Firefighter (Entry/Lateral)

REQUIRED: Successful completion of the FCTC testing and eligible status on the Statewide Eligibility list as of May 2, 2026.

Eligible candidates must be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the State of California. California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I certificate or equivalent or completion of a California State Fire Marshal accredited fire academy or equivalent is strongly preferred.

Carlsbad - The Community

The City of Carlsbad is ideally situated in north San Diego County where a great climate, beautiful beaches and lagoons, and abundant natural open space combine with world-class resorts, family attractions, well planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a charming village atmosphere to create the ideal California experience. Covering nearly 40 square miles, the City of Carlsbad is currently home to about 115,000 residents. The city sets the standard for high-quality local government services and is home to corporate headquarters in technology, life sciences and action sports, supported by a thriving tourism market and nearly 40 percent preserved open space. Thanks to an award-winning growth management plan, the city's infrastructure and services keep pace with development and promote an excellent quality of life.

The Fire Department's mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community by delivering exceptional services in safeguarding lives, property, and our environment. Opportunities within the Carlsbad Fire Department include operations on truck, engine and ambulance companies, wildland firefighting, urban search and rescue and rescue task force assignment, SWAT medics, Ocean Lifeguard programs and more.

The Ideal Candidate

State of California Emergency Medical Technician. Completion of a California State Fire Marshal accredited Firefighter I academy is highly preferred. High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of college-level courses or equivalent in Fire Science in compliance with departmental policies.

Under supervision, fights fires and participates in fire prevention activities to protect life, property and environment; operates and maintains vehicles, apparatus, equipment, stations and communication systems; provide basic life support services and assistance to ill or injured persons in accordance with the policies established by the San Diego County Emergency Medical Services Office; and to perform other duties as required.

This is an entry level into the professional fire service series. The firefighter is a uniformed member of the public safety/fire suppression/EMS division of the department. This position supports dual responsibilities as an EMT-B and as a firefighter and is utilized in both types of assignments as needed.

You Belong in Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

Selection Process:

This is a competitive process. Those applicants considered most qualified will be invited to continue further in the selection process, which consists of EMT skills testing and a panel interview.

Please Note: Copies of Driver's License, Firefighter I certificate, and California State EMT certification must be submitted with application. Other certification documentation will be requested once the application review process is complete.

Assessment Center and Panel Interviews:

Week of April 6; exact dates to be determined.

Internal Fire Academy:

Anticipated start date July 6, 2026.

Responds to and performs skilled tasks at the scenes of emergency calls including: fire, medical assistance, rescues, hazards identification, hazardous materials identification and spills, public assistance and service.

Safely drives and operates vehicles, apparatus and equipment.

Teaches fire safety, CPR and other classes and participates in public education demonstrations and activities.

Conducts inspections and school exit drills.

Writes reports and maintains records.

Maintains, inspects, and repairs fire stations and fire grounds, emergency and support vehicles, apparatus, equipment, fire hydrants, radios, and alarm systems.

Participates in department physical fitness program.

Performs emergency medical procedures.

Participates in proficiency training to develop and maintain emergency skills.

Uses computers in performing required duties, performs other related duties as assigned.

Responds to rescue calls and administer medical care and assistance.

Responds to medical emergencies.

May be assigned as a paramedic if properly trained, certified and appointed to perform such duties by the Fire Chief.

Knowledge of:

Ability to:

Any combination equivalent to education and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.

High school diploma or equivalent

To be considered a Lateral Firefighter, 1 year of full time paid municipal firefighting experience is required.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Within one year from date of hire, employee must possess appropriate, valid California Class B Firefighter Driver's License, to include a water tank and air brake endorsement OR Class C California Driver's License with Firefighter Endorsement, and when required, a valid Medical Examiner's Card must be maintained.
• Completion of a California State Fire Marshal Firefighter 1 Academy or equivalent within six months of hire. Employees shall not be assigned to firefighting functions until all Firefighter 1 requirements have been met.
• Must possess and maintain current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician in the State of California and County of San Diego.

EDUCATION INCENTIVE:

Level 1 - Compensation: Satisfactory fulfillment of the below requirements shall be compensated at 4.5% of the top step Paramedic Firefighter biweekly base salary.

Evidence of the award of each in at least one of the following categories:

Level 2 - Compensation: Satisfactory fulfillment of the below requirements shall be compensated at 6.9% of the top step Paramedic Firefighter biweekly base salary.
Evidence of the award of each in at least one of the following categories:

1. Fire Officer 2 (2025-present): Fire Officer 2A Human Resource Management, Fire Officer 2B Administration and Community Risk Reduction, Fire Officer 2C Command of Initial Incidents, OR
2. Company Officer (2014- December 31, 2026): Company Officer 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and Instructor 1, OR
3. Fire Officer (2013-2016): Fire Command 1A, Fire Command 1B, Fire Command 1C, Training Instructor 1B or Fire Instructor 1A, Training Instructor 1A or Fire Instructor 1B, Fire Investigation 1A, Fire Management 1, and I-300 OR
4. Fire Officer (2010-2016): Fire Command 1A, Fire Command 1B, Fire Command 1C, Fire Instructor 1A or Training Instructor 1B, Fire Instructor 1B or Training Instructor 1A, Fire Investigation 1A, Fire Management 1, Fire Prevention 1A, Fire Prevention 1B, and I-300 OR
5. Fire Officer (2009): Command 1A, Command 1B, Command 1C, Instructor 1A, Instructor 1B, Investigation 1A, Management 1, Prevention 1A, Prevention 1B, and I-300 OR
6. State Fire Marshal certificates of course completion for Fire Inspector 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D OR
7. A baccalaureate degree