City of Oakland
Overview
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees. We are currently recruiting for both
Firefighter Trainee
and
Firefighter Paramedic Trainee
positions. Candidates who wish to be considered for both positions must submit a separate application for each recruitment. Click
here
to review the job announcement and application for Firefighter Paramedic Trainee. Why join the City of Oakland Fire Department? OFD is a world-class fire department – the proud members of the Oakland Fire Department are committed to providing the highest quality and highest level of courteous and responsive services to the citizens of Oakland. This is accomplished by implementing comprehensive strategies and training in fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency medical services, and all risk mitigation, including human-caused and natural disasters, emergency preparedness, 9-1-1 services, and community-based fire services. The Fire Fighter Trainee prepares for the sworn position of Fire Fighter. They participate in the intensive recruit training academy, which focuses on fire technology, prevention, public education, emergency response, fire suppression, search and rescue, emergency medical service, hazard mitigation, fitness and health, policies, procedures, and other response areas as assigned. What you will typically be responsible for:
Participating in classroom lectures, seminars, and practical training sessions as directed in the Oakland Fire Department’s training academy.
Receiving training in firefighting activities such as fire suppression, wildfire operations, hose evolutions, nozzle evolutions, use of extrication tools such as chain saws, axes, jaws of life, ladder raises, ropes and knots, fire extinguishers, water supply systems, fire prevention, public safety education, radio operations, map reading, salvage and overhaul operations, emergency response driving and fire pump operations.
Participating in fire drills and attending classes in firefighting, emergency medical procedures, hazardous materials, and related subjects.
Learning the proper use and maintenance of fire-related apparatus, equipment, tools, and facilities.
Learning about fire prevention and safety programs offered through the Oakland Fire Department, including vegetation management, building, structural, and other fire and life safety inspections, and disaster preparedness.
Learning the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the City of Oakland and Oakland Fire Department, including ethics, diversity, and sexual harassment.
Qualifications and attributes
Trustworthy:
You will be entrusted with the utmost responsibility in ensuring public safety. They will entrust you with personal property, safety, privacy, loved ones’ care, and even their lives.
Physically Fit:
You will be physically fit and able to withstand the Fire Fighter's physical and mental demands.
A Communicator:
Clear, intelligent, and courteous communication within the firehouse, on the fire ground, and with the public. Active listening and collaboration with diverse personalities are expected.
Dedicated:
Hard-working, hard training, and pride in your work.
A Team Player:
Understands and commits to the team concept and mutual reliance.
Conscious of Public Image:
Maintains a professional public image; appearance and conduct reflect on self, department, and profession.
Selfless:
Willing to consider the well-being of others and to help, with courage to take risks.
Education and experience
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience: None required. Experience working with Oakland community members is desirable.
Licenses, certificates, and related requirements
Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) or EMT-1 certification from Alameda County or approved equivalent; current National Registry EMT-Basic registration with ability to obtain Alameda County certification by time of appointment.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS for Healthcare Provider) or CPR/AED certification from AHA, American Red Cross, or Alameda County-approved equivalent. A current CPR certification must be uploaded even if EMT-B or EMT-1 is held.
The EMT-B (or EMT-1) certification and CPR certification will be verified after the oral board examination. If not uploaded by the oral board, you will not be considered for the first Fire Academy, but may upload later for the second Fire Academy. To be considered for the 2026 Fall Fire Academy, certifications must be received by the completion of the oral board examination (tentatively March 2026). To be considered for the 2027 Fall Fire Academy, certifications must be received by January 31, 2027. The following must be submitted at the time of the Chief's Interview (tentatively scheduled for April 2026):
CPAT card issued by CFFJAC or IAFF. CPAT must be issued within 1 year of the Chief's Interviews (April 2026), so April 2025 or later.
The following certifications/licenses must be submitted at the time of hire:
Valid California Class “C” driver’s license or equivalent out-of-state license with ability to obtain CA license prior to completion of the academy. Maintain a valid CA Class “C” or higher license with acceptable driving record.
Other requirements:
Age 18 (by January 11, 2026).
Pass a thorough background investigation.
