We are accepting and reviewing applications to establish an eligibility list for a Fall 2024 Academy.
Want to reach out and serve the community as a highly trained Firefighter EMT/Paramedic?
We are seeking candidates for various firefighting roles at different levels of expertise for our Fall 2024 recruitment (tentative dates below). All positions require completion of training as a Firefighter EMT, or Paramedic, assigned to Fire Operations. We encourage you to apply and select the questionnaire at the end of this application that best matches your certification and experience.
The Palo Alto Fire Department (PAFD) is seeking highly motivated Firefighter candidates who desire to be part of a professional team dedicated to safeguarding and enriching the lives of the 125,000 people who work and live in Palo Alto each day. PAFD provides its services from six fire stations located strategically throughout the city and is the only City Fire Department in Santa Clara County that provides Advanced Life Support Transport in addition to Fire Service. PAFD offers a variety of programs including Emergency Medical Services, Fire Suppression, Technical Rescue, Wildland Fire Services, HAZMAT, Fire Investigation, and more!
The Fire Department
Prior to 1920 when the city hired its first professional firefighter, the Palo Alto Fire Department operated as a volunteer fire service organization that served the community. The department, over its existence, has continued to evolve to remain cutting-edge as the community has changed. Because of growing demand in the industry, the Palo Alto Fire Department began providing paramedic services in 1975 and began providing fire-rescue and ambulances services to Stanford under contract. The Palo Alto Fire Department has continued to keep pace with the industry, as demands changed within the city and as further service offerings were made available to the community.
Today the department provides its services from six fire stations, located strategically throughout the city. The department is staffed with approximately 96 uniformed and 7 civilian professionals. The department deploys 4 Type 1 engines, 1 Squad, 1 Tractor-drawn Tiller Truck, 2 Type III engines, 2 patrols, 3 Ambulances, and various trailers and specialty apparatus.
The Palo Alto Fire Department continues to remain mission focused as evidenced by its international accredited status as well as its commitment to "strategic doing." The department embraces excellence in all that it does and continues to be dedicated to those it serves.
Palo Alto Fire Department Values
INTEGRITY and accountability to the community we serve.
An
INNOVATIVE approach in combining transition and technology to improve health, safety, and welfare.
PROFESSIONALISM in our attitude, appearance, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Embracing the
DIVERSITY of our members backgrounds and experiences which allows us to effectively respond to emergencies and outreach opportunities.
COMPASSION in our service and supporting each other with empathy, sincerity, and respect.
Ongoing
EDUCATION as we continually improve ourselves and our skills to increase our own safety and better protect the communities we serve.
Mission Statement
We are a professional team dedicated to safeguarding and enriching the lives of anyone, anytime, anywhere with compassion and pride.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Application Deadline: Sunday, June 9th
NTN Test Submitted: Sunday, June 9th
Notification for PHQ Test Request: Week of June 10th *
PHQ Deadline: Thursday, June 14th*
Virtual Interviews: Week of June 17th*
Final Interviews with Fire Chief: Week of July 1st*
Dates with * are tentative and subject to change.
Academy Dates (tentative):-
EMT Academy: Week of 8/5/2024
-
Fire Academy: Week of 10/7/2024
In-house Academy (Lateral hires): Fall/Winter 2024 (Exact dates TBD)
Thank you for considering a career with the Palo Alto Fire Department. To ensure a smooth application process and to meet all necessary deadlines, please carefully follow the instructions outlined below:
If you have not already, please complete the NTN written test, which covers basic literacy, math, and mechanical aptitude. Review testing options (both in-person and virtual) on the NTN Website, and note that spaces may be limited.
Once completed, select Palo Alto to apply your score directly or, if using an old score, follow the procedures on the NTN website to pay the nominal fee to transfer your score to the Palo Alto Fire Department list.
All candidates are required to pass the CPAT through the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC). Visit their website for testing locations, dates, and preparation materials.
If you already possess a valid CPAT card (issued within the last year), please attach it to your application. If you do not have a valid CPAT card, schedule and complete your test as soon as possible, as this is mandatory before receiving a conditional job offer.
Ensure your application on GovJobs.com is complete.
Verify that your NTN written test score is applied.
Attach a valid CPAT card or confirm your scheduled test date.
Attach any supporting documentation including:
Please keep track of all deadlines and ensure your documents are completed and submitted according to the instructions provided. Review the timeline for the next steps and keep an eye out for any tentative dates regarding further processes.
The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.