Firefighter Trainee

Salary: $37.81 Hourly
Location : City of Anaheim, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-00127
Department: Fire & Rescue
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description
ADVANCE NOTICE

June 16 - June 30, 2026

APPLICATIONS OPEN JULY 1, 2026

The apply link will not be available until July 1. This posting is an advanced for candidates to acquire required documents and information. Please return to this posting on July 1, 2026 at 8:00a.m. to apply

Anaheim Fire & Rescue is seeking highly motivated individuals interested in pursuing a career in fire service. Firefighter Trainees arenon-sworn employees participating in a 12-week academy*; training to prepare for the protection of life and property through emergency operations including firefighting, medical care, hazardous materials abatement, fire prevention inspections, public education, training activities,station and equipment maintenance.

*Please note, Firefighter Trainee salary rate is only for the duration of the 12-week academy. Experienced Firefighters/Paramedics encouraged to apply

Upon successful completion of the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Recruit Academy, Firefighter Trainees will be appointed to the sworn Firefighter I classification. Newly appointed Firefighters may be eligible for a higher level/pay rate (Firefighter I/II/III, or IV) as determined by the educational incentive program. Firefighters with a paramedic license are eligible for additional pay.

For more information:

To view the current Firefighter I-IV pay rates
Essential Functions
The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Successfully attends the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Recruit Academy, learns and demonstrates the principles and practices of the Anaheim Fire & Rescue all-risk emergency responses, and awareness of the duties, activities, and responsibilities of a Firefighter.

Receives instruction and participates in academy training and drills to learn proper firefighting techniques for all types of fires, heavy rescue techniques and extrication procedures, hazardous materials handling, emergency medical procedures/care/aid, and all-risk safety procedures.

Maintain personal physical fitness and health by participating in job related physical fitness programs and training.

Trains in the various emergency calls including structural and environmental fires, traffic collisions, hazardous material spills, rescue and salvage, and medical aid.

Train in appropriate basic EMT-1 field procedures including attaining and documenting vital signs, bandaging, splinting, lifting patients into ambulances and assisting paramedics as directed.

Follow the instructions of the Training Battalion Chief or Fire Training Company, or other supervisor as assigned, in handling various equipment, including but not limited to carrying, laying, and operating hoses, setting and climbing ladders, self-contained breathing apparatus, and operating other fire suppression equipment.

Work cooperatively with peers and supervisors; establish and maintain working relationships, exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with a multitude of issues, and take appropriate action in stressful situations.

Observe and comply with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications
Knowledge of: Modern firefighting methods and techniques; emergency medical methods and procedures; safety practices and regulations; CPR techniques; basic mathematical, fire science, and problem-solving skills; principles of fire prevention and arson investigation; various firefighter rescue and emergency medical tools and equipment; computers and related software.

Ability to: Use various firefighting rescue and emergency medical tools and equipment; take appropriate courses of action in simulated emergency exercises; effectively and safely fight fires using a variety of firefighting apparatus and equipment in a training environment; safely operate a vehicle; comply with laws, policies, and procedures; perform prolonged and arduous tasks under adverse conditions; read and interpret technical documents; understand and follow written and verbal instructions; perform strenuous physical activities; learn the geography of the City of Anaheim and surrounding areas, including the street system, hydrant locations, the layout and location of public utilities and potentially hazardous materials or substances; work cooperatively with co-workers; establish and maintain professional working relationships, exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy in dealing with issues.

Note: Must be at least 18 years of age by date of appointment.

License/Certification Required:

The following documents must be uploaded to your online application in ONE (1) file. Uploading individual attachments may delay the review of your application. Expired documents and/or incomplete applications will NOT be accepted.

• Highschool Diploma - Graduation from high school or its equivalent or accredited College/University Degree
• Basic Firefighter I Academy Certificate - Graduation from a basic California State Fire Marshal Accredited Firefighter I Academy*
• EMT or Paramedic License - State of California certification as an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic**
• American Heart Association or equivalent CPR certification
• Driver's License - Possession of a valid Class "C" California Driver's License at the time of appointment and as a condition of continued employment. Out of state drivers license will be accepted at the time of application
• (Optional) Biddle Waiver - Biddle letter with a completion time of 8:02min or faster between the dates of July 1, 2025 to July 22, 2026 must be attached to the application. Biddle letters must have the completion time list

*Firefighter I academy must be accredited from California State Fire Marshal (CSFM). DOD or IFSAC/Pro Board only, will not be accepted. For more info on establishing reciprocity with the CSFM,

**EMT or Paramedic license must be issued by the State of California. National Registry will not be accepted in lieu of state registration.

If any attachments fail to upload, your application will NOT be accepted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are valid in one (1) document file and uploaded correctly. If you have any questions about your application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@anaheim.net

Supplemental Information
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

ADVANCE NOTICE

June 16 - June 30, 2026

Applications will be accepted beginning July 1, 2026 to July 22, 2026 at 5:00PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications will not be accepted before or after this deadline.

The selection process may include, but is not limited to a qualifications review, written exam, physical ability test, and oral interview. Tentative dates and descriptions are provided below:

• Written Exam: August 20, 2026 (no alternate dates scheduled)
• Anaheim Hosted Biddle Physical Agility Test (by invitation only): September 12 & 19-20, 2026

• Biddle Physical Agility Test Waiver: Biddle letter with a completion time of 8:02min or faster between the dates of July 1, 2025 to July 22, 2026 must be attached to the application. Biddle letters must have the completion time list.

