Firefighter Paramedic Trainee

Oakland, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 2 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The Position

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity inclusion and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the citys historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establishan environment that embraces the richness of culture community and individualism of employees.

We are currently recruiting for both Firefighter Trainee and Firefighter Paramedic Trainee positions. Candidates who wish to be considered for both positions must submit a separate application for each recruitment. Click here to review the job announcement and application for Firefighter Trainee.

Why join the City of Oakland Fire Department
OFD is a world-class fire department the proud members of the Oakland Fire Department are committed to providing the highest quality and highest level of courteous and responsive services to the citizens of Oakland. This is accomplished by implementing comprehensive strategies and training in fire prevention fire suppression emergency medical services and all risk mitigation including human-caused and natural disasters emergency preparedness 9-1-1 services and community-based fire services.

The Fire Fighter Trainee prepares for the sworn position of Fire Fighter. They participate in the intensive recruit training academy which focuses on fire technology prevention public education emergency response fire suppression search and rescue emergency medical service hazard mitigation fitness and health policies procedures and other response areas as assigned.

We are looking for someone who is:

Trustworthy: You will be entrusted with the utmost responsibility in ensuring public safety. The public will rely on you to perform your job with their trust in mind. They will entrust you with their personal property safety privacy loved ones care and even their lives.
Physically Fit: You will make health and fitness essential to your lifestyle. You will need to be physically fit and able to withstand the Fire Fighters physical and mental demands.
A Communicator: You will demonstrate clear intelligent and courteous communication within the firehouse on the fire ground and when interacting with the public. As taught in couples therapy you will also be expected to be an active listener live work and get along with many personality types.
Dedicated: You will be dedicated to what the job encompasses meaning hard-working hard training as you take pride in your work and strive to be the best at your assignments.
A Team Player: You will be expected to be a team player and grasp the importance of the team concept. This entails others relying on you to perform your job efficiently and effectively.
Conscious of Public Image: You will always maintain a good public image as a public servant. Your appearance is the first and sometimes the only thing people must go by before forming an opinion. As firefighters how you look speak and conduct yourself in public both on and off duty will reflect on yourself and your department and profession.
Selfless:You will be equally concerned with the well-being of others as much as you are with your own well-being. You may volunteer your time to worthy causes and have a natural propensity to help others and have a giving spirit. You will be courageous because you are willing to take risks and sacrifice to help others.

What you will typically be responsible for:

Participating in classroom lectures seminars and practical training sessions as directed in the Oakland Fire Departments training academy.
Receiving training in firefighting activities such as; fire suppression wildfire operations hose evolutions nozzle evolutions use of extrication tools such as chain saws axes jaws of life ladder raises ropes and knots fire extinguishers water supply systems fire prevention public safety education radio operations map reading salvage and overhaul operations emergency response driving and fire pump operations
Participating in fire drills and attending classes in firefighting emergency medical procedures hazardous materials and related subjects.
Learning the proper use and maintenance of fire-related apparatus equipment tools and facilities.
Learning about fire prevention and safety programs offered through the Oakland Fire Department including vegetation management building structural and other fire and life safety inspections and disaster preparedness.
Learning the policies procedures rules and regulations of the City of Oakland and Oakland Fire Department including ethics diversity and sexual harassment.

Read the complete job description by clickinghere.

A few reasons you might love this job:

You will have the opportunity to be trained in and respond to a multitude of diverse and complex incidents that include high-rise buildings Bay Area Rapid Transit Port of Oakland major interstate and railway networks Oakland Airport and wildland-urban interface.
You will work with the department to respond to over 60000 emergency incidents per year including over 900 structure fires rescue responses medical aid and other critical calls for service.
You will operate on a three-platoon system and utilize a 48/96 work schedule for platoon coverage.
You will be able to respond and train as part of specialized response teams. The Special Operations Division consists of four highly trained response teams: Aircraft Response Firefighting & Rescue Services Hazardous Materials Response Team Technical Rescue Team and the Water Rescue Response Team. Your Department is also the proud host of the FEMA-sponsored California Task Force 4 (CATF4) a Type 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team.
You will have a generous salary and benefits package and opportunities for incentive pay and career advancement!

