The ideal candidate for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic should be a strong communicator, customer orientated, action driven, proactive and someone who will take initiative to get things done by using sound judgment to solve problems. Under direction and supervision of a Company Officer, the Firefighter/Paramedic will be responsible for responding to fire alarms, emergency medical calls, and other emergency calls to protect life and property. Firefighter/Paramedics also participate in fire prevention programs and inspections, public education, station and apparatus maintenance, and training activities.
The City of Encinitas offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to foster a successful and rewarding career for Firefighter/Paramedics. In addition to a competitive salary, Firefighter/Paramedics may be eligible for a Paramedic Certification Pay and an Education Incentive Pay. The benefits package includes a generous Cafeteria Plan that helps employees cover the cost of health, dental, vision and flexible spending account (FSA) expenses, retirement benefits through CalPERS, vacation, sick leave and holiday pay. For more detailed information about the benefits offered to Firefighter/Paramedics, please visit the Benefits tab.
Rate of pay
Hourly
Monthly
Annually
Probationary FF/Paramedic
$35.6582
$8,653
$103,834
Firefighter/Paramedic III
$41.8981
$10,167
$122,004
Firefighter/Paramedic II$42.7893$10,383$124,599Firefighter/Paramedic I$44.1269$10,708$128,494
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that maybe performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.- Responds to medical emergencies and provides patient care at the paramedic level. Cleans and maintains station quarters and grounds; cleans, maintains, and tests emergency equipment and apparatus; and participates in drills and training sessions.
- Responds to fire alarms of all types and performs suppression activities.
- Operatesavarietyofapparatus,equipment,tools,devices,andvehiclesrelatedtofireservices.
- Conducts inspections of equipment to ensure proper working condition and readiness,whichincludesfirehydrants,powertools,medicalequipment,andotherrelatedequipment.
- Participates in public education activities, which may include giving station tours, presenting prevention education materials, giving classroom presentations, assisting public walk-ins at the station, and performing other related activities.
- Compiles, writes, and submits reports related to emergency and non-emergency activities,which includes fire, emergency medical services, and fire prevention activities.
- Conducts fire prevention inspections of dwellings, public assemblies, and commercial andindustrial buildings.
- Participates in continuing education related to fire safety. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
Entry Level:- High School diploma or G.E.D (College level work in Fire Science, EMS, or a related field is highly desirable).
Lateral:- High School diploma or G.E.D (College level work in Fire Science, EMS, or a related field is highly desirable).
- Graduation Certificate of Completion from a full, all-risk firefighter academy (400+ hours)
- 1-year full-time employment as a Firefighter/Paramedicwith a paid, career fire department AND successful completion of a minimum 1-year probationary period with a current paid full time fire department.
Required Licenses and Certifications:- Current Emergency Medical Technician- Paramedic (EMT-P) License with the State of California
- Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certificate (ACLS)
- Current CPR Certification
- Candidate must be able to obtain a County of San Diego, EMT-P accreditation by the time of appointment
Application Process and Deadline:
A completed employment application, including all required attachments, must be submitted online by5pm on Sunday, May 17, 2026.Applications that do not include attached copies of the required licenses and certifications will not be accepted. Only include copies of the required licenses, certifications, and education.
Testing will begin the week of June 1, 2026. Notices will NOT be sent until after the application acceptance period has closed.
Please note dates are tentative and subject to change.
Recruitment Timeline:
Testing ComponentsDateApplication period04/21/2026 - 05/17/2026
Physical Agility Test - Practice Day - 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: San Marcos Training Facility - 184 Santar Place, San Marcos, CA 92069
05/29/2026
San Diego County EMS Protocol Written Test
06/01/2026
Physical Agility Test
Location: San Marcos Training Facility - 184 Santar Place, San Marcos, CA 92069
06/02/2026
EMS Simulation Exercise
06/03/2026 & 06/04/2026
Captain's Interviews
06/05/2026
Chief’s Interviews
TBD
Candidates must pass each component in order to advance to the next step in the testingprocess.
The EMS Written Test will test your general paramedic knowledge on topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, skills knowledge, signs and symptoms, basic treatment, etc. This test will include San Diego County-specific protocol questions. All dates are tentative and subject to change without prior notice.
SD County Paramedic Protocols
The Physical Ability Testwas designed after an exhaustive job task analysis conducted by ARA/HUMAN FACTORS, one of the country's leading authorities on public safety job standards development. The test accurately reflects the physical demands of many fire suppression activities. In order to participate in the testing processing, you must have submitted a Release and Waiver of Liability prior to the start of the testing. Waivers will be provided at the testing location.
Please click here to download information about Firefighter Physical Ability TestingThe City of Encinitas and the San Dieguito Water District provide equal opportunity employment for all persons without regard to race, color, religion/religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, age, physical disability, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, political affiliations, veteran status, Family Leave Act status, AB60 CA Driver's License status or status with pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding. The City and Water District encourage minorities, disabled persons and women to apply. Qualified applicants who move to the next level of the selection process must notify the Human Resources Office if accommodation is needed. A thorough background check will be conducted for the candidate(s) seriously considered for the position including fingerprinting and reference checking. A contingent job offer may be given pending the results of medical evaluation, which includes a physical, TB test and drug and alcohol screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
