What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Apparatus Engineer position at Orange County Fire Authority?
Description
SALARY: The salary indicated for this position corresponds with a 56 hour average duty week.
This promotional opportunity is open to current qualified Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) non-probationary firefighter unit members. ONLY applications from current, qualified OCFA Firefighters will be considered.
Essential Functions
Operate fire apparatus in the suppression of structural, aircraft, wildland, and other types of fires and in response to various emergency situations; and maintains and makes minor repairs on fire vehicles, equipment, and facilities. For a detailed list of duties, see the classification specification at www.ocfa.org.
Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE
At time of application, applicants must have completed probation as a Firefighter and possess at least two (2) years of experience as a full-time career Firefighter with the OCFA or a fire agency for which the OCFA assumed fire protection responsibility. Qualifying experience as a Firefighter begins at time of hire as either a Firefighter Trainee or Firefighter.
CERTIFICATIONS
In order to be eligible to participate in the promotional recruitment and selection process, applicants must have completed the formalized OCFA Fire Apparatus Engineer Development Series (Class 1 - 4) OR applicants must have completed Driver Operator 1A and 1B at the time of application.
A copy of your Fire Apparatus Engineer Development Series (Class 1 – 4) certificates or California State Driver Operator 1A and 1B certificates must be attached to the electronic application at time of application or delivered to Human Resources no later than 12:00 PM (noon) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Failure to submit proof of documentation by October 15, 2025, will result in disqualification from this Fire Apparatus Engineer recruitment and selection process.
LICENSE
All applicants must possess a valid California Class C Driver License with a firefighter endorsement and a valid DL546 on file with the DMV OR a valid, unrestricted Class A or B Driver License.
When assigned to the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Program, possession of a valid California Class A Commercial Driver License. Possession of a valid California Class A Commercial Driver License, subjects the incumbent to the provisions of the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, which includes DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing while employed in this classification.
This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program, which periodically provides Risk Management with the incumbent's Driver License record and status.
A copy of your qualifying driver license must be attached to the electronic application or delivered to Human Resources no later than Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM (noon). A permit will not be accepted. Failure to submit proof of documentation by the deadline on October 15, 2025, will result in disqualification from the Fire Apparatus Engineer recruitment and selection process.
KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY
These requirements are detailed in the classification specification which is available for review at www.ocfa.org.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Must maintain the status of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Should you have further questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to Battalion Chief Levi Medina or Fire Captain Jason Kramer.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Human Resources Will Screen All Applications For Minimum Qualifications.
ONLINE APPLICATION
An applicant must submit, during the application filing period, an online application and attach any supplemental information as required in the job announcement, which may include submitting responses to a supplemental questionnaire and PDF copies of certificates. To apply for this position, please visit www.ocfa.org and submit your online application and all relevant supplemental documentation. Human Resources will screen all applications for minimum qualifications.
DEVELOPMENT CLASSES
Please visit FAE Development Series for information or to view additional course offerings.
WRITTEN EXAM
The written exam is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The written exam will cover firefighting essentials; emergency vehicle operation; water supplies; fire stream practices; fire suppression equipment; knowledge and use of equipment and pumping apparatus; aerial apparatus; apparatus maintenance/testing procedures; fire protection systems; hydraulics principles and calculations; defensive and Code 3 driving procedures; and OCFA General Orders and Standard Operating Procedures.
FAE Study and Reference Material
ORAL INTERVIEWS
The oral interviews are scheduled Monday, December 1 - Friday, December 5, 2025.
FIRE APPARATUS ENGINEER ACADEMY
Candidates who achieve 80% or greater on the written exam and oral interview will be placed on the Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy eligibility list in ranked order. Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy 42 is scheduled Monday - Thursday, January 12, 2026 – March 5, 2026. Placement into the Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy will be in ranked order and is determined by department need and logistics. Candidates not placed in the Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy 42 will remain on the Fire Academy Eligibility list for up to one (1) year.
