Firefighter I

Job Description:

Firefighter I

Description

Description

The Department:

The Santa Clara Fire Department was established in 1854 when local residents formed the Columbia Hose Volunteer Fire Company. Today, the city has 9 fire stations (one more in design process) consisting of 8 engines, 2 trucks, 1 rescue/light unit, 1 hazardous materials unit, 1 ambulance and 2 command vehicles. The fire department is comprised of 175 personnel staffed across five divisions and serves a population of approximately 130,000 people spread over 18.4 square miles. The Fire Administration Division provides management, organization, and support for the various divisions of the fire department actively engaged in the protection of life and property. The Emergency Medical Services Division is responsible for training personnel to deliver pre-hospital emergency medical services to people who live, work and visit in Santa Clara. The Community Risk Reduction Division is primarily responsible for fire safety education, fire cause determination, inspection of high hazard occupancies, and fire code enforcement. This division also maintains a vital role as technical consultant to the fire department, the City, and the business community, advising on site construction, process installation, and the safe use and handling of hazardous materials as outlined in federal, state, and local regulations. The Field Operations Division efficiently manages over 11,000 emergency responses annually. The Training Division provides services to the Fire Department, other City departments, industry, and the community at large.

The Position:

Firefighter I is the entry level classification in the Firefighter series. An incumbent in this classification responds to medical emergencies, fire alarms, performs rescue services, and protects life and property endangered by fire. When qualified and assigned, Firefighter I's may be assigned to paramedic duties. Performs related duties as assigned.

Selection Process:

Please refer to the " Firefighter Selection Process Guide " guide for additional information on the selection process. Depending on the applicant pool, it is possible that only a limited number of applicants will be invited to the written examination. Depending on logistical considerations and the size of the qualified applicant pool, it is possible that only those candidates scoring highest on a particular exam will be invited to continue in the selection process. Candidates who pass a phase of the examination but do not earn an invitation to continue in the process will remain eligible to participate in future examinations if deemed necessary by the City. Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List, which may be used for current and future vacancies in the job classification. Placement on the eligible list does not guarantee nor imply that a job offer will follow. A department interview will be required prior to appointment.

Additional Information:

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Complete Employment Application, 2) Respond to supplemental screening questions, and 3) Submit a valid National Registry or State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate or proof of course enrollment in a valid EMT program. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov . Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of August 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM or when 1200 applications are received. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.

The annual salary range for this position is $104,407.68- $129,909.36. This position will be filled at the minimum of the salary range.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED
• No experience is required

Acceptable Substitution:
None.

License/Certifications:

• A valid National Registry or State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate or proof of course enrollment in a valid EMT program is required at time of application. Upon appointment to the classification, a valid National Registry or State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate is required to be possessed and maintained as a condition of employment.
• A valid California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card issued within 6 months prior to the date of a conditional offer of employment
• Successful completion of a City of Santa Clara approved Fire Academy is required within 6 months of appointment
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of appointment. A valid California Class C driver's license with Firefighter endorsement is required within 24 months of appointment
• All of the listed licenses and certifications must be maintained as a condition of continued employment in this classification for as long as they are required

Desirable Qualifications:

• Demonstrated proficiency in a second language, in accordance with the City's needs
• Military experience, journey-level status in the building construction trades, or other work experience relevant to the fire service
• Community service experience
• Completion of thirty (30) or more units of coursework in Fire Science/Technology at an accredited college
• An associate's or higher-level degree from an accredited college or university
• Possession of a valid California Paramedic (EMT-P) license (required prior to appointment to a Paramedic assignment)
• A valid California Class A or B commercial driver's license

Other Requirements:

• Typically assigned to a 56-hour workweek (24-hour shifts); may be assigned to a 40-hour workweek as required
• May be required to work odd and unusual hours, including weekends and designated holidays and to be subject to call-back in the performance of job duties
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

Physical Requirements:

• At least 21 years of age
• Able to distinguish primary colors (red, green, amber), each eye free of any abnormal condition or disease which might affect performance of job duties, visual acuity in each eye of at least 20/50 vision (uncorrected) and 20/30 (corrected), and normal night vision
• Normal hearing without correction in both ears
• Free from disabling speech impediments, disabling neuroses or psychoses, and disabling physical conditions or diseases
• Strength and physical abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Firefighter I. A valid CFFJAC CPAT card issued within 6 months prior to the date of a conditional offer of employment is required.

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE POINTS: This position qualifies for Veteran’s Preference Points. Applicants who have separated from service (Active Duty Status) must submit proof of honorable discharge (Form DD214) with their application at time of filing or will be ineligible to have points added to their final score.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov .

