Firefighter
We are an aggressive all-hazard organization that provides employees with the experience and education needed to be satisfied and advance your career.
Firefighter
Recruitment is currently closed.
Work for a progressive organization that will support you with with top-of-the-line equipment, a healthy workplace culture, in-service training and a variety of special assignments and promotional opportunities.
Urban Experience
Of the 51 most population 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
Work with leaders that believe in supporting employees with clear expectations, the tools and equipment you need to perform your best work, and access to some of the best training opportunities in the industry
Application Process
How to Become a Firefighter with Berkeley
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.
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.
Firefighter 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 Paramedic License, National Registry Paramedic Certification Card, or be 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.
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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, which you can bring with you and reference during the interviews. You will then participate in the entry level interview, the chief's interview, and then 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.
Firefighter Benefits
Base Salary of $122,176 + Benefits Package (a $100,000+ 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 JobTraining
Progressive continuing education and career development program.
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% cummulative on top of base.
Lateral Benefits
Earn salary and vacation credit from prior paid, full time work.
Stay Connected with BFD
If you’re not ready to apply at this time, or you would like to be notified of new recruitment cycles or news related to this position, please fill out the Stay Connected form below to receive updates.