WEIGHTS FOR SELECTION COMPONENTS
Failure to perform manipulative skills, required documentation, and apparatus checks, or failure to complete all required check sheets may result in dismissal from the Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy.
ELIGIBILITY LIST
The Fire Apparatus Engineer promotional eligibility list will be established in rank order and promotions will occur in rank order. The promotional eligibility list will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of establishment or until all the names on the list are exhausted. The eligibility list may be extended by mutual agreement of all parties.
Tentative Schedule Of Events
Americans With Disabilities Act Accommodation
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation should contact Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst II, at (714) 573 - 6828 or juliekwak@ocfa.org at least 72 hours prior to the need for the accommodation.
QUESTIONS
All questions regarding this recruitment should be addressed to Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst II, at (714) 573 - 6828 or via email at juliekwak@ocfa.org.
NOTE
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without prior notice.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Please note: This summary reflects the benefits for shift employees assigned to a 56-hour average duty week. For benefits information related to staff assignments (40-hour workweek), please refer to the OCPFA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) Local 3631: This classification is represented by the OCPFA Local 3631. Please visit http://www.ocfirefighters.org for more information.
Base Salary Adjustments
Employees are eligible for an initial merit salary increase (1 to 4 steps) on the first day of the pay period following completion of fifty-two (52) weeks of service, and thereafter annually based on their work performance and until they reach the top of their 12-step salary range.
Health Benefits
Pursuant to a Health Plan Agreement, the Authority contributes to the OCPFA medical benefit trust fund for health insurance and other related benefits. Brown Insurance Services (BIS) is the administrator for these benefits. The current contribution to the medical benefit trust fund will continue through 6/30/2026 in the amount of $2,199.49/month for "actively employed" enrollee members of the unit.
Retirement
All regular OCFA employees are members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) - a defined benefit retirement program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.
Legacy Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who establish reciprocity with OCERS are enrolled in the 3% at age 55 retirement formula (Plan R). The compensation limit for Legacy members for 2025 is $350,000.
New Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 without reciprocity are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 57 retirement formula (Plan V). The compensation limit for PEPRA members for 2025 is $186,096 (non-Social Security Participants).
For more information about OCERS retirement, please visit OCERS, or view the Retirement Plan HERE.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may voluntarily participate in the Authority’s deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Nationwide Retirement Services and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals. This plan is 100% employee funded.
Retiree Medical Savings Plan
Employees participate in an employer sponsored retirement Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with a contribution of 3.0% of base salary. Firefighter Trainees and Handcrew Firefighters do not participate in this benefit.
OCPFA Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan
Employees contribute 1.0% of their base salary towards the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan Trust Fund.
Social Security
Orange County Fire Authority employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.
Medicare
Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare. Employees whose wages exceed $200,000 in a calendar year shall contribute an additional 0.9%.
Educational Incentive Pay
Employees with college-level semester units or a bachelor’s degree are eligible for educational incentive pay as follows:
Hand Crew Firefighters are not eligible for educational incentive Pay.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Pay
Employees (other than Firefighter Trainees) who maintain an active State of California EMT certification will receive, in addition to their regular salary, seven (9%) percent of each employee’s base salary per month, prorated on an hourly basis for regular hours paid.
Other Specialty Pays
Employees who move into special assignments at OCFA, or who possess specialized skills, may be eligible for other specialty pays. Please refer to the OCPFA MOU and Side Letter Agreements for further details.
Tuition Reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement is $2,000 per fiscal year to cover certain expenses associated with academic pursuits.
Holidays
Employees in the Firefighters Unit observe 13 holidays within the calendar year:
Vacation
Vacation accrual is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime. For shift employees:
Sick leave is is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime. For shift employees:
The Authority provides uniforms to employees.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
The OCFA offers regular, limited-term, and probationary employees both a Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account that can be used throughout the year on qualified medical or dependent care expenses. Participants pay fewer taxes and take home more money. For 2022, the maximum employee contribution is $2,750 for eligible medical expenses. The maximum employee contribution is $5,000 for eligible dependent care expenses.
