Posting number: 26565711
Department: Fire - Operations
Job classification: Emergency Medical Technician (Non-Safety)
Posting type: Open
Categories: Fire & EMS, EMS
Annual Salary: $38,191 – $67,522*
Annual Salary: $40,520 – $71,621*
All EMT positions are on a regular 24-Hour or 13.5-Hour shift schedule.
*Salary range reflects 40 regular hours plus additional overtime hours worked on either a 13.5-Hour or 24-Hour Schedule.
The City of Chula Vista is seeking service-oriented individuals interested in establishing a rewarding and challenging career as an Emergency Medical Technician (Non-Safety) with the Chula Vista Fire Department.
Join our team and have an opportunity to serve your community through the Fire Department's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division, providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance transport services on all calls for service for the cities of Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and the Bonita Sunnyside Fire Protection District.
Candidates who successfully complete all portions of the selection process will be placed on an Eligibility List for a period of six (6) months unless otherwise extended.
"Service and protection, with pride, respect, teamwork, and safety." -Value Statement
The Chula Vista Fire Department holds a rich tradition of service since its establishment on May 2, 1921. The Department and the City continue to grow and expand, offering exciting career opportunities in a dynamic and positive environment.
The Chula Vista Fire Department is comprised of 300 highly trained, professional men and women. Currently, the City's ten fire station network responds to nearly 31,000 calls for service annually, while serving a population over 278,000, covering an area of over 52 square miles. The Fire Department has provided emergency ambulance transport services for all of Chula Vista, Bonita, and Imperial Beach since April 2021.
In addition to providing emergency medical response and firefighting services to citizens, the Fire Department also provides technical rescue training to first responders across the country, comprehensive fire safety engineering plan review and inspection services to Chula Vista's business community, and provides fire and life safety education and outreach to City residents.
Under supervision, responds to fire alarms, emergency medical calls, and other emergency calls to protect life and property; participates in fire training, fire prevention, public education, and station and equipment maintenance activities; operates a paramedic unit in response to medical emergencies and provides definitive medical care; and performs related duties as required.
Receives supervision from an assigned Fire Captain. Receives direction through San Diego County EMS protocols and from the EMS Battalion Chief and Medical Director.
Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: respond to alarms involving fire, all types of accidents, gas leaks, flooded structures, hazardous substances, and lifesaving and rescue work; perform first aid and lifesaving duties; render basic emergency medical aid examining and assessing victims, communicating vital medical data to medical and/or fire personnel and administering medical treatment in accordance within established guidelines and/or at the specific instruction of base hospital medical personnel; support and assist other fire and medical personnel as directed on medical calls; operate a paramedic vehicle safely; treat and transport patients in accordance with San Diego County Emergency Medical Services protocol and department policy; perform primary and secondary medical physical assessments of patients; perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation; maintain an effective airway for patients with compromised breathing; administer basic life support within established guidelines and/or at the specific instruction of base hospital medical personnel; operate heart monitoring and defibrillation equipment; operate radios, telephones and other communications equipment in order communicate medical information to base hospital medical personnel or other fire personnel; prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports such as controlled drug inventory, equipment and station logs, and EMS reports; perform building and grounds maintenance; clean, service, inspect and test motor driven equipment including ambulances; study fire department rules, regulations and procedures; operate computer related equipment and software applications related to assignment; may operate an ambulance; may assist in conducting hydrant maintenance or routine inspections; may participate in physical fitness program; build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, personnel from a wide range of outside agencies, other colleagues in the field, and the public; perform related duties as assigned.
Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. An Associate’s degree in Fire Science is highly desirable.
Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application.
Knowledge of: emergency medical basic life support principles and procedures; general principles and practices of emergency medical response; San Diego County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) regulations, protocols and procedures; Federal, State and local laws, regulations and standards related to firefighting and para-medicine; maintenance and repair of vehicles, apparatus, equipment and fire hydrants; local geographical response factors; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; safety practices and procedures; computer related equipment and software applications related to assignment. Ability to: perform competently under extreme pressure and in stressful situations; make accurate observations and rapid judgments; learn new skills and methods quickly and accurately; work in a variety of weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, wind, dust, etc.) and in extremely hazardous situations; work 24-hour shifts, weekends and holidays; work variable shifts and overtime, as required; perform life saving techniques to victims; maintain and participate in continuing education (CE) requirements associated with an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) accreditation with the State of California and County of San Diego; learn and follow City policies and procedures; learn and follow Fire Department rules and regulations; read and understand printed information during emergency calls; follow written and verbal orders from supervisors; work effectively as a team member of a company, battalion, department, and/or special project groups by following orders, consistently following through with duties/assignments and living harmoniously with co-workers; attend meetings and training activities; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; operate, maintain, inspect and repair vehicles, apparatus and equipment; clean and maintain fire station and grounds; teach classes and participate in public education demonstrations and activities; operate computer related equipment and software applications related to assignment; write comprehensive reports and maintain accurate records; wear approved uniform; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
Must be able to perform a wide range of physical duties to include: constant upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck; simple grasping and repetitive use of hands to hold radios, equipment and property; fine finger dexterity to manipulate apparatus controls, computer keyboard and writing utensils; lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs. Frequent walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, climbing, balancing and squatting; bending and twisting at the waist; pushing, pulling and reaching above and below shoulder level; power grasping; walking on uneven ground; driving; lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds from below waist to above shoulder level; lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 100 lbs. with or without assistance. Occasional running, crawling; lifting and carrying objects and persons weighing more than 100 lbs. with or without assistance. Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, wind, dust, etc.) and in extremely hazardous situations such as, at heights, in confined spaces, at temperature extremes, around crowds, with loud noises, with limited visibility, in the presence of hazardous materials, in the presence of victims of death and/or dismemberment.
