Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

Valid California Paramedic License, National Registry Paramedic Certification Card, or actively participating in a Paramedic Field Internship Program.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Card of Completion issued no earlier than one (1) year from the recruitment filing deadline.

Successful completion of the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) written exam completed no earlier than one (1) year from the recruitment filing deadline.

Apply Now to submit your resume and application on the official Government Jobs website. We are accepting applications now!

We run a consolidated interview and skills exam so you participate in both your interviews and the EMS skills examination in one day!

When you arrive, you will be provided with the interview questions and be given time to review and make notes. You may bring your notes with you and refernence them during the interviews. You will then participate in the entry level interview, the Chief's interview, and the EMS skills examination. You will progress to the next step in the process if you pass the prior step (e.g. - to progress to Interview #2 you must pass Interview #1, to progress to the EMS skills, you must pass Interview #2.).

Interviews

The purpose of the interviews is for us to get to know you and the experiences that have prepared you for a career with the City of Berkeley Fire Department. We are NOT looking for candidates to explain how many fire stations there are, how diverse the community is, or other basic information that can be found online.

EMS Skills Examination

For the EMS skills exam, you are not required to be knowledgeable of Alameda County EMS protocols. Please use your County’s EMS protocols in your decision making process. Be prepared to run two emergency scenarios and answer questions from the raters.

Successful candidates will receive a conditional job offer. The next step takes approximately 45-days and includes a background investigation, LiveScan, medical examination and psych assessment. The information obtained will be used to determine eligibility for employment.

Background Investigation: Includes completing a personal history questionnaire and an interview with a background investigator. The most important factor in this process is that you are honest and address any potentially problematic life experiences with a clear explanation of what happened and how you have grown and demonstrated a change in behavior.

Medical Examination: You will complete a medical history questionnaire and medical examination which includes a drug screen.

Psych Assessment: Includes a standard battery of personality assessments and an interview with a psychologist.

Applicants that are successful will be offered a job with the Department. Academies usually start several weeks following the final job offer and last 22 weeks.