Firefighter and Firefighter/Paramedic

Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:00 am
Tentative Paramedic Assessment Dates: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 or Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Tentative Interview Dates: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 or Thursday, March 19, 2026

Ready for a career that challenges you, inspires you, and truly makes a difference? The City of Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services Department is seeking dedicated individuals who are ready to serve with integrity, work collaboratively, and rise to any challenge. As a Firefighter or Firefighter/Paramedic, you’ll respond to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and community safety calls while supporting prevention and public education efforts. Join a team committed to protecting our residents and providing high-quality service to the community every day! 

Wage Ranges
Firefighter: $27.67- $35.16 hourly | $80,575.04 - $102,385.92 annually
Firefighter/Paramedic: $31.03 - $39.44 hourly | $90.359.36 - $114,849.28 annually (The Firefighter/Paramedic classification is currently under review. Pending the outcome of current labor negotiations, Firefighters who hold a valid paramedic license may be placed in the firefighter wages/classification with the eligibility to receive a 12% paramedic incentive pay)

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm. 

The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and employs 314.44 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and changing business practices. 

• Respond to fire, medical, and other emergencies
• Render basic or advanced life support medical skills
• Take appropriate action to protect life, provide for incident stabilization, property conservation, and protect the environment using a proper risk assessment
• Connect and lay hose lines; enter burning area, including structures and grass and brush fires with hose lines, foam and other extinguishing agents
• Assist in operation of nozzles and directing water streams
• Operate a variety of auxiliary firefighting equipment 
• Assist in educating the public in emergency preparedness measures
• Participate in code enforcement and fire prevention measures
• Perform residential and commercial building inspections
• Maintain current knowledge of firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical service procedures
• Participate in pre-fire planning
• Maintain and services fire vehicles and equipment
• Clean and maintain fire stations

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, and procedures of modern firefighting, including prevention, inspection, emergency response, rescue medical aid, and maintenance of firefighting equipment and apparatus
• Federal, State, and City codes, regulations, policies, agreements, technical processes, and procedures related to City and departmental activities
• Business letter writing, techniques for preparing informational materials and the standard format for reports, correspondence, and other written materials
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Occupational safety and health rules and regulations
• Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications
• Records management principles and practices
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, representatives of other agencies, and City staff

• Maintain firefighting equipment and apparatus
• Render emergency medical care at emergency medical technician 1 or paramedic levels
• Demonstrate sound judgment, and remain calm and make decisions in emergency situations
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines
• Organize own work, initiate processes, coordinate projects, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments with minimum direction
• Maintain good physical condition
• Take a proactive approach to customer service issues
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical calculations

• State Firefighter I Academy Certificate from an accredited agency recognized by the State Fire Marshal or an agency having authority, and/or a State Firefighter I Certificate issued by the Office of State Fire Marshal, IFSAC, or PRO Board
• Current California or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician I Certificate (Firefighters) or California and/or National Registry Paramedic License (Firefighter/Paramedics)
• At minimum, a valid California Class C driver license, and a satisfactory driving record

• Firefighters:
  • San Luis Obispo County Emergency Medical Services Agency requirements for expanded Emergency Medical Technician skills
• Firefighter/Paramedics:
  • San Luis Obispo County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency Paramedic Accreditation
  • San Luis Obispo EMS Agency required training and certificates per SLO EMS policy #342

• State Firefighter I Certificate

• California State Fire Marshal Driver Operator 1A and Driver Operator 1B
• California State Fire Marshal Firefighter II Certificate
• Rescue Systems I

Interested candidates must submit an employment application and the requirements listed below by Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:00 am. Candidates must complete all of the requirements listed below. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

• The following must be attached to your application:
  1. Firefighter I Academy Certificate and/or State Firefighter I Certificate issued by the Office of State Fire Marshal, IFSAC, or PRO Board 
  2. Current California and/or National Registry EMT I Certificate or Paramedic License             
     • Applicants who have completed a paramedic training program and passed the state exam but have not yet received their paramedic license may provide a copy of their results for a test dated on or before January 28, 2026 to be considered for the Firefighter/Paramedic position (Please note, the Firefighter/Paramedic classification is currently under review.)

• The following must be attached to your application:
  1. Firefighter I Academy Certificate and/or State Firefighter I Certificate issued by the Office of State Fire Marshal, IFSAC, or PRO Board 
  2. Current California and/or National Registry EMT I Certificate or Paramedic License             
     • Applicants who have completed a paramedic training program and passed the exam but have not yet received their paramedic license may provide a copy of their results for a test dated on or before January 28, 2026 to be considered for the Firefighter/Paramedic position (Please note, the Firefighter/Paramedic classification is currently under review.)
• Must be current on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) on January 28, 2026. A passing score on the FCTC written test and CPAT must be dated between January 28, 2025 and January 28, 2026. It is highly recommended that candidates confirm their active status on the SEL at time of application. Any expired documents (such as a driver license) can lead to being removed from the list. 

Application materials received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.

Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, psychological exam, background, and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at PRCity.com/HR). Following appointment, a 12-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process. The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment.

If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237-3962, or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com.

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.

The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

Photo credit: @brittanyapp