JOB SUMMARY
The Manhattan Beach Fire Department invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. Salary displayed is inclusive of the 18.1% Paramedic Pay.
Base Salary Firefighter: $7,709 - $9,340 per month
Paramedic Pay: 18.1% of base salary
Lateral applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Salary placement will be determined based on experience.
Certification Pay: Additional compensation is available for qualifying certifications, including Fire Marshal Certification and Technical Specialty certifications such as Technical Rescue and Paramedic Trainer, among others. For full details, please refer to the MBFA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
To be considered in the application review, candidates must have completed the Employment Application and have taken the Written Exam by May 3 , 2026. Prompt application and completion of the testing process is strongly suggested.
A copy of each of the following items must be attached to the application at the time of submission.
Applications without the required attachments will not be considered.
Requirements:
- Proof of graduation from a California State Fire Marshal accredited Firefighter I Academy is required at the time of application. If a candidate is currently enrolled in a Fire Academy, proof of enrollment with an anticipated graduation date is required.
- Transcripts of completion of fifteen (15) college units of fire science, fire prevention, fire safety, firefighting methods and techniques courses, or related field is required.
- Proof of a current EMT-P Paramedic license is required at the time of application. If a candidate is currently enrolled in a Paramedic program, proof of enrollment with an anticipated completion date is required.
- Proof of Completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or the Biddle Physical Agility Test within the last 12 months.
- Completion of Written Test through National Testing Network (NTN)
** Lateral Applicants (currently employed with a Fire Agency as a Firefighter) do not need to include CPAT/Biddle or complete the written test through NTN.
*** Out-of-state lateral applicants may be considered upon the Fire Chief's review of applications.
Summary:
Under general supervision, the Firefighter/Paramedic performs firefighting and emergency rescue duties and provides advanced medical care; responds to hazardous materials incidents and major disasters; performs fire prevention and public education activities; operates and maintains firefighting and paramedic equipment, apparatus, and facilities; participates in training and paramedic continuing education, and other activities to protect life, property, and the environment; and does other related work as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Firefighter/Paramedic is distinguished from the Fire Engineer/Paramedic, which has more specialized knowledge of the regular maintenance, repair and operation of fire apparatus, and the Fire Captain/Paramedic, which has responsibility for the training, coordination, and supervision of fire personnel assigned to a fire company.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be 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 alarms involving fires, emergency medical services, accidents, gas leaks, flooded structures, hazardous substances, forcible entry, search and rescue work, and other requests for assistance.
- Performs advanced medical care and life saving duties; provides definitive treatment in the field to persons in life threatening medical situations or traumatic conditions; communicates effectively with base hospital mobile intensive care unit and/or physician regarding appropriate patient treatment and transport destination.
- Operates a paramedic vehicle safely in accordance with emergency driving regulations under the California Vehicle Code; treats and transports patients in accordance with Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services protocols and department policy; supports and assists other Firefighter/Paramedics as directed in medical incidents.
- Raises, lowers, and climbs ladders; places fire hoses, and operates fire streams; uses hand and power tools for ventilation and forcible entry; uses rescue equipment to extricate victims; opens up walls, structures and vehicles; ventilates and enters burning structures to extinguish fires and perform rescues.
- Performs salvage and overhaul operations during and after fires have been extinguished to remove hazards and minimize water damage.
- Operates auxiliary, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment such as generators, pumps, and various controls; assists in operating fire apparatus, as needed.
- Documents and completes reports such as pre-hospital care reports, incident reports, drug logs, training, and continuing education records.
- Orders and maintains paramedic and other station supplies as needed.
- Performs fire prevention and pre-fire planning inspections in commercial, industrial and municipal facilities, and other types of inspections, as assigned.
- Participates in public education programs for schools, civic groups, and other parties concerning fire safety, emergency preparedness, and emergency medical procedures; and conducts station tours.
- Conducts and participates in departmental training programs for specialized topics; participates in coordinated response drills and various training operations.
- Participates in self-directed exercise program to maintain physical fitness.
- Performs preventive maintenance and ensures readiness of fire apparatus and equipment.
- May assist Fire Engineer or Fire Engineer/Paramedic in the operation of various fire equipment as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education/Training/Experience:
- Graduation from High School or G.E.D. is required.