A few challenges you might face in this job:

Your career in firefighting is strenuous both physically and mentally. You must maintain the highest physical and mental fitness level to succeed.
You will be expected to operate safely and effectively in harrowing conditions including but not limited to at high elevations in hot environments and under duress.
You will have manipulative and academic benchmarks that must be successfully passed to move forward from trainee to probationary to incumbent firefighter ranks.

* Click on the link below to see a video on what its like to work for the City of Oakland!
Working for the City of Oakland

Minimum Requirements for Application

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:
None required. Six months of experience as a fully licensed and practicing Paramedic is desirable.

Licenses/Certificates/Cards/Course Requirements:

(Proof of required licenses/certificates/cards/course requirementsmust be submitted in the following file formats: doc docx and PDF.) When completing your online employment profile please upload the required documents by clicking on Attachments and then clicking on Add Supplemental Attachment and add each required document separately.

In order to be placed on the eligible list you must possess and submit a current and valid:

Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P) license/certificationfrom Alameda County or equivalent (a current and valid National Registry EMT-Paramedic registration certificate with the ability to obtain accreditation with Alameda County within 9 months of appointment to the classification of Firefighter Paramedic).
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS for Healthcare Provider) or (CPR/AED) certification from the American Heart Association American Red Cross or Alameda County-approved equivalent. Even if you have a current EMT-P certification you are still required to upload a current CPR certification to your application.
Advanced Cardiac/Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) card
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) card
Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHLTS) card (or International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) card)

The EMT-P CPR/AED ACLS PALS and PHLTS certifications will be verified after the oral exam is complete (tentatively scheduled for March 2026). If you do not have your certifications uploaded by the completion of the oral exam you will not be considered for the first Fire Academy but you will have an additional opportunity to upload them to your application to be considered for the second Fire Academy.

To be considered for the 2026 Fall Fire Academy your certifications must be received by the completion of the oral board exam (tentatively scheduled for March 2026).

To be considered for the 2027 Fall Fire Academy your certifications must be received by January 31 2027.

The following certifications/licenses must be submitted at the time of the Chiefs Interview (tentatively scheduled for April 2026):

Possession of a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card issued by the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) or the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). *Please note: Your CPAT certificate is required to be issued within 1 year of the Chiefs Interviews (tentatively scheduled for April 2026) so your CPAT should be issued in April 2025 or more recently.

The following certifications/licenses must be submitted at the time of hire:

Possession of a valid California Class C drivers license or possession of an equivalent out-of-state license and the ability to obtain a valid California Class C drivers license prior to completion of the academy. Individuals who are appointed to this position are expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Individuals must possess and will be required to maintain a valid California Class C or higher Drivers License with an acceptable driving record while employed.

Other Requirements:
Age 18 (by January 11 2026).

Pass a thorough background investigation.

U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States.

Must be physically capable of performing all tasks required of an Oakland Firefighter including rigorous activities associated with emergency operations and meet California Department of Motor Vehicles visual acuity standards necessary to maintain the required licenses. Fitness will initially be determined by possession of a CPAT certificate/card and the ability to pass a medical evaluation.

Vision of 20/20 corrected or uncorrected with both eyes with an acceptable level of color vision.

Bilingual skills are highly desirable.

Supplemental Information

Selection Process
The Firefighter Trainee classification is unclassified and therefore exempt from Civil Service Rules.For unclassified positions the rule of the list applies which means that the appointing authority may select from the entire eligible candidates (as opposed to receiving four ranks at a time). Some of the factors that will be considered in making selection decisions include each candidates performance during each stage of the examination the results of the background and personality suitability assessments and the needs of the City and the Oakland Fire Department.

Stage I - Application Screening:The first stage in the selection process will consist of a review of each applicants electronic employment application for minimum qualifications (weighted pass/fail) including responses to all supplemental questions.

