Firefighter - Entry

• Principles and practices of fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and emergency operations.
• Basic structural and wildland fire behavior, fire prevention, fire suppression tactics, and incident control.
• Basic building construction, materials, and structural characteristics as they relate to fire behavior and emergency operations.
• Basic life support and emergency medical procedures.
• Search, rescue, extrication, and patient transportation procedures.
• Firefighting tools, equipment, appliances, hose, ladders, and apparatus, including their uses, operation, readiness, and maintenance.
• Personal protective equipment and its proper use, care, and maintenance.
• Incident Command System (ICS) principles and practices.

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with coworkers, supervisors, other agencies, and members of the public.
• Receive, understand, and follow oral and written instructions, including technical materials, manuals, policies, procedures, and training materials.
• Learn and apply technical knowledge and practical skills through classroom instruction, hands-on training, practice, and feedback.
• Work effectively as a member of a team and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Live and work cooperatively in a firehouse environment.
• Apply basic mechanical principles in the operation and use of firefighting tools, equipment, and apparatus.
• Interpret and apply department policies, procedures, rules, and standards related to training, drills, personnel conduct, assignments, scheduling, and performance expectations. 
• Perform basic computer operations and effectively utilize for email, scheduling, and other routine communications.
• Maintain professional conduct during all interactions with the public. 
• Apply basic knowledge of building construction, fire behavior, and related principles to emergency operations and pre-fire planning.
• Operate a radio and communicate effectively during emergency and non-emergency activities.
• Complete training documentation, using appropriate department systems.
• Use appropriate judgment and respond effectively and professionally during routine, emergency, stressful, and potentially hazardous situations.
• Comply with Santa Barbara City Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures, City of Santa Barbara policies, and applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
• Work effectively in confined spaces and under conditions involving heat, smoke, hazardous materials, adverse weather, unpleasant sights and odors, and other physically and emotionally demanding circumstances.
• Wear and properly use required personal protective equipment and perform duties requiring prolonged and rigorous physical activity.
• Maintain the physical condition necessary to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.
• Work irregular schedules and additional shifts as required, including overtime, mandatory assignments, emergency callbacks, and other operational needs.
• Respond to out-of-town mutual aid assignments, for periods up to or exceeding 14 days, with short notice when required to meet planned or emergency operational needs.

• Frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and maneuvering firefighting equipment and occasionally moving or assisting injured persons.
• Performing prolonged and strenuous physical activity during emergency operations and training.
• Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, and working in awkward or confined positions.
• Handling and operating tools, equipment, ladders, hose, and other firefighting equipment.
• Maintaining control of charged fire hose during fire suppression and training activities.
• Using hands and fingers for fine-motor activities, including tying knots and making precise adjustments.
• Using touch to identify objects and characteristics such as temperature and shape.
• Hearing and distinguishing sounds, alarms, radio transmissions, and other emergency signals.
• Demonstrating sufficient vision, including color recognition, to safely perform firefighting, rescue, emergency medical, and related duties.

1. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid CA Class A, B or C Driver’s License.
2. A valid CA or National Registry EMT certification OR valid CA Paramedic License
3. Accredited California Firefighter 1 Academy Completion OR California Firefighter I Certificate OR IFSAC Pro Board equivalent to include completion of the following testing:
   • Fire Fighter 1A: Structure 
   • Fire Fighter 1B: HazMat FRA/FRO 
   • Fire Fighter 1C: Wildland
4. Must be current on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) on 9/21/26. (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 9/21/25 and 9/21/26. 
   • A passing score on the FCTC Written Test must be dated between 9/21/25 and 9/21/26. 
   • 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/)

1. Application
2. Personal History Statement (PHS) questionnaire to be submitted, tentatively, by October 9th, 2026. 
3. Oral Interview / Assessment Center: 
   • Tentatively scheduled for October 5th-9th, 2026. 
4. Chief Oral Interview 
   • Tentatively scheduled for October 27th-28th, 2026. 
5. Background Investigation / LiveScan fingerprints
6. Medical Examination (NFPA 1582) and Controlled Substances Screening
7. Psychological Evaluation
   
   

Salary : $84,276 - $102,438