- Graduation from a California State Fire Marshal accredited Firefighter I Academy is required.
- Completion of fifteen (15) college units of fire science, fire prevention, fire safety, firefighting methods and techniques courses, or related field is required.
Licenses/Certificates:
- A current EMT-P Paramedic license is required of at the time of hire.
- Must obtain Los Angeles County Paramedic accreditation within three (3) months of appointment. A valid California driver's license with acceptable driving record is required.
- Ability to obtain a minimum California Class C driver’s license with firefighter endorsement at the end of probationary period.
Knowledge of:
- Fire services principles and driver safety.
Skill in:
- Operating department tools and equipment including emergency medical aid unit, fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, and other firefighting equipment, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, pager, personal computer, and telephone.
Ability to:
- Prepare records and reports;
- Learn technical firefighting principles and techniques;
- Read and write in the English language;
- Understand and follow oral and written directions;
- Perform strenuous or peak activities during emergency training or station maintenance situations for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold or smoke;
- Act effectively in emergency and stressful situations;
- Demonstrate physical endurance and agility;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
- Renew paramedic certification as required.
Special Requirements:
- Successfully passed the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) or Biddle Physical Agility at the time of appointment.
- Cannot have smoked or used tobacco products up to one (1) year prior to employment and must continue as a non-tobacco user during employment.
- Be available to work extended hours and shifts and be available for call-back status for and during emergencies.
- In accordance with California Government Code Section 3100, City of Manhattan Beach employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to protect the health, safety, lives, and property of the people of the State
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Testing Process:
All applicants must complete the computer-based Firefighter test through National Testing Network (NTN). The City of Manhattan Beach offers written testing services for the Firefighter/Paramedic through National Testing Network, Inc. To fill out an application and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com , select Fire, and sign up for the City of Manhattan Beach.
What to expect at the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:
- Completion of the application process
- Review all information related to the City of Manhattan Beach Firefighter/Paramedic position, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.
- Detailed information about the testing process for the entry-level test.
- Opportunity to take online practice tests at www.fireteamtest.com.
- Schedule your own convenient test time. Tests are offered multiple times a week, including Saturdays.
- Take high-quality job simulation tests in a standardized, fair testing environment.
Upon completion of the entry-level exam, all candidates' scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Manhattan Beach Human Resources Department. Candidates who attain a passing score on the entry-level exam may be contacted to continue in the selection process. The City of Manhattan Beach Human Resources Department will contact candidates about their application status and additional testing requirements after the close of the application period.
National Testing Network (NTN) is a service provided to conduct entry-level testing in a standardized, professional environment. NTN does not replace the City of Manhattan Beach Human Resources' responsibility and decision-making in the testing process. All candidate results are provided to the City of Manhattan Beach Human Resources Department, where the final decisions are made.
Selection Process:
The selection process will consist of the following components and weights:
NTN Written Examination - Qualifying (Pass/Fail) Paramedic Skills Examination - Qualifying (Pass/Fail)Oral Panel Interview - 100% Candidates must successfully pass each step of the recruitment and selection process to be placed on the Eligible List. Final appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of an oral interview, a pre-background interview, an extensive background investigation, a polygraph examination, a psychological evaluation, a Fire Chief’s interview, and a pre-employment medical examination.
If you need special assistance in the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (310) 802-5258.
The City of Manhattan Beach offers a generous benefits package to full-time and eligible employees including PERS medical plans, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, and many more.
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To see detailed information about
Firefighters Association (MBFA) bargaining unit benefits, please visit our
benefit page on the City's official website.
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Part-time employees are enrolled in PARS (Public Alternate Retirement System). All part-time and seasonal employees contribute 7.5% each pay period on a pre-tax basis. If an employee reaches 1,000 hours within a fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th) or is already a CalPERS member, then they are enrolled in CalPERS (Public Employees Retirement System).
The City complies with California Labor Code 245-249 by providing paid sick leave for part-time hourly employees accordingly.
The City of Manhattan Beach does not provide medical/dental/vision benefits to part-time employees. Eligible employees enrolled in CalPERS may opt into a CalPERS medical plan.
Closing Date/Time: 5/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