Stage II - Written Examination:Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be sent an email notifying them that they are qualified to continue in the recruitment process during the week of January 12 2026 with a link to schedule for the written exam administered by National Testing Network (NTN). The written exam measures abilities such as reading comprehension basic math mechanical aptitude and the ability to work and live as part of a team and appropriately represent the City of Oakland and the Oakland Fire Department. Candidates must complete the written exam by February 15 2026 at 11:59 pm online or at an NTN Testing Center. Candidates who have taken the written exam with NTN within the last 90 days must transfer their exam score and may not re-take the exam. Candidates who have taken the written exam within the last year (but more than 90 days ago) may choose to re-take the exam or transfer their exam score.

Stage III - Oral Board Examination:An oral interview examination weighted 100% measuring areas such as interpersonal skills judgment oral communication skills the ability to get along with others the ability to represent the City and the Oakland Fire Department and the ability to follow oral instructions. Candidates must earn a scale score of 70 on the oral exam and have all required certifications uploaded to their application to be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. Candidates who do not upload their required certifications to their application after passing the oral exam will remain in a pending status until their certifications are uploaded.

To be considered for the 2026 Fall Fire Academy your certifications must be received by the completion of the oral board exam (tentatively scheduled for March 2026).

To be considered for the 2027 Fall Fire Academy your certifications must be received by January 31 2027.

Stage IV - Eligible List Placement: Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list in rank order based on their oral board exam scores. Some candidates may receive extra points for example if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. Extra points are only applied to passing scores so if you do not pass every element of the testing process you cannot use extra points to pass.

The entire eligible list of candidates will be forwarded to the Oakland Fire Department and they will determine which candidates will be invited to the Chiefs interview. Placement on the eligible list does not guarantee an invitation to the Chiefs Interview.

The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and dates of examinations as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Stage V - Chiefs Interviews: Candidates placed on the eligible list may be invited to the Chiefs Interviews. The Oakland Fire Department will review the candidate applications and invite candidates to interview. Consideration may include but not limited to past job performance education training and demonstrated participation in departmental and community projects and activities. Therefore placement on the eligible list is not a guarantee of an invitation to interview training academy or appointment.

Candidates who are deemed to be most suitably qualified after the departmental interview will be invited to the training academy to serve in the classification of Firefighter Trainee and advance to the following stages:

Background investigation: Investigators will contact references friends family former employers and other contacts to verify the information provided. The background investigators will also check for a criminal record obtain a copy of the candidates driving record and check credit references. Applicants may be rejected for background factors at any step of the selection process. Providing fraudulent information at any stage of the selection process may be grounds for removal from the process.
Multi-phase performance trait assessment: Designed to measure suitability to serve as a member of the Oakland Fire Department the performance trait assessment test measures job-related traits and characteristics (such as conscientiousness and the ability to work as part of a team) which are important for successful performance as a Firefighter.
Medical Examination:Prior to a final offer of employment all candidates must pass a medical examination including screening for drugs vision hearing and general medical condition. Vision must be correctable to 20/40 for wearers of contact lenses and glasses. Soft lens wearers must have demonstrated success with their lenses for a period of at least six months. Wearers of hard contacts or glasses must have uncorrected vision not less than 20/100. All candidates must satisfactorily pass an audiogram hearing test. Candidates will be individually evaluated by the City Physician based upon job-related criteria. Medical conditions that render the applicant unable to perform the essential functions of the job and for which accommodation is not possible will be disqualifying.

Appointment from Firefighter Traineeto the Firefighter classification (as a probationary employee) will be made based on the successful completion of the Oakland Fire Department training academy.

How to Apply

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at: you do not have access to a computer there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor Oakland CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at for information; however we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions please email us at .

Working Conditions

A description of possible events in a working day of an Oakland Firefighter is below. It is intended to inform potential candidates of the typical functions performed by a Firefighter. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties performed nor all the knowledge skills and abilities employed by a Firefighter.