WEFIT Program
The WEFIT Program is mandatory/non-punitive. The OCFA shall provide all five (5) of the following aspects of the WEFIT Program:
OCFA has partnered with United Pet Care to offer a pet healthcare program. This program helps employees reduce the cost of escalating veterinary bills at an affordable rate. All pets are eligible regardless of their age or medical condition.
Benevolent Association
Employees have the option to join OCFA’s Benevolent Association which was created to “Take Care of Their Own.” Included in your $8.00 per pay period cost is $10,000 Member Death Benefit, $4,000 Dependent Death Benefit, $30,000 Annual Scholarships for Members and Dependents, Hardship Grants/Loans, Annual Picnic for Members, Holiday Ball, and Retiree Tribute. In addition, Discount Offers- Recreation/Amusement Parks, fitness 19 and 24-Hour Fitness gym membership, discount movie tickets, Angels Baseball game with tailgate party, etc. Membership also allows access to very good supplemental insurances of many types, including, Long Term Disability, Long Term Care, various AFLAC (ICU, Cancer, Accident Injury, CSFA membership, Living Trusts and more. The Family Auxiliary and KIDS Fund (provides monetary assistance only to kids of members), both operate under the Benevolent Association.
Updated 07/2025
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Memoranda of Understanding, Personnel and Salary Resolution, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Orange County Fire Authority, including Standard Operating Procedures and General Orders. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Orange County Fire Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers. Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Department at (714) 573-6800.
01
The Orange County Fire Authority uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of applications. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase efficiency, conserve resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We recommend that you do not share e-mail addresses with other individuals who may inadvertently delete important communications sent to you. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept e-mails from ocfa.org and governmentjobs.com. Please read each e-mail notice carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. Please acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.
Do you possess at least two (2) years of experience as a full-time Firefighter with the OCFA at the time of application submission?
Do you possess a valid Class C California Driver License with a Firefighter endorsement and a valid DL546 on file with the DMV or a valid, unrestricted Class A or B Driver License?
Have you completed the formalized OCFA Fire Apparatus Engineer Development Series (Class 1 - 4)?
Do you possess California State Driver Operator 1A and 1B certificates?
SALARY: The salary indicated for this position corresponds with a 56 hour average duty week.
This promotional opportunity is open to current qualified Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) non-probationary firefighter unit members. ONLY applications from current, qualified OCFA Firefighters will be considered.
Essential Functions
Operate fire apparatus in the suppression of structural, aircraft, wildland, and other types of fires and in response to various emergency situations; and maintains and makes minor repairs on fire vehicles, equipment, and facilities. For a detailed list of duties, see the classification specification at www.ocfa.org.
Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE
At time of application, applicants must have completed probation as a Firefighter and possess at least two (2) years of experience as a full-time career Firefighter with the OCFA or a fire agency for which the OCFA assumed fire protection responsibility. Qualifying experience as a Firefighter begins at time of hire as either a Firefighter Trainee or Firefighter.
CERTIFICATIONS
In order to be eligible to participate in the promotional recruitment and selection process, applicants must have completed the formalized OCFA Fire Apparatus Engineer Development Series (Class 1 - 4) OR applicants must have completed Driver Operator 1A and 1B at the time of application.
A copy of your Fire Apparatus Engineer Development Series (Class 1 – 4) certificates or California State Driver Operator 1A and 1B certificates must be attached to the electronic application at time of application or delivered to Human Resources no later than 12:00 PM (noon) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Failure to submit proof of documentation by October 15, 2025, will result in disqualification from this Fire Apparatus Engineer recruitment and selection process.
