Firefighter

Description

COMPASSION * DEDICATION * COMMITMENT * INNOVATION * COLLABORATION

Menlo Park Fire Protection District is looking to hire Firefighter EMTs and Firefighter Paramedics for January 2027.

This position will close on 3/31/2026 at noon or once we have received 500 applicants.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Class C or higher US driver’s license (CA required by time of hire)
• EMT or Paramedic License (National Registry or California)
• AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider certificate
• Valid CPAT dated after 4/1/25
• Register for the CPAT exam (must be completed by 3/31/26)
• Upcoming tests:
• Livermore: 3/12/2026, 3/18/2026, 3/27/2026
• Sacramento: 3/6/2026, 3/20/2026
• South El Monte: 3/12/2026, 3/19/2026, 3/21/2026, 3/26/2026
• San Diego: 3/14/2026, 3/27/2026
• Passing score on the FCTC written exam after 4/1/2025
• Register for the FCTC exam (must be completed by 3/31/2026)
• SFFD Division of Training: 3/7/2026
• Burbank Fire Training Center: 3/13/2026
• Livermore: 3/14/2026
• Mt. San Antonio College: 3/14/2026
• Sacramento: 3/26/2026
• University of Redlands: 3/28/2026
• Email kmacdonald@menlofire.gov if you have a financial hardship and need a fee waiver.

Process:

The process may include a video interview, in-person interview, Chief's interview, background, polygraph, psychological exam, and medical exam. A timeline will be sent to all applicants by March 31st.

We are looking to have an open house on Saturday March 21st. Station visits will only be allowed for those invited to in-person interviews.

Definition

Under general supervision of a Fire Captain, a Firefighter performs firefighting and fire prevention duties and rescues; other administrative duties as assigned; renders emergency first aid and medical treatment; maintains all fire department apparatus and equipment; assists in training programs and public education activities; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics EMT

This is a fully skilled, journey classification requiring the ability to perform the full range of duties that may be assigned to positions in the class. Employees in this class engage in the suppression or prevention of fires. The work involves responsibility for preventing loss of life and property and minimizing the effect of injuries in emergency situations. It is frequently performed under hazardous conditions requiring rapid response and strenuous physical exertion. Major elements of the work are participation in responses of emergency situations, in service training, first aid, and communications equipment. Work is performed under close or general supervision depending on the nature of the assignment. A firefighter is required to exercise initiative and discretion when faced with emergency conditions. It is distinguished from Firefighter/Paramedic by the lesser requirement of an EMT-1 certification and the responsibility for performing Basic Life Support functions, as opposed to the EMT-P certification and Advanced Life Support responsibilities of the Firefighter/Paramedic.

Distinguishing Characteristics Paramedic

This classification is distinguished from the firefighter classification in that it has paramedic responsibilities for delivering and administering basic and advanced emergency medical care within the parameters of Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic certification, laws and applicable regulations; provides treatment for victims at the scene of an emergency, in route to a hospital and upon arrival at a hospital when necessary; responds to calls and assists in all phases of fire suppression operations; performs fire prevention duties and programs as assigned, including training and public education.

Examples of Duties

• Responds to fire alarms, emergency medical calls, and emergency rescues and performs required emergency services;
• Provides basic emergency medical treatment to injured or ill persons; calms victims and other persons involved at the scene;
• Inspects residential, commercial and industrial properties to discover and eliminate potential hazards and complies with fire codes, ordinances and laws;
• Assists in performing station and grounds maintenance activities; cleans equipment, vehicles and living quarters;
• Checks the condition of fire apparatus and appliances for proper working order;
• Completes maintenance work on fire apparatus, fire hydrants, other appliances and equipment;
• Performs firefighting tactical duties which include hose line operations, use of ladders and ventilation procedures; performs life saving rescue operations; operates portable fire extinguishers;
• Participates in the clean up and overhaul operations at scene of emergencies;
• Conducts company or District training on firefighting methods;
• Takes part in fire prevention activities such as public education and training;
• Continues own training and education programs by individual study and participation in scheduled drills and classes;
• Makes incident reports and other reports as directed; participates in committees and similar organizational activities;
• Provides technical and functional work direction to others as required; plans and checks the work of others as assigned;
• Works safely and follows policies, practices and procedures related to work safely; calms victims and other persons involved at the scene;
• May serve as Acting Fire Engineer or Fire Captain when assigned and upon meeting all requirements of that classification to which temporarily assigned;
• Remains current with changes in education, technology, rules, regulations and laws related to the work;
• Accepts responsibility for meeting all requirements for recertification and licensing/endorsements; passes all qualifying exams;
• Prepares and presents simple reports, files, logs and records as required;
• Promotes good community relations by making public presentations and conducting demonstrations; and
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  
  

Medics:

• Responds to calls and provides Advanced Life Support first responder pre-hospital emergency medical care and emergency medical assistance to victims of accidents, injury or illness.
• Maintains communication with Base Hospital personnel if appropriate during emergency care;
• Surveys patient for injuries, takes and monitors vital signs, interviews witnesses and patients where feasible, observes evidence at scene, and interprets patient’s signs and symptoms to develop a basic diagnostic assessment.
• Independently selects and implements immediate courses of action in accordance with program standards or when MICU contact is not available.
• Performs cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation; stems bleeding and protects tissue by bandaging.
• Establishes cardiac monitoring, reads and interprets electrocardiograms and defibrillates ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia; administers oral, subcutaneous, intravenous and intramuscularly medications and fluids.
• Performs emergency field surgical procedures such as pleural decompression and endotracheal intubations.
• Directs the work of qualified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) in their performance of duties in providing medical assistance as needed; completes Patient Care Reports (PCR) and other reports.
• Coordinates the use of equipment and personnel with the scene commander; takes recertification tests to maintain current knowledge and certification.
• May be responsible for training or re-certifying firefighters to EMT levels under the direction of the Mobile Intensive Care Nurse and/or District designated employee(s).
  