Oakland Firefighters are required to work 24-hour shift assignments including weekends and holidays and may be required to work overtime with little or no notice. Firefighters work an average of nine to ten 24-hour shifts for assistance are received around the and working at a firehouse includes housekeeping cooking cleaning and yard maintenance duties.

Firefighters are required to wear protective gear and equipment weighing approximately 45 pounds while performing emergency are exposed to a variety of weather conditions and are required to tolerate hot and cold temperatures.

While performing emergency aid Firefighters may lift and carry victims and move are required to have the ability to hear a variety of warning devices and alarms gas leaks or calls for used by Firefighters require precise arm-hand positioning and movements such as when operating a chainsaw or using emergency medical rescue operation of firefighting equipment often requires the coordinated movement of more than one limb simultaneously.

Emergency situations may require incumbents to work in small cramped crawl spaces areas where vision is limited and/or at heights including rooftops or on ladders. Firefighters must be able to distinguish among colors including the color of smoke and flame in order to determine the type and source of the fire color coding of placards and wires or to identify other potentially dangerous situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I dont know how to attach copies of my valid EMT License and CPR card to my online application
Please visit your local scanning document services company (such as Kinkos FedEx UPS etc.) or your local library for assistance. Cards must be submitted in the following file formats: .doc .docx and PDF. When completing your online employment profile please upload the required documents by clicking on Attachments and then clicking on Add Supplemental attachment. Please make sure you add all required documents separately.

What if my EMT CPR and/or CPAT cards expire soon after the application/filing period for the examination
You must have valid certifications in order to be placed on the eligible list and be considered for the Chiefs Interview. Please renew your certifications/cards and ensure they remain current throughout the process.

What is an Alameda County-approved equivalent CPR Card
In addition to CPR cards issued by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross the CPR cards issued by the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) or Cal Fire are considered equivalent.

What if I have an EMT card from another state Do I need to take the classes over again
If you have an out-of-state EMT card you will be allowed to proceed through the recruitment process but you will be required to have a valid NREMT card before attending the Fire Academy (in order to work in California). To obtain an EMT card in California you need to take and pass the National Registry EMT (NREMT) exam. Please visit Alameda County Emergency Medical Services (EMT) FAQs and go to Out-of-State Certifications for additional information: if I am enrolled in an EMT program but have not received my EMT card by the application closing date
If you meet the other qualifications you will be allowed to proceed through the recruitment process. However you will need to obtain and submit a current EMT-B or EMT-1 card or certificate of course completion in order to be placed on the eligible list.

What is an Alameda County-approved equivalent EMT card
An approved equivalent is an NREMT card.

What does it mean when it says I must obtain certification from Alameda County by the time of appointment
Alameda County is the local EMS agency that serves the City of Oakland. You will be required to go through Alameda Countys program and become certified to work for the City of Oakland.

How do I obtain accreditation through Alameda County by the time of appointment to the position
Please visit Alameda County Emergency Medical Services (EMT) FAQs and go to EMT Initial Certification and/or Recertification for additional information: I need my CPR card if I possess an EMT card
Yes you are required to have and upload a current CPR certification in order to be placed on the eligible list. The CPR card must also be valid at the time of being appointed to the position.

Do I need a California Drivers License if I am from out of state
Yes however please attach your out-of-state class Drivers License to your application. You can still apply and proceed through the recruitment process. Before you are appointed to the position you will be required to obtain and maintain a valid California Drivers License.

How do I obtain a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card
Visit the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) website for testing dates and information or call .

Do you accept CPAT cards from other organizations
Yes it must be an IAFF-recognized CPAT card. Visit their website for more details.

Where are the CFFJAC testing center locations and how much is the fee for testing
Visit the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) website for testing dates and information or call .

How many people are you planning to hire
30-35 per academy.

How many academies will you hire from this list

Two; the tentative dates for the Fire Academies are Fall 2026 and Fall 2027.

How long is the training academy
Approximately 20 weeks.

