Firefighter Trainee #26A-31 (20743054)

Please review the minimum qualifications carefully prior to submitting your application to ensure you are applying to the appropriate recruitment. Applications submitted to the wrong job posting may not move forward in the selection process. *IF you currently hold a Firefighter 1 Certificate - please do not apply to the Trainee position, but rather apply to the Firefighter Engineer position.

The Firefighter Candidate Testing Center’s (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) will be used to screen applications. If you are not already on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) (For more information on how to be placed on the FCTC SEL, visit https://www.fctconline.org/sel /)

Interested in learning more about the Redwood City Fire Department: Attend the Open House on June 13, 2026, between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Station 9, located at 755 Marshall St, Redwood City, CA 94063

Oral Board Interviews will take place in-person during the week of July 13th.

Paramedic Assessment will take place in person, the week of July 20th.

Chief Final Interviews will take place in person, the week August 10th.

• These dates are confirmed.

The Role:

The City of Redwood City is seeking Firefighter Trainees who, under immediate supervision, actively participate in the Firefighter Academy training program. Trainees perform all related learning and testing activities in preparation for the Firefighter/Engineer classification within the Fire Department of the City of Redwood City. See Firefighter Trainee job description for more details. Upon successful completion of the Firefighter Academy training program and Field Training Orientation (FTO/Apprentice), incumbents of this non-sworn classification may be appointed to the sworn classification of Firefighter/Engineer and serve a probationary period of eighteen (18) months. The Firefighter/Engineer monthly salary range is from $10,108.81 to $12,903.53. Please see the Firefighter/Engineer job description for more details.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D. or California Certificate of Proficiency).
• Possession of a valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) OR a valid Paramedic license prior to appointment.
• Proof of a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) dated within 12 months prior to appointment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment to the classification of Firefighter/ Engineer.
• To be eligible for this recruitment, candidates must be on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center's (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL).

Recruitment Process:

• Written Application & Supplemental Questionnaire

• Must be current on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) on 06/15/26. (For more information on how to be placed on the FCTC SEL, visit https://www.fctconline.org/sel /)

• Cal-JAC CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Card must be dated between 06/15/25 and 06/15/26.

• A passing score on the FCTC Written Test must be dated 06/15/25 and 06/15/26.

• To view upcoming Cal-JAC CPAT and FCTC Written Test dates, click here (https://www.fctconline.org/testingschedules/).

• Candidates experiencing financial hardship may qualify for financial aid to pay for their FCTC testing fees. (https://www.fctconline.org/financialaid/)
  **IMPORTANT: It is your sole responsibility to ensure your contact information in your FCTC profile matches what you are putting on this application to be accurately matched to the SEL. (FCTC ID#, Name, Email Address, Phone Number, etc.)**

See Job Flyer

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:

• At least eighteen (18) years of age at commencement of Fire Academy.
• Vision Standards: Must pass a pre-employment medical exam according to the standards set by The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Freedom from color blindness.
• Hearing Standards: Must pass a pre-employment medical exam according to NFPA.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach, crawl, twist, climb, lift and carry in excess of 100 lbs.; pull and/or drag 175 lbs.; work in the following environments: cold, extreme heat, extreme noise, outdoors, confining work spaces, elevated areas; work with electrical hazards, vibration, chemicals, dust, toxic waste, mechanical hazards, and explosive materials; availability for shift work.

Recruitment Process:

• Written Application and Supplemental Questionnaire
• Written Exam
  • The Firefighter Candidate Testing Center’s (FCTC) Written Exam and Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) and will be used to screen applications. If you are not already on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL), please arrange to be on the list at www.fctconline.org/written-testing/. There is a $50 fee for the test. Candidates experiencing financial hardship may qualify for financial aid to pay for their FCTC testing fees at https://www.fctconline.org/grants/. FCTC test results must be available by June 15, 2026, for consideration.

Please note:

• Updates about process details and application status will be provided via CalOpps as they become available. Individual status updates will not be provided; please do not inquire. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.
• Candidates with a Paramedic License are highly desirable and encouraged to apply.
• All certifications, licenses, training, and other relevant information must be clearly stated within the appropriate area(s) of the CalOpps application, and added as attachments.
• Trainee candidates will need to attend an academy at the start of their employment.

The Fine Print

• Applications will be reviewed and those who best meet the qualifications for the position may be invited to continue in the selection process. • Prior to appointment, candidates will be required to pass a background check (at no cost to the candidate) including criminal, DMV, DOJ fingerprinting, psychological evaluation, drug screening, and a pre-employment physical. • Candidates with a disability which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources prior to or upon submittal of application by contacting calopps@redwoodcity.org • Questions? Read hiring process FAQs, or reach out via email to calopps@redwoodcity.org • Provisions in this document may be modified or revoked without notice. • Redwood City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note that attachments cannot be added to applications after they have been submitted. Please make sure your application is complete and all required attachments are uploaded prior to submitting your application.