Employees in the Emergency Medical Technician (Non-Safety) position are represented by the Non-Safety International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 2180 (Non-Safety IAFF).
Download the 2026 Non-Safety IAFF Benefits Summary (PDF)
To be considered, applicants must submit an online City Application with Supplemental Questionnaire and proof of required certifications. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process as described below. All notices regarding this recruitment will be sent electronically to the email associated with your application.
Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each phase of the selection process in order to continue and have your name placed on the City of Chula Vista's eligibility list for hiring consideration. The examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted, and/or inappropriate for review.
Step 1. Application Review: Applications will be screened on the basis of relevant education, training, and experience to ensure minimum qualifications are met.
At time of application, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
You must be at least 18 years of age;
You must have completed the equivalent of the twelfth grade; and
You must hold a valid Emergency Medical Technician Certification with the State of California.
(Must be attached to application. Applications without attached documentation will be disqualified, regardless of reason)
Please do not submit any other certifications, licenses, resumes, letters of reference, etc. as they will NOT be considered at this time.
At time of appointment, you must meet the following additional minimum qualifications:
You must hold a valid EMT accreditation with the County of San Diego EMS Office; and
You must have a valid California Class C Driver's License.
Highly Desired Qualification
Associate degree in Fire Science or related field.
Step 2. Supplemental Questionnaire: The supplemental questionnaire is designed to evaluate how your education and experience will relate to this position. Your answers will be evaluated and may be used to determine the most highly qualified candidates.
Step 3. Written Exam: Tentatively scheduled for December 9 - 10, 2026 and if needed, December 14, 2026. The written exam will evaluate the candidates' written communication skills, reading comprehension, customer service skills, and EMS job-related knowledge. All EMS-based questions will be based off the reference material included below.
Step 4. Establishment of Eligibility List: Candidates who successfully complete all portions of the recruitment process will be placed on an eligibility list for a period of six (6) months unless otherwise extended. Candidates will be notified via email of their eligibility and rank.
Step 6. Post Offer, Pre-Employment Process: Final candidates will be issued a conditional offer, subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination and background check consisting of a Live Scan through the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Step 7. Orientation Academy: New employees hired in the EMT classification will participate in an EMS Academy.
ALL DATES INDICATED ABOVE ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.
The City of Chula Vista is located at the center of one of the richest cultural, economic and environmentally diverse zones in the United States. It is the second-largest City in San Diego County with a population of over 276,000. Chula Vista boasts more than 52 square miles of coastal landscape, canyons, rolling hills, mountains, quality parks, and miles of trails. Chula Vista is a leader in conservation and renewable energy, has outstanding public schools, and has been named one of the top safest cities in the country.
Chula Vista means “beautiful view” and there is more to see and do here than you can imagine! Great year-round weather entices runners, hikers, cyclists, birders, and outdoors enthusiasts from the bay to the lakes. Visit the bayfront with the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and the Living Coast Discovery Center. The Chula Vista Marina & Yacht Club awaits kayakers and boaters. Cycle the Bayshore Bikeway and see more wonders on San Diego Bay. Eastlake offers residents an area for walking or biking around the lake and Otay Lakes provides quiet picnics and boating.
Construction on the 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront project is underway. It will feature a world-class waterfront resort, a convention center, parks, and residential housing. A new luxury RV Resort opened in 2021 on the bayfront with RV sites and vacation rentals. Plans are moving forward on the 375-acre University Park and Innovation District in the eastern section which will bring more education, jobs and businesses to the City.
Established neighborhoods, contemporary communities, start-up firms, corporations, nationally recognized entertainment venues, the nation’s only warm weather athlete training center, an award winning nature center, and a historic downtown all contribute to Chula Vista’s attraction for both families and businesses.
