement is for vacancies throughout the state in Range B of the Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) classification (Paramedics).

Applicants will be considered for PARAMEDIC POSITIONS ONLY.

Job Duties and Typical Tasks: Under general supervision, operates fire apparatus and equipment during wildland and structural firefighting operations; leads an assigned crew in the performance of firefighting duties; maintains and makes minor repairs on vehicles, equipment, and the fire stations; performs fire prevention tasks, and other related work. When performing in a paramedic position, as part of a paramedic team, performs paramedic duties in emergency medical situations. Drives and operates fire apparatus in connection with extinguishing wildland, structural, and other fires, and in fire prevention and rescue work; leads a crew; performs maintenance and simple repairs on equipment; makes reports on the operation of equipment; uses maps; operates two-way radio as necessary; may act as fire captain relief; assists in training crews to fight fire efficiently and safely; checks, cleans, and polishes trucks; does general facility maintenance and repair work; assists in building roads, trails, telephone lines, and minor structures; as a learner, may operate other heavy equipment to assist when required; makes fire law inspections; investigates fire causes; prepares and presents fire prevention programs to the public; keeps records and prepares reports. Performs work outside with potential exposure to environmental elements (e.g., extreme weather, poison oak).

In addition to the tasks listed above, when working in a paramedic position, renders emergency medical assistance at the advanced life support level; performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation and electrical defibrillation; lifts and transports injured persons; administers intravenous fluids as needed; 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 completes documentation associated with patient care delivery; prepares and presents demonstrations and classes in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other subjects relating to medical assistance to employees and the public.

Eligible candidates selected for positions in this classification may be placed in an apprenticeship program.

2026-2027 Annual Hiring Process

Each FAE Range B (Paramedic) hiring process lasts for one year and consists of multiple hiring rounds. There will be two (2) continuously posted advertisements per process, one for permanent and one for limited-term appointments. Every two months, applications submitted before a designated cutoff date are processed and candidates are introduced to appointing authorities in rounds based on the date their application is submitted. Candidates only need to apply once per process to be considered in all subsequent rounds, and their single application will be considered for both permanent and limited-term positions.

Working Conditions

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 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.

Eligibility

In order to be appointed to an FAE Range B (Paramedic) position, at least one of the eligibility criteria listed in the section titled "Who May Apply" must be met. However, lack of eligibility does not preclude interested parties from applying and competing for positions, and all applicants will be included in the selection process as long as all documents are submitted completely, correctly, and timely.

To establish list eligibility, candidates must take and pass the Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) examination. Upon successfully completing and passing the examination, names are placed on a certification list establishing “list eligible” candidates. Obtaining list eligibility does not guarantee employment. In order to obtain employment, candidates must apply to job vacancies and compete through the State recruitment process.

The exam is currently available and can be found by following the link below:

Fire Apparatus Engineer Exam Bulletin

• Please note: Taking and passing the Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) (1077) exam will allow applicants for both non-paramedic and paramedic positions to obtain eligibility, but candidates must still apply to the appropriate job advertisement that corresponds to the position of interest to be considered for hire.

Minimum Requirements

• FIRE APPARATUS ENGINEER

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist

Special Requirements

Application Instructions

Temporary Authorization Utilization (TAU) appointments may be considered as an option to fill vacant positions at units in this classification. Candidates that were unsuccessful in the FAE examination process may still be eligible for a TAU appointment to open paramedic positions after applicants with all other types of eligibility have been considered if minimum qualifications are verified and all other requirements are met.

In accordance with the California State Constitution, no person may serve in one or more positions under a temporary appointment longer than nine (9) months in 12 consecutive months. Therefore, all time served in temporary appointments during the 12 consecutive month period will count towards this 9 month maximum. An employee gains no status or rights as a result of a TAU appointment and if appointed TAU only (no permanent appointment), the employee has no reinstatement eligibility. Persons who do not possess the minimum qualifications for the classification are ineligible for a TAU appointment.

If you are offered and accept a TAU appointment, you will be required to take and pass the examination for this classification as soon as you are eligible to retake it. If you do not take the exam within 9 months, if you cannot substantiate you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification, or if you do not pass the examination, your TAU appointment will be terminated within 48 hours of the exam results being released, resulting in immediate separation from service.

• $250 - $6000 Paramedic Recruitment and Retention Pay (paid every November)
  

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials that can be found on the Pay Differentials Library website.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

• Only ONE application package submission is required to be considered for permanent and/or limited-term positions statewide.

• State Application (Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) (Rev. 12/2021) - must complete entire form, including relevant work history and detailed descriptions of relevant job duties

• Resume - Must be current and reflect all relevant qualifications

• Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299)

• Current FAEP Work Location Form

• Front and back of your valid driver’s license of the appropriate class

• Front and back of your valid California Paramedic license

• California Joint Apprenticeship Committee Candidate Physical Ability Test (Cal-JAC CPAT) Card

• Paramedic Supplemental Form

• BU8 In-Class transfers must follow the BU8 MOU Section 9.2 guidelines to be considered in the selection process. BU8 In-Class transfers need not submit an application in accordance with this advertisement.