Fire Department · Career
City of Riverside Fire Department
Riverside, CA · Riverside County
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when City of Riverside Fire Department is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗The Riverside Fire Department has served its Southern California community for well over a century, describing itself as providing more than 137 years of all-hazard emergency service. It is a full-service career department of roughly 210 firefighters operating out of 14 stations.
The department covers about 81.4 square miles and protects a population of over 328,000, responding to more than 45,000 calls per year. That volume reflects a busy, urban-suburban service area at the edge of the Inland Empire.
Riverside is one of the relatively few agencies nationwide to earn an ISO Class 1 rating, the top public-protection classification, and it is accredited through the Centers for Public Safety Excellence. Its stated core values are professionalism, integrity, teamwork, ethics, honesty, and safety.
MissionProtect life, property, and the environment by providing exceptional and progressive, all-hazard emergency services, public education, and safety programs.
Riverside accepts firefighter applications on a continuous basis through the City of Riverside careers portal on governmentjobs.com. Candidates must meet a set of minimum qualifications before applying, including a completed California State Fire Marshal accredited fire academy, a current CPAT certificate, EMT or Paramedic certification, and CPR/BLS credentials.
The department points prospective firefighters toward the FCTC (Firefighter Candidate Testing Center) CPAT process and to regional community colleges, including Riverside Community College, that offer FF1 academy and EMT programs. Recruitment questions can be directed to the department's recruitment email.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid California DMV Class C license
- American Heart Association Health Care Provider certification OR Red Cross BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals
- Valid CPAT certificate (issued within 6 months of application)
- Completion of a California State Fire Marshal accredited Fire Academy
- Valid California EMT license (or equivalent course completion with NREMT testing within 2 years); Paramedic license accepted as an alternative
Hiring process
- Complete the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) through FCTC
- Obtain EMT or Paramedic certification through an approved provider
- Complete a State Fire Marshal accredited Fire Academy
- Apply through the City of Riverside careers portal on governmentjobs.com
Benefits
The department advertises a competitive compensation package with CalPERS retirement, a generous benefits package, and a variety of additional skill-compensation and special-program stipends, along with ongoing physical conditioning and career training.
Applicants must complete a California State Fire Marshal accredited fire academy before applying; regional community colleges including Riverside Community College offer FF1 academy and EMT programs.
How do I apply to become a Riverside firefighter?
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis through the City of Riverside careers portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofriversideca. You must meet the minimum qualifications before applying.
What are the minimum requirements to apply?
You need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid California Class C license, current CPR/BLS certification, a valid CPAT certificate issued within the last 6 months, completion of a California State Fire Marshal accredited fire academy, and EMT (or Paramedic) certification.
Do I need to complete a fire academy before applying?
Yes. You must have completed a California State Fire Marshal accredited fire academy. Riverside Community College and several other California community colleges offer FF1 academy and EMT programs.
Is a CPAT required, and how do I get one?
Yes, a valid CPAT certificate is required within 6 months of application. The department directs candidates to the FCTC process (FCTCOnline.org), which offers the timed test with orientations as well as a practice test option.
What benefits does the department offer?
Riverside offers a competitive compensation package with CalPERS retirement, a generous benefits package, and additional skill-compensation and special-program stipends, plus ongoing training and physical conditioning throughout your career.