City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #1

Professional Firefighters Association Local #1171 (IAFF)

This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara’s benefits available to Bargaining Unit #1 employees in 2025. In the event of any conflict between the information in this summary and the applicable official plan documents, City Manager’s Directives (CMDs), Personnel and Salary Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the applicable official plan documents, CMDs, Personnel and Salary Resolution, or MOU will prevail over this summary. Benefits are subject to change.
Retirement:

• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • Classic Employees: 3.0% @ age 50 formula - employee pays 9.00% of gross pay
  • New Employees: 2.7% @ age 57 formula - employee pays 12.25% of gross pay
• Medicare and Social Security (FICA)
  • Employee does not participate in Social Security
  • Employee pays 1.45% of gross salary for Medicare

Health Insurance:

• The City contributes up to 100% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan for Employee Only and Employee + 1 Dependent plans, and up to 90% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan of the Employee + 2 or More Dependents plan
• Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
• No cash difference is paid if an employee elects a plan cheaper than the max City contribution
• To be eligible for the City’s contribution toward health, employees must be on a paid status for at least 80 hours (112 hours for 24-hour shift employees) in the month prior to the month of coverage
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire
• Employees hired on or after 1/1/2023 who opt-out of City-offered health insurance and provide annual attestation and acceptable proof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable, are eligible for a cash-in-lieu amount of $250/month. Contact Human Resources for more details

Dental Insurance:

• Choice of two Delta Dental plans
• City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire

Vision Insurance:

• Choice of two VSP plans
• Employee paid benefit
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire

Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA):

• City contributes $250.00 a month toward employee’s VEBA account
• Account funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses after separation from the City and after age 50 (pre-tax)

Life Insurance:

• City pays for $10,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment
• Additional optional life insurance may be purchased for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent children

Deferred Compensation:

• Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions
• Employee may contribute up to the lesser of the IRS maximum or 100% of gross compensation into a pre-tax 457(b) account or a post-tax Roth 457(b) account (or a combination of the two accounts) subject to IRS rules
• Additionally, the City contributes $175 a month toward employee’s 457(b) account. This dollar amount will factor into the above mentioned IRS rules and limits

Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan):

• Employee may contribute up to $3,300 per year in pre-tax dollars to a health care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $5,000 per year in pre-tax dollars to a dependent care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $325 per month in pre-tax dollars to a commuter benefit plan

Vacation:

• Vacation is accrued bi-weekly, cannot use vacation during first 12 months of City service
• 40 hour per week employees
  • For 1 - 9 years of service: 15 days (120 hours)/year
  • For 10 - 20 years of service: 20 days (160 hours)/year
  • For 21+ years of service: 24 days (192 hours)/year
  • Maximum vacation accrual is 400 hours
• 24-hour shift employees
  • For 1 - 9 years of service: 8 shifts (192 hours)/year
  • For 10 - 19 years of service: 10 shifts (240 hours)/year
  • For 20+ years of service: 12 shifts (288 hours)/year
  • Maximum vacation accrual is 672 hours

Vacation to Cash Conversion

40 hour per week employees

• Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 40 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out the following calendar year

24-hour shift employees

• Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 56 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out the following calendar year

Sick Leave:

• Sick leave is accrued bi-weekly for equivalent of 12 days or shifts per calendar year with no maximum accrual
• 40 hour per week employees :
  • Employees accrue 12 days (96 hours) of sick leave per year
  • Up to 48 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness
  • Up to 32 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leave
• 24-hour shift employees :
  • Employees accrue 12 shifts (288 hours) of sick leave per year
  • Up to 6 shifts (144 hours)/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness
  • Up to 60 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leave
• Employee may convert sick leave to vacation once per calendar year
  • 40 hour per week employees: Annual maximum conversion is 96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation
  • 24-hour shift employees: Annual maximum conversion is 216 hours sick to 72 hours vacation
• Partial sick leave payoff provision on retirement depending on years of service

Holiday Pay/Holidays:

• 7.5% of base salary for 24-hour shift employees for Holiday Pay
• Thirteen (13) paid eight-hour holidays per year for 40 hour per week employees

Additional Premium Pays:

• Various premiums including Educational Incentive Pay, Paramedic Assignment pay, training assignment pay, Technical Rescue Assignment and Hazardous Materials Assignment pay are available, depending on assignment and/or other requirements

Uniform Allowance:

• Annual uniform allowance of $200 and $275 for Deputy Fire Marshal classifications

Tuition Reimbursement Program:

• Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursement

Psychological Counseling:

• Confidential psychological counseling is available. Maximum of 25 visits per calendar year. City shall pay up to a maximum of $250 per hour of the hourly rate of the doctor/licensed clinician, and the employee is responsible for any amount above $250 per hour (See MOU for further details)

Employee Assistance Program:

• Confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to maximum of five (5) consultations per family member per incident per year
• City paid benefit

Retiree Medical Reimbursement Program:

• Employees who retire from the City with at least ten (10) years of service shall receive reimbursement to help cover retiree single health insurance premiums. The reimbursement maximum includes the PEMHCA minimum.
• Up to age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $425/month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)
• After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $254/month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)

Closing Date/Time: 8/25/2025 4:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$104,407.68 - $129,909.36 Annually