U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States.
Physically capable of performing all tasks required of an Oakland Firefighter, including rigorous activities, and meet CA DMV visual acuity standards. CPAT and medical evaluation fitness required.
Vision of 20/20 corrected or uncorrected with both eyes; color vision acceptable.
Bilingual skills are highly desirable.
Selection Process
The Firefighter Trainee classification is unclassified and exempt from Civil Service Rules.
The process may involve Stage I to Stage V assessments, including application screening, written exam (NTN), oral board examination, eligible list placement, Chief's Interviews, and training academy.
Stage I – Application Screening: review for minimum qualifications (weighted pass/fail).
Stage II – Written Examination: qualified candidates receive a link to schedule the NTN exam; must complete by Feb 15, 2026.
Stage III – Oral Board Examination: must earn a scale score of 70 and have all required certifications uploaded.
Stage IV – Eligible List Placement: ranking based on scores; veterans and City residents may receive extra points.
Stage V – Chief's Interviews: invited candidates; background investigation, performance trait assessment, medical examination, and final appointment decisions after academy completion.
The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and dates. The information in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute a contract. How to Apply Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement. Applications are accepted online only. Visit the employment opportunities webpage at:
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm . If you do not have access to a computer, computer stations are available at City libraries and the Human Resources Management Department. Contact information and support for applying online are provided in the posting. Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. For assistance, contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 or the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department at (510) 238-3112. For recruitment questions, email recruitment@oaklandca.gov. Working Conditions Oakland Firefighters work 24-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays, with possible overtime and nine to ten shifts per month. Living and working at a firehouse includes housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, and yard maintenance. Protective gear weighs about 45 pounds; exposed to various weather conditions; may work in confined spaces or at heights. Frequently Asked Questions Answers to common questions about documents, certifications, CPAT, testing accommodations, and timelines are provided on the posting. If you need accommodations, follow the provided links to testing accommodation forms and related guidance. How to Apply – Final How to apply live questions or recruit-related inquiries: recruitment@oaklandca.gov or (510) 238-3112.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees. We are currently recruiting for both
Firefighter Trainee
and
Firefighter Paramedic Trainee
positions. Candidates who wish to be considered for both positions must submit a separate application for each recruitment. Click
here
to review the job announcement and application for Firefighter Paramedic Trainee. Why join the City of Oakland Fire Department? OFD is a world-class fire department – the proud members of the Oakland Fire Department are committed to providing the highest quality and highest level of courteous and responsive services to the citizens of Oakland. This is accomplished by implementing comprehensive strategies and training in fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency medical services, and all risk mitigation, including human-caused and natural disasters, emergency preparedness, 9-1-1 services, and community-based fire services. The Fire Fighter Trainee prepares for the sworn position of Fire Fighter. They participate in the intensive recruit training academy, which focuses on fire technology, prevention, public education, emergency response, fire suppression, search and rescue, emergency medical service, hazard mitigation, fitness and health, policies, procedures, and other response areas as assigned. What you will typically be responsible for:
Participating in classroom lectures, seminars, and practical training sessions as directed in the Oakland Fire Department’s training academy.
Receiving training in firefighting activities such as fire suppression, wildfire operations, hose evolutions, nozzle evolutions, use of extrication tools such as chain saws, axes, jaws of life, ladder raises, ropes and knots, fire extinguishers, water supply systems, fire prevention, public safety education, radio operations, map reading, salvage and overhaul operations, emergency response driving and fire pump operations.
Participating in fire drills and attending classes in firefighting, emergency medical procedures, hazardous materials, and related subjects.
Learning the proper use and maintenance of fire-related apparatus, equipment, tools, and facilities.
Learning about fire prevention and safety programs offered through the Oakland Fire Department, including vegetation management, building, structural, and other fire and life safety inspections, and disaster preparedness.
Learning the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the City of Oakland and Oakland Fire Department, including ethics, diversity, and sexual harassment.
Qualifications and attributes
Trustworthy:
You will be entrusted with the utmost responsibility in ensuring public safety. They will entrust you with personal property, safety, privacy, loved ones’ care, and even their lives.
