Firefighter
We are an aggressive all-hazard organization that provides employees with the experience and education needed to be satisfied and advance their careers.
Firefighter
Application Period: Closed
Who are we looking for?
High-Performance Individuals: Tactical athletes ready to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic, and supportive environment.
Team Players & Leaders: Whether experienced or new, if you're ready to contribute, we want you!
Urban Experience
Of the 51 most populated cities in California, Berkeley is the second most dense behind San Francisco. Enjoy a metro type work environment with a mid-size department feel where you know everyone’s names.
High Performing Team
Become part of a team that is focused on maintaining a high-performance system that adopts best practices and provides the best service to the community.
Leadership Support
Our leaders are invested in making the BFD a great place to work. Find your second family, your best friends and your passion. Over time, you will be expected to leverage your skills and experience to drive improvements and mentor others.
Application Process
Learn about the road towards joining our team. See below to get a glimpse at the full process. Click the arrows to expand each section.
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Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
Valid California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification, or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT Certification, or California Paramedic License, or NREMT Paramedic Certification.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Card of Completion issued no earlier than one (1) year from the
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.
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Apply Now to submit your resume and application on the official Government Jobs website. We are accepting applications now!
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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.
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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.
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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.
Submit Your Application
Fill out the necessary paperwork to begin the application process.
Keep in Touch
Not ready to apply? Get notified when new listings open up.
Benefits Package
Base Salary of $129,617 + Benefits Package (a $121,361 value)
Health Insurance
A great plan with no cost to the employee and unbelievably low co-pays
Dental Insurance
No cost to the employee!
Retirement Funds
The GOLD standard, a CalPERS Safety Pension!
On the Job Training
Progressive continuing education and career development programs
Education Reimbursement
Funds available for external education
Paid Holidays
16 paid holidays per year
Paid Vacations
Two - six weeks of vacation based on seniority
Uniform Allowance
$1,400 annually for the maintenance and purchase of uniforms
Longevity Pay
12% cumulative on top of base
Lateral Benefits
Earn salary and vacation credit from prior paid, full time work