LICENSE
All applicants must possess a valid California Class C Driver License with a firefighter endorsement and a valid DL546 on file with the DMV OR a valid, unrestricted Class A or B Driver License.
When assigned to the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Program, possession of a valid California Class A Commercial Driver License. Possession of a valid California Class A Commercial Driver License, subjects the incumbent to the provisions of the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, which includes DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing while employed in this classification.
This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program, which periodically provides Risk Management with the incumbent's Driver License record and status.
A copy of your qualifying driver license must be attached to the electronic application or delivered to Human Resources no later than Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM (noon). A permit will not be accepted. Failure to submit proof of documentation by the deadline on October 15, 2025, will result in disqualification from the Fire Apparatus Engineer recruitment and selection process.
KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY
These requirements are detailed in the classification specification which is available for review at www.ocfa.org.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Must maintain the status of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Should you have further questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to Battalion Chief Levi Medina or Fire Captain Jason Kramer.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Human Resources Will Screen All Applications For Minimum Qualifications.
ONLINE APPLICATION
An applicant must submit, during the application filing period, an online application and attach any supplemental information as required in the job announcement, which may include submitting responses to a supplemental questionnaire and PDF copies of certificates. To apply for this position, please visit www.ocfa.org and submit your online application and all relevant supplemental documentation. Human Resources will screen all applications for minimum qualifications.
DEVELOPMENT CLASSES
Please visit FAE Development Series for information or to view additional course offerings.
WRITTEN EXAM
The written exam is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The written exam will cover firefighting essentials; emergency vehicle operation; water supplies; fire stream practices; fire suppression equipment; knowledge and use of equipment and pumping apparatus; aerial apparatus; apparatus maintenance/testing procedures; fire protection systems; hydraulics principles and calculations; defensive and Code 3 driving procedures; and OCFA General Orders and Standard Operating Procedures.
FAE Study and Reference Material
- IFSTA Essentials, 5th edition, Chapter 3, 6, 11, 12, 13, and 15
- IFSTA Pumping Apparatus, 2nd edition, Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15
- IFSTA Aerial Apparatus, 1st edition, Chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10
- OCFA Driver Handbook
- California Commercial DMV Driver's Handbook (2017 - 2018)
- OCFA SOPs related to the FAE position
- Field Hydraulics Reference Sheet (FHRS) and OCFA Standard Hydraulics
- OCFA Fire Vehicle Apparatus Notebook
- OCFA Programmed Hydraulics Text
- OCFA Defensive Driving
- OCFA Code 3 Driving
- OCFA FAE Development Series (Development Class 1, 2, 3 and 4)
ORAL INTERVIEWS
The oral interviews are scheduled Monday, December 1 - Friday, December 5, 2025.
FIRE APPARATUS ENGINEER ACADEMY
Candidates who achieve 80% or greater on the written exam and oral interview will be placed on the Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy eligibility list in ranked order. Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy 42 is scheduled Monday - Thursday, January 12, 2026 – March 5, 2026. Placement into the Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy will be in ranked order and is determined by department need and logistics. Candidates not placed in the Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy 42 will remain on the Fire Academy Eligibility list for up to one (1) year.
WEIGHTS FOR SELECTION COMPONENTS
- Written Exam (10%) - The minimum passing score is 80%. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 80% or higher.
- Oral Interview (10%) - The minimum passing score is 80%. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 80% or higher.
- Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy (80%) - The Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy consists of written examinations and manipulative skills evaluations. Candidates must pass the overall written examinations and manipulative skills evaluations each with a minimum score of 80%.
- The Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy written examinations cumulative score is worth 30% of the overall promotional testing score. A score below 80% constitutes a failure. There are no written examination retests. A minimum 80% on overall cumulative written examinations is required to successfully complete the Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy.
- The Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy manipulative skills evaluation cumulative score is worth 50% of the overall promotional testing score. One manipulative skills retest will be allowed at the midterm and one manipulative skills retest allowed at the final. Retests must score above the 80% on overall cumulative manipulative skills evaluation is required to successfully complete the Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy.
