FIRE CAPTAIN

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

JC-534053 - PARAMEDIC FIRE CAPTAIN

$5,934.00 - $8,483.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 10/11/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your Cal Career Account) By Mail Drop-off

For questions related to the duties of these positions, contact Deputy Chief Ryan Westby phone at  or by email at

This position is located in San Mateo, CA.

In order to be appointed to a Fire Captain – Paramedic position, at least one of the eligibility criteria listed in the section titled "Who May Apply" must be met. However, lack of eligibility does not preclude interested parties from applying and competing for positions, and all applicants will be included in the selection process as long as all documents are submitted completely, correctly, and timely.

To establish list eligibility, candidates must take and pass the Fire Captain (FC) examination. Upon successfully completing and passing the examination, names are placed on a certification list establishing “list eligible” candidates. Obtaining list eligibility does not guarantee employment. In order to obtain employment, candidates must apply to job vacancies and compete through the State recruitment process.

The exam is currently available and can be found by following the link below.

* Please note:

Taking and passing the exam will allow applicants for both non-paramedic and paramedic positions to obtain eligibility, but candidates must still apply to the appropriate job advertisement that corresponds to the position of interest to be considered for hire.

This job control is for PARAMEDIC positions only, applications submitted to this advertisement will not be considered for non-paramedic FC position vacancies.

The incumbent is required to wear respiratory protection equipment (including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The use of such equipment may place a physiological burden on the incumbent that varies with the type of equipment used, the job and workplace conditions in which the equipment is used, and the medical status of the incumbent. As such, Cal/OSHA requires that the incumbent be annually medically cleared to be fit-tested for respiratory protection equipment.

This clearance process consists of a comprehensive medical evaluation including a review of the incumbent's medical history, a complete physical examination, and vision, hearing, spirometry, and exercise treadmill test.

The incumbent typically is required to perform psychologically stressful and/or physically demanding duties consistent with firefighting, disaster response, and emergency medical response, including working in isolated areas, walking or running on uneven rough terrain, and remaining on duty 24 hours or longer without a break while performing these duties. Maintains the Arduous Fitness Standard in accordance with Department Policy.

• Must possess a valid California Driver's License (CDL) and provide CDL number, class, expiration date, and endorsements or restrictions.
• Must possess a valid California Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic License and provide a copy of the license prior to being hired. Must be able to obtain accreditation from Local Emergency Medical Services (LEMSA) for assigned work location.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location:

San Mateo County

Telework:
In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.

When you join CAL…