What happens after I complete the training academy
Those who successfully complete the training academy will enter an 18-month probationary period as a probationary employee to the sworn position of Firefighter and/or Firefighter Paramedic.

When is the written exam
You must complete the exam online or at anNTN Testing Center by February 15 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Do I have to pay for the NTN exam
The first 700 people who submit an application and are marked qualified for the recruitment will receive a voucher code with their test link to register for the exam. The remaining candidates who are marked qualified for the exam will need to pay approximately $60 at the time they register for the exam. All exam fees are non-refundable. If you have a valid test score with NTN you can call NTN and have them send your score to Oakland for $15.

What happens if I fail the written exam
Your application will be eliminated from this 2026 recruitment process. You can reapply during the next recruitment opportunity.

What happens if I fail the oral exam
Your application will be eliminated from this 2026 recruitment process. You can reapply during the next recruitment opportunity.

When is the next recruitment after this one
We dont have a date for when we will conduct another Firefighter Trainee or Firefighter Paramedic Trainee general eligible lists usually last for two years.

What if I need to request a testing accommodation
Candidates requesting reasonable accommodations for the written examination process must visit the following web page and follow the instructions provided: requesting reasonable accommodation for the oral board examination process must do sono later than one week before they are scheduled to take the exam; otherwise it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Please complete the Request for Reasonable Accommodation in Testing form by clicking on this link or by copying and pasting the link into your browser to open it:

form also must include the verification of the accommodation and a signature from your physician.

Mailed requests should be addressed to:
Alanna Butler HR Analyst

Human Resources Management Department
150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor
Oakland CA 94612

Email or faxyour request to:
Fax:
Email:

Additional Questions
Email your question(s) to or call .

Required Experience:

Intern

The PositionThe City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity inclusion and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the citys historical roots and the lives of...

The Position

We are looking for someone who is:

Trustworthy: You will be entrusted with the utmost responsibility in ensuring public safety. The public will rely on you to perform your job with their trust in mind. They will entrust you with their personal property safety privacy loved ones care and even their lives.
Physically Fit: You will make health and fitness essential to your lifestyle. You will need to be physically fit and able to withstand the Fire Fighters physical and mental demands.
A Communicator: You will demonstrate clear intelligent and courteous communication within the firehouse on the fire ground and when interacting with the public. As taught in couples therapy you will also be expected to be an active listener live work and get along with many personality types.
Dedicated: You will be dedicated to what the job encompasses meaning hard-working hard training as you take pride in your work and strive to be the best at your assignments.
A Team Player: You will be expected to be a team player and grasp the importance of the team concept. This entails others relying on you to perform your job efficiently and effectively.
Conscious of Public Image: You will always maintain a good public image as a public servant. Your appearance is the first and sometimes the only thing people must go by before forming an opinion. As firefighters how you look speak and conduct yourself in public both on and off duty will reflect on yourself and your department and profession.
Selfless:You will be equally concerned with the well-being of others as much as you are with your own well-being. You may volunteer your time to worthy causes and have a natural propensity to help others and have a giving spirit. You will be courageous because you are willing to take risks and sacrifice to help others.

What you will typically be responsible for:

Participating in classroom lectures seminars and practical training sessions as directed in the Oakland Fire Departments training academy.
Receiving training in firefighting activities such as; fire suppression wildfire operations hose evolutions nozzle evolutions use of extrication tools such as chain saws axes jaws of life ladder raises ropes and knots fire extinguishers water supply systems fire prevention public safety education radio operations map reading salvage and overhaul operations emergency response driving and fire pump operations
Participating in fire drills and attending classes in firefighting emergency medical procedures hazardous materials and related subjects.
Learning the proper use and maintenance of fire-related apparatus equipment tools and facilities.
Learning about fire prevention and safety programs offered through the Oakland Fire Department including vegetation management building structural and other fire and life safety inspections and disaster preparedness.
Learning the policies procedures rules and regulations of the City of Oakland and Oakland Fire Department including ethics diversity and sexual harassment.

Read the complete job description by clickinghere.

