Fire Department · Career
Tulare Fire Department
Tulare, CA · Tulare County
The City of Tulare Fire Department (TFD) serves a growing Central Valley community of roughly 70,700 residents from three strategically located fire stations. Emergency services are delivered through four in-service fire companies, most staffed with a captain, an engineer, and a firefighter/paramedic, with one company cross-staffing an engine and a ladder truck.
The department is organized into a Fire Administration Division (which houses the Fire Prevention Bureau) and a Fire Suppression Division. A Battalion Chief works each day as incident commander, supervising suppression operations and personnel.
TFD carries an ISO Class 2 rating, among the best in the state, and the department describes itself as in the midst of a deliberate transformation aimed at aligning operations with National Fire Protection Association 1710 staffing standards and ISO benchmarks.
Beyond fire suppression, the department's mission spans emergency medical services, vehicle and technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, fire prevention and inspection, public education, and fire code enforcement.
MissionTo maintain positive and inspiring relationship, motivate, empower, and serve the members of TFD within servant, authentic, and transformational leadership traits. To set the high level of personal character in ethical, legal, moral, and safest practices in fire & emergency response.
Tulare hires primarily at the Firefighter/Paramedic level, and the department recruits to fill current vacancies and to establish an eligible list used for future openings. Applications are submitted through the City's GovernmentJobs portal, where candidates complete sections on education, work experience, certificates and licenses, and skills, answer supplemental questions, and attach required licenses and certificates.
New Firefighter/Paramedic recruits attend an eight-week intensive academy run by the department's training division before entering the 48/96 shift rotation.
Requirements
- Valid paramedic license/certification (Firefighter/Paramedic positions)
- Completed application detailing education, work experience, certificates, licenses, and skills
- Responses to supplemental questions
- Attachment of all required licenses and certificates
Hiring process
- Submit an application through the City of Tulare GovernmentJobs portal
- Complete supplemental questions and attach required licenses/certificates
- Placement on the eligible list for current and future vacancies
- Attend the eight-week Firefighter/Paramedic academy conducted by the training division
Benefits
The City offers CalPERS retirement (2.7% at 57 for new members since January 1, 2013 with three-year final compensation, or 3.0% at 55 for existing members with no break in service), uniforms, roughly 136 hours of vacation per year plus holiday credit, and about 134 hours of sick leave per year.
New Firefighter/Paramedic recruits attend an eight-week intensive academy conducted by the department's training division.
What positions does Tulare Fire hire for?
The department primarily recruits Firefighter/Paramedics, filling current vacancies and building an eligible list for future openings.
What does a Firefighter/Paramedic earn?
The Firefighter/Paramedic salary on the 24-shift schedule is roughly $76,741 to $93,279 per year ($26.35–$32.03 per hour).
What is the work schedule?
Firefighter/Paramedics work a 48/96 schedule: two consecutive 24-hour shifts (48 hours on) followed by four days off (96 hours off), averaging a 56-hour workweek.
How do I apply?
Apply through the City of Tulare's GovernmentJobs portal, completing the application sections on education, experience, certificates and licenses, and skills, answering supplemental questions, and attaching required licenses and certificates.
Is there a fire academy for new hires?
Yes. New Firefighter/Paramedic recruits attend an eight-week intensive academy conducted by the department's training division.
What benefits are offered?
Benefits include CalPERS retirement (2.7% at 57 for new members or 3.0% at 55 for existing members), uniforms, about 136 hours of vacation plus holiday credit, and roughly 134 hours of sick leave per year.