What Can I Expect?
Berkeley Fire provides its employees with the training and resources they need to learn and grow. We are looking for new members that will positively contribute to the City of Berkeley and continue the legacy of our mission and uphold our core values. As a result, there is an extensive and demanding road towards joining our team. See below to get a glimpse at the full process; click the arrows to expand each section.
Becoming a Berkeley Firefighter
Dates may change as recruitment progresses
-
The interviews are an opportunity for us to get to know who YOU are and the EXPERIENCES you have had in your life that have prepared you for a career with Berkeley Fire. The panel wants to hear actual experiences from your life, not hypothetical examples of what you might do in a situation. For instance:
Tell us about a specific time when you were a part of a functional team. What was your role?
or
Give us an example of when you were in conflict with a co-worker. Provide details of how you reached resolution.
-
The panel of chief officers will ask open ended questions similar to the first round. You can be prepared by thinking of examples of when you have demonstrated the ability to do emergency services work, times you have been involved in a team, or when you have lived the department’s core values.
-
Usually on the same day as the second round interview, a team of seasoned paramedics will run you through several simulated medical scenarios and ask you follow up questions to determine the depth of your experience and skill. If you are not familiar with Alameda county protocols, you may use your home protocols.
-
Candidates must complete a questionnaire and provide signed authorization to allow Berkeley Fire to conduct a background check. The information obtained will be used to determine eligibility for employment.
The most important factor in this process is that you are honest and address any potentially problematic life experiences with a clear explanation of how you have grown and demonstrated a change in behavior.
-
Selected candidates must complete a comprehensive medical history questionnaire and medical examination. in order to be eligible for employment, all candidates must successfully pass the medical exam which includes a drug screen.
-
Candidates will participate in an interview with a behavioral health specialist to determine fitness for duty.
-
Berkeley is a California State Fire Training Accredited Local Academy (ALA). The entry level academy runs for 20 weeks (lateral <10 weeks) and provides employees with an IFSAC/Pro-Board FF I and II, in addition to a number of other certifications.