Firefighter Jobs in Downey, CA

Firefighter Position

The Fire Department has been moving towards a community-centered metric driven organization committed to providing quality emergency, preventative, and risk reduction activities to the community. Personnel are proactive towards risk identification, public education, safety education, increased Community Emergency Response Teams ("CERT") training, and fire investigation activities.

Under general supervision of a Fire Captain or company commander, Firefighters respond to fire alarms, rescue and other emergency calls; protect life and property endangered by fire or other hazards; participate in regular fire prevention inspections; participate in regular training, drills, and study activities; assists in maintenance of station and equipment; and performs related duties as required. Incumbents are subject to recall at any time, may be required to be on duty for any reasonable combination of hours in emergencies and may be assigned any necessary work duty.

The position requires heavy lifting, carrying, climbing, pushing, pulling, stooping, bending and exposure to extreme heat, flammable liquid, hazardous gases, smoke, explosions, chemicals, electrical hazards, faulty structures, and inclement weather.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. March 09, 2026. The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be used to fill Firefighter and Firefighter Paramedic vacancies in the department over the next twelve (12) months. All required certificates must be submitted through the online application system no later than Monday, March 09, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. Failure to attach any one of the required documents will be considered an incomplete application and will not be processed. There will be no exceptions. Panel Interview: Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Chief's Interview: Monday, April 6, 2026. (If an additional interview date is needed, those interviews will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026).

The ideal firefighter candidate:

• Graduate of a California State Fire Marshal-accredited academy OR possess a California State Fire Marshal Fire Fighter 1 Certification
• Current Reserve Firefighter with Monterey Park Fire Department
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and operational procedures of the Monterey Park Fire Department
• Familiar with the geography and topography of the City of Monterey Park

The ideal firefighter paramedic candidate:

• Graduate of a California State Fire Marshal-accredited academy OR possess a California State Fire Marshal Fire Fighter 1 Certification
• Possession of either an EMT or EMT-P Certification issued by the state of CA
• Current Reserve Firefighter with Monterey Park Fire Department
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and operational procedures of the Monterey Park Fire Department
• Familiar with the geography and topography of the City of Monterey Park

The ideal firefighter paramedic (lateral) candidate:

• Valid State of California Paramedic License with National Registry or ability to obtain by time of appointment
• Graduate of a California State Fire Marshal-accredited academy OR possess a California State Fire Marshal Fire Fighter 1 Certification
• Possession of either an EMT or EMT-P Certification issued by the state of CA
• Currently employed as a Firefighter/Paramedic with a state, county, or municipal fire agency with successful completion of probation
• 2 years of experience as a sworn Firefighter/Paramedic

Qualification guidelines:

Education and experience:

• Graduation from high school or GED supplemented by college-level courses in Fire Science.
• Graduation from a California State Fire Marshal-accredited academy OR a California State Fire Marshal Fire Fighter 1 Certification

Lateral candidates:

• Currently employed as a full-time Firefighter Paramedic with successful completion of probation
• 2 years of experience as a sworn Firefighter is highly desirable.

Licenses and certificates:

• A valid Class C California motor vehicle operator's license required at time of appointment.
• Ability to obtain a valid Class C California motor vehicle operator's license with Firefighters endorsement prior to completion of 18-month probationary period.
• Possession of either an EMT or EMT-P Certification issued by the state of CA is required at time of appointment for Paramedic incentive.
• Maintenance of all required licenses and certificates is a continuing condition of employment.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of basic and advanced life support principles and procedure
• Knowledge of Los Angeles County EMS regulations, protocols and procedures
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of fire prevention and fire suppression
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, and operational procedures of the Monterey Park Fire Department
• Knowledge of geography and topography of the City of Monterey Park
• Ability to maintain current certification as a paramedic in Los Angeles County
• Ability to demonstrate physical endurance, agility and strength sufficient to meet the established standards of the Monterey Park Fire Department
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of mechanical aptitude
• Ability to learn fire suppression methods and techniques, the operation of fire suppression apparatus and equipment, major traffic and fire hazards, and the geography and topography of the City of Monterey Park
• Ability to think and act effectively and quickly in emergency situations
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the general public
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Following is a summary of provided benefits. For further information, refer to the unit's Memorandum of Understanding.

• Holidays: 12 hours/month paid the 1st pay period of each month.
• Vacation: 144 hours each year plus additional 24 hours for each year served to a maximum of 312 hours per year.
• Sick Leave: 96 hours per year.
• Cash Out of Accrued Leave: Employees may elect to cash out up to 8 shifts.
• Medical Insurance: The City contributes $1,445/mo toward the medical premium for employee and eligible dependents. $300 cash-in-lieu.
• Dental Insurance: The City contributes $95/mo toward the dental premium for employee and eligible dependents.
• Vision Insurance: The City contributes up to $20/mo toward vision insurance for employee and eligible dependents.
• Life Insurance: The City provides a $50,000 life insurance policy. Additional life insurance is available.
• Long Term Disability Insurance: The City contributes $12 per month toward the premium for long-term disability insurance for the employee. The current premium is $27.00 per month.
• Retirement: Employees are covered by the Public Employees' Retirement System. Classic employees CalPERS retirement formula is 3%@55, single highest year. New CalPERS members retirement formula is 2.7%@57, three average years as determined by PEPRA. Classic members pay the full 12% and new members pay 14.25% of the employee contribution. The City does not participate in the Social Security System, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution.
• Employee Assistance Program: Regular, full-time employees are eligible for participation in the Employee Assistance Program that provides confidential counseling and consultation services for family, stress, financial and legal issues.
• Credit Union: F & A Credit Union is available to employees.
• Deferred Compensation: Available to all employees who wish to participate.
• Educational Incentive Pay: 2% of base salary per month for Associate's or 60 units of college credit; 5% of base salary per month for Bachelor's; 6% of base salary per month for Master's.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Those who pass probation are eligible for reimbursement of approved courses and books at Cal-State LA rates.
• Employee Computer Loan: Those who pass probation are eligible for a $2,500 interest free loan to purchase a computer.
• Bilingual Pay: $150 per month for a qualified language.
• Certification Pay