DEADLINE TO APPLY: Monday, August 31, 2026 by 5:00pm
THE POSITION:
The City of Hayward is excited to announce its recruitment for the position of Firefighter Trainee. The Firefighter trainee is hired into a civilian position for the period of time they are assigned to the Fire Academy. Upon successful completion of the Training Academy, the Firefighter Trainee position transitions into the position of Firefighter and Trainees will be sworn in and appointed to the classification of Firefighter. Firefighter Trainee benefits are limited to those of a civilian employee.
The position of Firefighter responds to emergency alarms, lays lines, and directs streams of water and other extinguishers; carries and sets up ladders, ventilates buildings, and rescues persons and animals. The Firefighter attends to victims in emergency situations using prescribed paramedic techniques; provides medical aid; administers drugs; gives injections; starts intravenous solutions; takes and monitors vital signs; takes appropriate action to preserve life as prescribed by Alameda County protocols, the Base Hospital, via direct radio or telephone contact or physician on scene. In addition, a Firefighter may be required to drive department ambulance and transport patients to emergency receiving facilities.
The Department
The Mission of the Hayward Fire Department is to protect lives and property by providing superior fire suppression and emergency medical services (EMS), supported by prevention through responsible regulatory and educational programs.
What you will do:
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
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Attends a basic recruit academy designed to provide an overview of the Hayward Fire Department including knowledge of laws, firefighting procedures and physical fitness.
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Receives training to develop an awareness of the overall Fire Department functions, responsibilities of Firefighters and how they relate to field operations.
Link to full job description: Firefighter Trainee Classification Specification
CORE COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of:
Basic mathematics and mechanical principles that demonstrate the ability to learn technical concepts, procedures, and equipment operation.
Basic Life Support Emergency Care.
Patient transport procedures.
Ability to:
Successfully complete academy requirements.
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Think and act quickly in emergencies.
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Understand and interpret laws and regulations.
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Follow oral and written instructions.
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Display the use and manipulation of tools, medical equipment and instruments, and apparatus.
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Perform the work in the expedient manner required.
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Have good agility for performing tasks involving balance and coordination.
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and other fire service officials.
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Observe and evaluate patient status and conditions and determine appropriate basic and advanced life support procedures.
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Make sound independent paramedical decisions.
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Learn and apply Alameda County Radio Format in order to transmit medical information.
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Learn fire radio communications format, language, and dispatching techniques.
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Prepare accurate technical reports and records.
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Understand how and why mechanical things work.
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Read and understand technical material, reports, laws, codes and departmental regulations.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONSBENEFITS AND REWARDS:
Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:
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Alternative Work Schedule and/or Telecommuting
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Vacation - 80 hours minimum
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15.5 Paid Holidays
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Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
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CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
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Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
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Flexible Spending Accounts
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Tuition Reimbursement
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Health and Wellness Reimbursement
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Professional Development Reimbursement
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457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application, license, and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.
Application Review -
Job Related Testing (examination) -
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Written Exam: The FCTC written exam will be used and the candidate must be on the current Firefighter Candidate Testing Center's Statewide Eligibility List.
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Physical Performance Test: (Pass/Fail): All components of the event must be passed in order to continue to the next phase of the process.
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Confirmation of licenses including certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process.
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Oral Interview: Candidates will be interviewed by a qualifications appraisal panel to determine ranking on the Firefighter Eligibility List. Candidates must achieve a score of 70% or better to be placed on the list.
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The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department. Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.
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Selection Interview: Candidates will be interviewed by a qualifications appraisal panel comprised of Chief Officers. Candidates will be required to successfully climb an aerial ladder as part of this process.
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Comprehensive Background Investigation: Includes personal history, prior job performance, and activities that may negatively affect job performance.
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Medical Examination.
PLEASE NOTE, DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE CITY'S DISCRETION.
Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.
The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.
APPLICATIONS
Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541 or via phone (510) 583-4500.
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627.
The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer
&
A Certified Age Friendly Employer
Learn more about the mission of the Age Friendly Institute here