Failure to perform manipulative skills, required documentation, and apparatus checks, or failure to complete all required check sheets may result in dismissal from the Fire Apparatus Engineer Academy.
ELIGIBILITY LIST
The Fire Apparatus Engineer promotional eligibility list will be established in rank order and promotions will occur in rank order. The promotional eligibility list will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of establishment or until all the names on the list are exhausted. The eligibility list may be extended by mutual agreement of all parties.
Tentative Schedule Of Events
- Recruitment Closes: Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM (noon)
- Last Day to Submit Required Driver Certifications: Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM (noon)
- Last Day to Submit Qualifying Driver License: Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM (noon)
- Written Exam: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (C shift)
- Oral Interviews: December 1, 2025 – December 5, 2025
- FAE Academy 42: January 12, 2026 – March 5, 2026
- FAE Academy 43: March 16, 2026 – May 7, 2026
Americans With Disabilities Act Accommodation
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation should contact Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst II, at (714) 573 - 6828 or juliekwak@ocfa.org at least 72 hours prior to the need for the accommodation.
QUESTIONS
All questions regarding this recruitment should be addressed to Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst II, at (714) 573 - 6828 or via email at juliekwak@ocfa.org.
NOTE
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without prior notice.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Please note: This summary reflects the benefits for shift employees assigned to a 56-hour average duty week. For benefits information related to staff assignments (40-hour workweek), please refer to the OCPFA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) Local 3631: This classification is represented by the OCPFA Local 3631. Please visit http://www.ocfirefighters.org for more information.
Base Salary Adjustments
- Effective the pay period which includes January 1, 2026 (PP02) - Salary range for each classification will be adjusted by 2.75%. Employees will receive their increase once they are eligible for a merit increase per OCPFA Local 3631 - Base Salary side letter.
Employees are eligible for an initial merit salary increase (1 to 4 steps) on the first day of the pay period following completion of fifty-two (52) weeks of service, and thereafter annually based on their work performance and until they reach the top of their 12-step salary range.
Health Benefits
Pursuant to a Health Plan Agreement, the Authority contributes to the OCPFA medical benefit trust fund for health insurance and other related benefits. Brown Insurance Services (BIS) is the administrator for these benefits. The current contribution to the medical benefit trust fund will continue through 6/30/2026 in the amount of $2,199.49/month for "actively employed" enrollee members of the unit.
Retirement
All regular OCFA employees are members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) - a defined benefit retirement program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.
Legacy Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who establish reciprocity with OCERS are enrolled in the 3% at age 55 retirement formula (Plan R). The compensation limit for Legacy members for 2025 is $350,000.
New Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 without reciprocity are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 57 retirement formula (Plan V). The compensation limit for PEPRA members for 2025 is $186,096 (non-Social Security Participants).
For more information about OCERS retirement, please visit OCERS, or view the Retirement Plan HERE.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may voluntarily participate in the Authority’s deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Nationwide Retirement Services and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals. This plan is 100% employee funded.
Retiree Medical Savings Plan
Employees participate in an employer sponsored retirement Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with a contribution of 3.0% of base salary. Firefighter Trainees and Handcrew Firefighters do not participate in this benefit.
OCPFA Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan
Employees contribute 1.0% of their base salary towards the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan Trust Fund.
Social Security
Orange County Fire Authority employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.
Medicare
Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare. Employees whose wages exceed $200,000 in a calendar year shall contribute an additional 0.9%.
Educational Incentive Pay
Employees with college-level semester units or a bachelor’s degree are eligible for educational incentive pay as follows:
- 60 college-level semester units - 2.5% of base salary per month; or
- 90 college-level semester units - 5% of base salary per month; or
- Baccalaureate Degree - 7.5% of base salary per month
Hand Crew Firefighters are not eligible for educational incentive Pay.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Pay
Employees (other than Firefighter Trainees) who maintain an active State of California EMT certification will receive, in addition to their regular salary, seven (9%) percent of each employee’s base salary per month, prorated on an hourly basis for regular hours paid.
