This classification will receive the following base wage increases:
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4.5% effective March 19, 2027
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4.5% effective March 17, 2028
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4.5% effective March 16, 2029
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4.5% effective March 15, 2030
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4.5% effective March 14, 2031
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently accepting applications for the position of Hand Crew Firefighter. Please review the entire recruitment bulletin for important information before applying.
For more information about the Orange County Fire Authority Hand Crew Firefighter please visit www.joinocfa.org.
CLASS SUMMARY:
Under supervision, to perform a full range of strenuous physical tasks relative to fire suppression, fire line construction, improvement, and rehabilitation to fire lines and burn areas; mop up fire hotspots using hand tools to stop the fire spread; and related support functions.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Hand Crew Firefighter is distinguished from a Firefighter, which has a full range of firefighting responsibilities. In addition to the performance of hand crew firefighting duties, incumbents may serve on as needed basis in technical assignments performing one of the following: fire suppression and prevention, training, and communications.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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Last Day to Apply: Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM
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Written Examination: Week of August 31, 2026
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Arduous Pack Test: Week of October 5, 2026
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Oral Interviews: October 26, 2026 – November 6, 2026
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Fire Chief Interviews: January 2027
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Eligibility List Established: TBD
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Background Investigation Orientation: TBD
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Expected Start Date: June 2027
Please note, all dates are subject to change based on organizational need. Should a change occur, Human Resources will notify all affected candidates via email.
ONLINE APPLICATION
An applicant must submit, during the application filing period, an online application and attach any supplemental information as required in the job announcement, which may include submitting responses to a supplemental questionnaire and PDF copies of certificates. To apply for this position, please visit www.ocfa.org and submit your online application and all relevant supplemental documentation.
Online resumes and other unsolicited materials may be attached but will not be considered in lieu of the required online application. The OCFA reserves the right to limit the number of online applications when necessary. Applicants are responsible for maintaining/updating their contact information through the online application system.
Human Resources will screen all applications for minimum qualifications, however, the OCFA reserves the right to refer only the better qualified applicants.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION
The minimum passing score is 80%. The written exam will have a weight of 25% of the candidates' overall score. All candidates that achieve a score of 80% or above on the written examination will be invited to the arduous pack test.
ARDUOUS PACK TEST
Candidates must pass the arduous pack test exam in a time of 45:00 minutes or less. The arduous pack test consists of a three (3) mile hike with a 45-pound pack over level terrain. The arduous pack test will be coordinated by the OCFA at a nearby facility. Candidates may substitute an IQCS Master Record showing their current fitness level status as Arduous as a substitute for completing this portion of the recruitment process. All candidates who successfully complete the arduous pack test will be invited to the oral interview.
PANEL INTERVIEW
The minimum passing score is 80%. The panel interview will have a weight of 75% of the candidates' overall score. The panel interview will be arranged by Human Resources. Human Resources will notify referred candidates by email of the scheduled dates, times, and locations.
CHIEF'S INTERVIEW
Candidates who successfully complete the Chief's interview may be invited to begin the pre-employment background process. The Chief's interview will be arranged by Human Resources. Human Resources will notify candidates by email of the scheduled dates, times, and locations for their assigned interview.
ELIGIBILITY LIST
Placement on the eligibility list will be established based on a combination of the written examination score (25%) and the panel interview score (75%). The arduous pack test is pass/fail. The eligibility list will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of establishment or until all the names on the list are exhausted. The eligibility list may be extended or abolished at the discretion of the Assistant Chief/Human Resources Director.
SELECTION
Tentative selections will be completed after the Fire Chief interviews. Final selections are based on vacancies and successful completion of:
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Pre-employment background check
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Pre-employment medical examination
PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment medical exam including a drug screen through the OCFA's designated physician.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND
Candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation including, but not limited to fingerprinting, current and previous employment history check, reference check, DMV check, criminal history check, and licensure/certification check.
POST EMPLOYMENT OFFERS
All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion / clearance of a comprehensive pre-employment medical exam and drug screen through the OCFA's designated health care providers, and completion of a comprehensive background investigation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, driving, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Employees represented by the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) hired after September 1, 2016, are not permitted to use tobacco products on or off duty.
LOYALTY OATH
All new employees must take an oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst II at (714) 573-6828 or [email protected] within 72 hours prior to the need for the accommodation.
QUESTIONS
All questions regarding this position should be directed to Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst II at (714) 573-6828 or [email protected].
NOTE
The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
