A Firefighter responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls. Puts out fires and rescues people from buildings. Responds to medical emergencies and assists with search and rescue efforts and industrial or hazardous waste accidents. Provides fire prevention programs or inspections in the community. May be specially trained to fight forest fires.
This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Fire Department. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration. Current vacancies are with the Tulare County Fire Department located in multiple locations throughout Tulare County. The anticipated life of the list is six months. Respond to fire, medical, and other emergency alarms by driving assigned equipment to appropriate locations. Operate equipment and assist in the suppression of fires, medical emergencies, and in the protection of life, property, and the environment. Drive assigned firefighting apparatus to and from fires, operate pumps, ladders, and other mechanical equipment as required. Perform tactical incident management and direct the activities of firefighters until relieved by a senior officer. Assist in conducting residential and commercial inspections to discover and eliminate potential fire hazards. For a full list of duties for this position, please click Fire Lieutenant. Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12) grade.
Experience :
Two (2) years of full-time fire suppression and prevention experience, including one (1) year at the driver/operator level. Completion of the TCFD Acting Company Officer Position Task Book (for internal applicants only).
Knowledge of:
Fire prevention and suppression methods, including use of the Incident Command System. Operation, use and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment. Basic principles of fire prevention including building construction, fire safety inspections, and fire department pre-plans. Mechanical principles involved in operating fire apparatus and allied equipment. See the full list in link.
Skill/Ability to:
Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers. Prioritize, plan and schedule daily shift activities. Plan, direct, and organize fire suppression and support activities during emergencies. Effectively apply fire suppression and prevention methods and techniques. See the full list in link.
License or Certificate:
Possession of an Emergency Medical Technician I certificate. Possession of a Professional Rescuer CPR/AED certificate. Possession of a valid California Class A or B commercial or Class C driver's license with Firefighter Endorsement. Possession of Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certification.
Note:
Copies of all required certificates must be turned in prior to the closure of the recruitment. Certificates will not be accepted after August 01, 2026 (for external applicants only).
CPAT Requirement:
Possession of a valid CPAT Certificate at time of first interview (this requirement is waived for current, full-time Tulare County Fire personnel). In addition, the CPAT certification must have been issued within 12 months at time of first interview. For information on how to obtain a CPAT Card of Completion, call 1-877-648-CPAT.
DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Education:
Associate degree or higher in Fire Technology or Public Administration.
License or Certificate:
SFM Company Officer Certification.
Conditions of Employment:
Candidates selected may be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.
College Cost Reduction Access Act :
This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan service or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