Other Specialty Pays
Employees who move into special assignments at OCFA, or who possess specialized skills, may be eligible for other specialty pays. Please refer to the OCPFA MOU and Side Letter Agreements for further details.
Tuition Reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement is $2,000 per fiscal year to cover certain expenses associated with academic pursuits.
Holidays
Employees in the Firefighters Unit observe 13 holidays within the calendar year:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
- Lincoln's Birthday
- President's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day
- Veteran's Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Vacation
Vacation accrual is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime. For shift employees:
- After 1 year but less than 3 years: Approx 112 hours per year;
- After 3 years but less than 10 years: Approx 168 hours per year;
- After 10 years: Approx 224 hours per year.
Sick leave is is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime. For shift employees:
- Date of employment but less than 3 years: Approx 101 hours per year;
- After 3 years: Approx 144 hours per year.
The Authority provides uniforms to employees.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
The OCFA offers regular, limited-term, and probationary employees both a Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account that can be used throughout the year on qualified medical or dependent care expenses. Participants pay fewer taxes and take home more money. For 2022, the maximum employee contribution is $2,750 for eligible medical expenses. The maximum employee contribution is $5,000 for eligible dependent care expenses.
WEFIT Program
The WEFIT Program is mandatory/non-punitive. The OCFA shall provide all five (5) of the following aspects of the WEFIT Program:
- Medical
- Fitness
- Medical/Fitness/Injury Rehabilitation
- Behavioral Health
- Data Collection and Reporting
OCFA has partnered with United Pet Care to offer a pet healthcare program. This program helps employees reduce the cost of escalating veterinary bills at an affordable rate. All pets are eligible regardless of their age or medical condition.
Benevolent Association
Employees have the option to join OCFA’s Benevolent Association which was created to “Take Care of Their Own.” Included in your $8.00 per pay period cost is $10,000 Member Death Benefit, $4,000 Dependent Death Benefit, $30,000 Annual Scholarships for Members and Dependents, Hardship Grants/Loans, Annual Picnic for Members, Holiday Ball, and Retiree Tribute. In addition, Discount Offers- Recreation/Amusement Parks, fitness 19 and 24-Hour Fitness gym membership, discount movie tickets, Angels Baseball game with tailgate party, etc. Membership also allows access to very good supplemental insurances of many types, including, Long Term Disability, Long Term Care, various AFLAC (ICU, Cancer, Accident Injury, CSFA membership, Living Trusts and more. The Family Auxiliary and KIDS Fund (provides monetary assistance only to kids of members), both operate under the Benevolent Association.
Updated 07/2025
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Memoranda of Understanding, Personnel and Salary Resolution, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Orange County Fire Authority, including Standard Operating Procedures and General Orders. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Orange County Fire Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers. Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Department at (714) 573-6800.
01
The Orange County Fire Authority uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of applications. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase efficiency, conserve resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We recommend that you do not share e-mail addresses with other individuals who may inadvertently delete important communications sent to you. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept e-mails from ocfa.org and governmentjobs.com. Please read each e-mail notice carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. Please acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.
- Yes
- No
Do you possess at least two (2) years of experience as a full-time Firefighter with the OCFA at the time of application submission?
- Yes
- No
Do you possess a valid Class C California Driver License with a Firefighter endorsement and a valid DL546 on file with the DMV or a valid, unrestricted Class A or B Driver License?
- Yes
- No
Have you completed the formalized OCFA Fire Apparatus Engineer Development Series (Class 1 - 4)?
- Yes
- No
Do you possess California State Driver Operator 1A and 1B certificates?
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Salary : $186,096 - $350,000