  

Typical Qualifications

Job-related Qualifications

Knowledge Of:

• Modern fire suppression and basic emergency medical principles, practices and equipment;
• Laws, codes, ordinances and regulations governing fire prevention;
• Departmental policies and procedures, rules and regulations; and
• Basic arithmetic.
  
  

Additional For Medic:

• Advanced Life Support pre-hospital emergency medical care techniques, principles, and practices.
• Basic human anatomy and physiology.
• Medical terminology, techniques and analytical processes used in the description and assessment of patient status.
• Categories, applications, contraindications and appropriate dosage levels; procedures and equipment used in vital sign monitoring.
• Symptoms of impaired cardiac and respiratory functioning, altered states of consciousness, various types of toxicity an poisoning, shock, and common disease.
• Applicable laws, codes and ordinances.
  
  

Ability To:

• Carry out complex oral and written instructions;
• Read, interpret, explain and apply fire prevention laws and rules;
• Analyze problems and take effective action in emergencies;
• Learn the geography of the District;
• Drive an automobile and operate firefighting equipment;
• Use a variety of hand and power tools;
• Maintain good physical conditioning in order to perform strength and agility tasks;
• Communicate effectively in writing, orally, and with others to assimilate, understand, and convey information, in a manner consistent with job functions;
• Understand and act in accordance with department rules and instructions of written firefighting techniques and procedures, together with skill in applying them to specific situations;
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public;
• Learn and effectively apply local, state, and federal codes, laws, and regulations;
• Represent the District effectively and professionally in contacts with representatives of other agencies and the public;
• Effectively resolve customer service issues;
• Recommend process improvement changes to streamline procedures;
• Perform assignments and maintain equipment in a safe manner; understand and effectively carry out safety policies, rules, and regulations; properly use safety equipment;
• Assume personal responsibility for completing shared work tasks in cooperation with other members of a team living in a dormitory-like setting;
• Show tolerance, tact and respect for others in support of District policies for promoting a harmonious workplace;
• Receive direction from supervisors and co-workers to accomplish shared tasks and meet team goals; readily accept constructive criticism, mentoring and coaching; and
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
  
  

Additional For Medic:

• Observe and evaluate patient status and conditions at the scene; determine appropriate basic and advanced life support procedures.
• Make paramedical decisions rapidly and under stressful conditions.
  
  

Skill In:

• Using and manipulating a variety of hand and power tools, medical equipment and instruments and apparatus;
• Basic keyboarding; and
• Operating a personal computer and appropriate worked-related applications, such as including word processing, calendaring, and e-mail systems, etc.
  
  

Experience And Training

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience: None required.

Training: Equivalent to graduation from high school. College level course work in fire science or related field is desirable. Satisfactory completion of San Mateo Fire Academy or other District approved fire academy.

Additional For Medic:

Training: Certification as a Paramedic; equivalent to graduation from high school. Course work in fire science or related field is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates

All licenses and certifications must be maintained as a condition of employment.

• Possession of or ability to obtain by date of appointment, a valid class C or higher California driver’s license; and a safe driving record; and
• Possession of a valid, current State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-1) Certificate; and
• Possession of a valid, current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate.
  
  

Additional For Medic:

• Possession of a valid, current Paramedic Certificate.
  
  

IAFF is currently in negotiations and benefits are subject to change, effective July 1, 2026.

EMTs $132,996—$159,498

Paramedics $147,587—$174,089

(Includes EMT/Paramedic pay, uniform allowance, and holiday pay)

• Paramedic pay: $1,882/month
• EMT pay: $724/month
• Holiday pay: 144 hours/year
• Café Contribution: Up to $2,983/month based on enrollment level to cover health insurance, flexible spending accounts, voluntary life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and vision insurance.
• CalPERS retirement
• Classic: 3% @ 50 (employee pays 3% of employer rate)
• PEPRA: 2.7% @ 57
• Post employment health plan contribution of $675/month
• Employee assistance program
• Dental reimbursement program
• 12 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays
• Annual leave from 288-432 hours/year
• Uniform allowance of $75/month
• Bilingual pay of $275/month
• Residency stipend $500/month
• Continuing education funds
  

01

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Do you have a valid California driver's license?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Do you have a valid EMT or Paramedic license?

• Yes I have a current EMT license (California or National Registry)
• Yes I have a current paramedic license (California or National Registry)
• Yes I have a current EMT license (California or National Registry) and am in process for my paramedic license
• No, I am currently in process of getting my EMT license
• No, my EMT/paramedic license is expired
• No, I do not have either license
  
  

04

I have a valid AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certificate.

• Yes
• I have a AHA BLS certificate but it is expired
• No, I do not
  
  

05

Optional for preference points: I have been a Fire Cadet with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District.

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

Optional for preference points: I am a US Veteran in good standing (proof will required at a later date).

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

For the FCTC Written Test

• I have taken the test after 4/1/25.
• I am registered to take the test before 3/31/26.
• I have not taken the test in the eligibility period.
  
  

08

For the CPAT Test

• I have taken the CPAT test with FCTC after 4/1/25.
• I am registered to take the CPAT before 3/31/26.
• I have not taken the test in the eligibility period.
• Required Question