• Captain's interview: Week of October 5, 2026
• Chief's Selection Oral Interviews: Week of October 19, 2026
• Pre-employment process: October 2026 - March 2027.
• Firefighter Trainee Academy (12 weeks): March 2027 (date TBD).

If you have any questions about your application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@anaheim.net

Please note: Trainees who are not appointed to the classification of Firefighter I at the end of their academy will be subject to termination of their Trainee status and/or employment with the City of Anaheim.

Further selection steps include a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol screening, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and background investigation. The interview with the background investigator and completion of the background investigation will include, but is not limited to, verification and evaluation of any present and/or past use of drugs, driving and employment history.

Please review the following common disqualifiers. If any items listed pertain to you, you will be automatically disqualified in the background investigation. You may, at this time, want to screen yourself and withdraw prior to starting the recruitment process.

• Any illegal use, sales, or possession of a drug classified as an opiate (heroin, opium, etc.) or PCP.
• Any use of cocaine, methamphetamine, hallucinogens (GHB, MDMA/ecstasy, ketamine, etc.) within five years of date of application.
• Any illegal use of anabolic steroids within three years of date of application.
• A pattern or history of irresponsibility as evidenced by debt collections, civil judgments, failure to pay, late payments, etc.
• Two or more at-fault traffic collisions within three years of the date of application.
• Conviction of a hit-and run offense.
• Any driver's license suspension within five years of date of application.
• Conviction of a felony crime.
• Conviction of any misdemeanor crime within five years of application.
• Any conviction as an adult, of any misdemeanor crime involving domestic violence, sexual-related offenses or crimes against children.
• Any conviction as an adult, of a theft or larceny crime.

The following may result in disqualification and will be evaluated during the background process.

• Use of cocaine, methamphetamine, hallucinogens (GHB, MDMA/ecstasy, ketamine, etc.) previous to five years of application.
• Prior nitrous oxide use.
• Illegal use of anabolic steroids previous to three years of application.
• Illegal use of a hypodermic needle/ syringe.
• A bankruptcy within the past three years of date of application.
• More than one moving violation in the past 12 months, and/or three or more moving citations within the past three years, and/or five or more moving citations within the past five years of date of application.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Stating "See Resume'" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. The City of Anaheim uses E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both work authorization and identity.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Firefighter Trainee
The City of Anaheim offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary participation programs. Benefit availability and coverage levels may vary depending on employment status and other eligibility factors.

Firefighter Trainee employees are not eligible to participate in the City's Retiree Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
, to view the current benefits summary.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide retirement benefits to eligible employees. The retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.

CalPERS Retirement Formulas:
(Reciprocity provision may apply)
Classic Member

(hired on or before December 31, 2012)

Miscellaneous: 2.7% at age 55

Safety: 3% at age 50
Classic Member

(hired on or after December 19, 2012)

Fire Safety: 2% at age 50
PEPRA Member

(Hired on or after January 1, 2013)

Miscellaneous: 2% at age 62

Safety: 2.7% at age 57
, for CalPERS current limits and additional information.

Note: Pension contribution limitations are set by CalPERS each calendar year, with compensation limit requirements for Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) members and Classic members. Employee contributions will be deposited into a 401(a) account after reaching this limit. Employees with CalPERS membership dates prior to July 1, 1996 are not impacted by these limits.
To learn more about the City's benefits, visit
01

This recruitment will follow the timeline as indicated in the Supplemental Information section. All communications will be conducted entirely via email therefore please ensure that emails from @anaheim.net and @governmentjobs.com are added to your email provider's safe sender list. Please check your email regularly.Due to the high number of applications expected, we ask candidates not to contact us for status or update requests. We will notify you promptly as we make progress with each step of the recruitment.You must ensure that your application is complete with the required proof of documents/certifications/licenses. Applications that are submitted in error or with missing information or proof cannot be amended by the City of Anaheim after you submit. Please ensure that your application is complete.Do you confirm that you have read the above statement?

• Yes
• No

02

Please attach the following documents as ONE (1) document file: (multiple attachments may delay application review)• Highschool Diploma - Graduation from high school or its equivalent or accredited College/University Degree• Basic Firefighter I Academy Certificate - Graduation from a basic California State Fire Marshal Accredited Firefighter I Academy*• EMT or Paramedic License - State of California certification as an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic** • American Heart Association or equivalent CPR certification• Driver's License - Possession of a valid Class "C" California Driver's License at the time of appointment and as a condition of continued employment. Out of state drivers license will be accepted at the time of application.• (Optional) Biddle Waiver - Biddle letter with a completion time of 8:02min or faster between the dates of July 1, 2025 to July 22, 2026 must be attached to the application. Biddle letters must have the completion time list. I understand that if I do NOT attach all required documents, my application will be considered incomplete and will not be processed further

• Yes
• No

03

Are you currently employed in California as a paid full-time firefighter / firefighter paramedic (Preferred, not required)

• Yes
• No

04

Are you a State of California licensed paramedic? (Preferred, not required)

• Yes
• No

05

Other than English, are you fluent in any other language(s) and are able to speak, read, and/or write?

• Yes
• No

06

If you are fluent in any other language(s), please list the language(s) below. If "No", please type "N/A".
07

Do you have a Biddle letter with a completion time of 8:02min or faster within 1 year? (Please attach, if requesting to waive the Anaheim Hosted Biddle)

• Yes
• No

Required Question