Fire Department · Career
City Of Burbank Fire Department
Burbank, CA · Los Angeles County
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Department careers page ↗The City of Burbank Fire Department (BFD) provides all-hazards protection to roughly 103,000 residents across about 17 square miles of Los Angeles County. As home to major studios and a busy commercial core, Burbank's daytime population swells well beyond its resident count, giving crews a high-tempo, urban service area.
The department fields six fire stations plus a training center. Front-line resources include six engine companies, two truck companies, three ALS rescue ambulances, and a battalion chief unit, staffed by roughly 125 sworn personnel supported by professional civilian staff.
BFD is organized into divisions covering Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, the Fire Prevention Bureau, Emergency Management, Fire Apparatus & Equipment, Training & Safety, and Administration, reflecting a full-service department that handles fire, rescue, and advanced life support EMS.
Burbank hires both entry-level Fire Fighter Recruits and experienced lateral firefighters. Entry-level candidates test through the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC): applicants must be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL), then complete the City application and move through oral interviews, background investigation, polygraph, and medical/psychological evaluation before appointment.
All candidates must hold a valid California EMT certificate at appointment; a California Paramedic license is a desirable qualification and earns additional pay. Lateral applicants must be currently employed sworn firefighters with recent professional experience and Fire Fighter I certification.
Requirements
- At least 21 years of age at time of appointment
- Graduation from high school or equivalent
- Valid California Class C driver's license (or equivalent) at appointment
- Valid State of California EMT Certificate at time of appointment
- Physical endurance, strength, and agility to perform essential firefighting duties
- Agreement not to use tobacco on or off duty while employed
- Valid California Paramedic License (desirable)
Hiring process
- Take the FCTC written exam and be placed on the Statewide Eligibility List (SEL)
- Submit the official City of Burbank employment application
- Physical ability test
- Oral interview
- Background investigation and polygraph
- Medical and psychological evaluation
- Appointment
Benefits
Comprehensive City of Burbank employee benefits including medical and dental coverage. Additional compensation includes a 20% paramedic bonus, a 5% EMT bonus, longevity pay of up to 7.5%, plus educational and bilingual incentives and a tuition reimbursement program.
New recruits complete a fire academy before assignment; taking fire science coursework and a Firefighter 1 academy is recommended preparation for entry-level candidates.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Burbank firefighter?
You must be at least 21 at appointment, have a high school diploma or equivalent, hold a valid California Class C driver's license, and possess a State of California EMT certificate. A California Paramedic license is desirable and earns extra pay.
How does the entry-level hiring process work?
Burbank uses the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC). Take the FCTC written exam, get on the Statewide Eligibility List, then apply to the City. From there the process includes a physical ability test, oral interview, background investigation, polygraph, and medical and psychological evaluations.
Does Burbank accept lateral firefighters?
Yes. Lateral candidates must be currently employed as sworn firefighters with municipal experience, hold Fire Fighter I certification, and a California/National Registry Paramedic certification is preferred.
What does the job pay?
Fire Fighter Recruits earn roughly $75,434/year in the academy, moving to about $6,984-$9,394/month afterward. A recent lateral posting listed $80,591.94-$108,387.24/year, plus a 20% paramedic bonus, 5% EMT bonus, and up to 7.5% longevity pay.
Is paramedic certification required?
An EMT certificate is required at appointment. A paramedic license is not required but is a desirable qualification and earns a 20% pay bonus.
Are there any conduct requirements once hired?
Yes. Employees agree not to use tobacco on or off duty for as long as they work for the Burbank Fire Department.