A few reasons you might love this job:

You will have the opportunity to be trained in and respond to a multitude of diverse and complex incidents that include high-rise buildings Bay Area Rapid Transit Port of Oakland major interstate and railway networks Oakland Airport and wildland-urban interface.
You will work with the department to respond to over 60000 emergency incidents per year including over 900 structure fires rescue responses medical aid and other critical calls for service.
You will operate on a three-platoon system and utilize a 48/96 work schedule for platoon coverage.
You will be able to respond and train as part of specialized response teams. The Special Operations Division consists of four highly trained response teams: Aircraft Response Firefighting & Rescue Services Hazardous Materials Response Team Technical Rescue Team and the Water Rescue Response Team. Your Department is also the proud host of the FEMA-sponsored California Task Force 4 (CATF4) a Type 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team.
You will have a generous salary and benefits package and opportunities for incentive pay and career advancement!

A few challenges you might face in this job:

Your career in firefighting is strenuous both physically and mentally. You must maintain the highest physical and mental fitness level to succeed.
You will be expected to operate safely and effectively in harrowing conditions including but not limited to at high elevations in hot environments and under duress.
You will have manipulative and academic benchmarks that must be successfully passed to move forward from trainee to probationary to incumbent firefighter ranks.

* Click on the link below to see a video on what its like to work for the City of Oakland!
Working for the City of Oakland

Minimum Requirements for Application

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:
None required. Six months of experience as a fully licensed and practicing Paramedic is desirable.

Licenses/Certificates/Cards/Course Requirements:

In order to be placed on the eligible list you must possess and submit a current and valid:

Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P) license/certificationfrom Alameda County or equivalent (a current and valid National Registry EMT-Paramedic registration certificate with the ability to obtain accreditation with Alameda County within 9 months of appointment to the classification of Firefighter Paramedic).
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS for Healthcare Provider) or (CPR/AED) certification from the American Heart Association American Red Cross or Alameda County-approved equivalent. Even if you have a current EMT-P certification you are still required to upload a current CPR certification to your application.
Advanced Cardiac/Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) card
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) card
Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHLTS) card (or International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) card)

To be considered for the 2026 Fall Fire Academy your certifications must be received by the completion of the oral board exam (tentatively scheduled for March 2026).

To be considered for the 2027 Fall Fire Academy your certifications must be received by January 31 2027.

The following certifications/licenses must be submitted at the time of the Chiefs Interview (tentatively scheduled for April 2026):

The following certifications/licenses must be submitted at the time of hire:

Other Requirements:
Age 18 (by January 11 2026).

Pass a thorough background investigation.

U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for the 2026 Fall Fire Academy your certifications must be received by the completion of the oral board exam (tentatively scheduled for March 2026).

To be considered for the 2027 Fall Fire Academy your certifications must be received by January 31 2027.

Background investigation: Investigators will contact references friends family former employers and other contacts to verify the information provided. The background investigators will also check for a criminal record obtain a copy of the candidates driving record and check credit references. Applicants may be rejected for background factors at any step of the selection process. Providing fraudulent information at any stage of the selection process may be grounds for removal from the process.
Multi-phase performance trait assessment: Designed to measure suitability to serve as a member of the Oakland Fire Department the performance trait assessment test measures job-related traits and characteristics (such as conscientiousness and the ability to work as part of a team) which are important for successful performance as a Firefighter.
Medical Examination:Prior to a final offer of employment all candidates must pass a medical examination including screening for drugs vision hearing and general medical condition. Vision must be correctable to 20/40 for wearers of contact lenses and glasses. Soft lens wearers must have demonstrated success with their lenses for a period of at least six months. Wearers of hard contacts or glasses must have uncorrected vision not less than 20/100. All candidates must satisfactorily pass an audiogram hearing test. Candidates will be individually evaluated by the City Physician based upon job-related criteria. Medical conditions that render the applicant unable to perform the essential functions of the job and for which accommodation is not possible will be disqualifying.

How to Apply

Working Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions