Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
Berkeley, California is a small city with a big reputation. At just ten square miles of land and seven square miles of water, Berkeley is famous around the globe as a center for academic achievement, scientific exploration, free speech, and the arts, and home to over 50 parks, a top-ranked university, and the largest public marina in the San Francisco Bay.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Build a career with purpose. Serve Berkeley. Grow with a team that has your back. The Berkeley Fire Department is looking for paramedics who want more than a job. This is a career where you respond to real emergencies, provide critical care, support your community, and become part of a team committed to service, wellness, equity, and growth. Why Join the Berkeley Fire Department?
Purpose-Driven Work - Every shift is an opportunity to make a difference. Berkeley paramedics provide emergency medical services, rescue response, disaster response, and community-focused care to one of the Bay Area’s most engaged and dynamic cities.
A Team That Supports You - At BFD, you will work alongside people who take pride in service, professionalism, and teamwork. Our Labor and Management leaders are committed to making the Department a strong, supportive, and respectful place to work. You will be encouraged to learn, contribute, build trust, and become part of a team that has your back.
Real Investment in Your Health - We know this work requires physical and mental readiness. That is why BFD invests in your health and long-term well-being. Our full-time on-site coach supports injury prevention and rehabilitation. We also offer annual physicals, biomarker testing, full-body MRIs, and access to culturally competent mental health clinicians at no cost.
Modern Medical Tools and Technology - You will work with high-quality medical equipment, apparatus, and technology designed to help you respond safely and effectively. BFD is committed to giving paramedics the tools and support they need to deliver excellent emergency medical care.
Tradition, Innovation, and Pride - Since 1904, Berkeley Fire Department personnel have served the community with hard work, courage, and pride. Today, BFD continues that tradition while embracing innovation, modern emergency medical response, and continuous improvement.
For more information, visit the Berkeley Fire Department recruitment website and view the recruitment timeline. See the full job class specification here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/berkeley/classspecs/1589895 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
By date of application:
- Graduation from high school or GED equivalent
- Valid California Paramedic License, National Registry Paramedic Certification Card, or be actively participating in a Paramedic Field Internship Program.
- Valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record
- Current American Heart Association CPR for the Healthcare Provider, ACLS, PALS, PHTLS/ITLS cards (or equivalents as determined by the Fire Chief)
- Proof of vaccination to include: TDaP, TB, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella (Chicken Pox), and Influenza. Titers demonstrating immunity may be substituted for the proof of vaccination.
By date of appointment (hire):
- Valid California Paramedic license.
- Core courses required to be an Alameda County accredited Paramedic.
- California Ambulance Certificate (AMB), issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Successful completion of background investigation including Live Scan fingerprinting.
- Successful completion of physical ability exam according to the specifications of the fire department.
Other requirements:
- Must be able to travel within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill job responsibilities
- Must maintain a valid California Class C or higher driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record
- Must be willing to maintain facial hair in such a manner as to ensure proper fitting and operation of Cal-OSHA compliant N95 and P100 particulate respirators
- Must be willing to work shifts as structured in the Fire Department
- Must successfully complete on-going assessment of health and wellness as required by the City
APPLICATION PROCESS
*CLOSING DATE EXTENDED*
Applicants must submit a completed application by 5:00pm PST on October 19, 2026 to be considered for the next academy. Applicants must attach all supplemental documentation listed below as part of the minimum qualifications in order to be invited to the next phases of the recruitment process. Please do NOT submit your application until you possess all required documents as listed below. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.
Supplemental attachments must include:
- Valid California Paramedic License or proof of active participation in a Paramedic Field Internship Program that must be fully completed by April 2027
- Valid California Driver’s License
- Valid American Heart Association Healthcare Provider certifications including:
- BLS (CPR and AED)
- ACLS
- PALS
- Valid International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) / Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certification(or equivalents as determined by the Fire Chief)
- Proof of vaccinations must include:
- TDaP
- TB - within the last two years
- MMR
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Current Influenza/Flu Shot
*Titers demonstrating immunity may be substituted for the proof of vaccination.
Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.
Please be aware of unauthorized job postings and communications. Applications will only be accepted via GovernmentJobs.com and we will only email candidates from the governmentjobs.com or berkeleyca.gov domain. If you encounter a suspicious job post or communication, please alert us at hr@berkeleyca.gov.
EXAM PROCESS
The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:
- Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience and documentation will be calculated based on the application closing date)
- Physical Agility Test - Tentatively between November 16, 2026 to November 20, 2026
- EMS Skills Exam and Selection Interviews* - Tentatively between November 30, 2026 to December 4, 2026
*Candidates that are successful in the EMS Skills Exams will be placed on the eligible list for this classification. Only candidates that pass the exam will move onto selection/hiring interviews that are conducted on the same day as the EMS Skills Exam. A limited number of candidates will be given a conditional offer to move forward in the hiring process. Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list. Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.Benefits Benefited employees receive a myriad of financial and other benefits, including CalPERS pension and other retirement plans, medical and dental coverage, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and more.
Benefit-eligible employees include those with a regular work schedule of at least 20 hours per week. Employees working less than 30 hours per week may receive pro-rated benefits.
Retirement CalPERS City employees are included in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is either 2.7% at age 57 (PEPRA members) or 3% at age 50 (Classic members).
Deferred Compensation The City offers voluntary 457 deferred compensation plans with CalPERS or Empower. Employees may contribute up to the IRS maximum on a pre-tax basis.
Medical Plans Employees can choose coverage under Kaiser HMO or Sutter Health Plan HMO. The City contributes an amount equal to the cost of the Kaiser premium. Employees who have medical coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided medical coverage and receive a monthly stipend.
Dental Plan The City provides group dental benefits through Delta Dental of California. The City contributes up to the family coverage for the plan, which covers 90% of the dental charges up to $3,000 annually per person. Orthodontic benefits are offered at a $3,000 lifetime maximum per person. Employees who have dental coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided dental coverage and receive a monthly stipend.
Life Insurance The City provides employees with a $100,000 Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy. Employees have the option to purchase additional term life insurance up to a maximum of $300,000.
Sick Leave Employees earn one day of paid sick leave per month.
Vacation Employees on a suppression shift accrue 144 hours of vacation annually. Administrative staff accrue 80 hours of vacation annually. Vacation accrual rates increase at 6 years, 12 years, 19 years, and 25 years of service.
Holidays 15 paid holidays annually
Uniform Allowance $1,400 annually
Premium Pay Employees receive a pay differential of 5% for EMT certification, as well as differentials for certain assignments:
- Water Rescue Swimmer Team (2.5%)
- Hazardous Materials Response Team, Medical Specialist Team, Shift Fire Prevention Inspector, or special assignment (5%)
- FRALS Paramedic (6.25%)
(SWORN FIRE)
PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS
Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City will undergo an employment background check that may include, but is not limited to: confirmation of employment history, educational credentials and degrees, certificates, registrations, and licenses including driver's license; credit check; criminal history check; and Live Scan fingerprinting.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER
The City of Berkeley is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All employment actions shall be administered regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, veterans’ status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency/disaster.