Physically Fit:
You will be physically fit and able to withstand the Fire Fighter's physical and mental demands.
A Communicator:
Clear, intelligent, and courteous communication within the firehouse, on the fire ground, and with the public. Active listening and collaboration with diverse personalities are expected.
Dedicated:
Hard-working, hard training, and pride in your work.
A Team Player:
Understands and commits to the team concept and mutual reliance.
Conscious of Public Image:
Maintains a professional public image; appearance and conduct reflect on self, department, and profession.
Selfless:
Willing to consider the well-being of others and to help, with courage to take risks.
Education and experience
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience: None required. Experience working with Oakland community members is desirable.
Licenses, certificates, and related requirements
Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) or EMT-1 certification from Alameda County or approved equivalent; current National Registry EMT-Basic registration with ability to obtain Alameda County certification by time of appointment.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS for Healthcare Provider) or CPR/AED certification from AHA, American Red Cross, or Alameda County-approved equivalent. A current CPR certification must be uploaded even if EMT-B or EMT-1 is held.
The EMT-B (or EMT-1) certification and CPR certification will be verified after the oral board examination. If not uploaded by the oral board, you will not be considered for the first Fire Academy, but may upload later for the second Fire Academy. To be considered for the 2026 Fall Fire Academy, certifications must be received by the completion of the oral board examination (tentatively March 2026). To be considered for the 2027 Fall Fire Academy, certifications must be received by January 31, 2027. The following must be submitted at the time of the Chief's Interview (tentatively scheduled for April 2026):
CPAT card issued by CFFJAC or IAFF. CPAT must be issued within 1 year of the Chief's Interviews (April 2026), so April 2025 or later.
The following certifications/licenses must be submitted at the time of hire:
Valid California Class “C” driver’s license or equivalent out-of-state license with ability to obtain CA license prior to completion of the academy. Maintain a valid CA Class “C” or higher license with acceptable driving record.
Other requirements:
Age 18 (by January 11, 2026).
Pass a thorough background investigation.
U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States.
Physically capable of performing all tasks required of an Oakland Firefighter, including rigorous activities, and meet CA DMV visual acuity standards. CPAT and medical evaluation fitness required.
Vision of 20/20 corrected or uncorrected with both eyes; color vision acceptable.
Bilingual skills are highly desirable.
Selection Process
The Firefighter Trainee classification is unclassified and exempt from Civil Service Rules.
The process may involve Stage I to Stage V assessments, including application screening, written exam (NTN), oral board examination, eligible list placement, Chief's Interviews, and training academy.
Stage I – Application Screening: review for minimum qualifications (weighted pass/fail).
Stage II – Written Examination: qualified candidates receive a link to schedule the NTN exam; must complete by Feb 15, 2026.
Stage III – Oral Board Examination: must earn a scale score of 70 and have all required certifications uploaded.
Stage IV – Eligible List Placement: ranking based on scores; veterans and City residents may receive extra points.
Stage V – Chief's Interviews: invited candidates; background investigation, performance trait assessment, medical examination, and final appointment decisions after academy completion.
The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and dates. The information in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute a contract. How to Apply Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement. Applications are accepted online only. Visit the employment opportunities webpage at:
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm . If you do not have access to a computer, computer stations are available at City libraries and the Human Resources Management Department. Contact information and support for applying online are provided in the posting. Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. For assistance, contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 or the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department at (510) 238-3112. For recruitment questions, email recruitment@oaklandca.gov. Working Conditions Oakland Firefighters work 24-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays, with possible overtime and nine to ten shifts per month. Living and working at a firehouse includes housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, and yard maintenance. Protective gear weighs about 45 pounds; exposed to various weather conditions; may work in confined spaces or at heights. Frequently Asked Questions Answers to common questions about documents, certifications, CPAT, testing accommodations, and timelines are provided on the posting. If you need accommodations, follow the provided links to testing accommodation forms and related guidance. How to Apply – Final How to apply live questions or recruit-related inquiries: recruitment@oaklandca.gov or (510) 238-3112.
#J-18808-Ljbffr