Alphabetical Listing of Subjects
To go directly to a subject, click on alphabetical title listed below
- Thirteen paid holidays per year.
- Sixteen days paid vacation to start.
- Family health and dental coverage.
- Pension plan
- At least 18 years of age AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
- Graduation from a U.S. high school or equivalent, G.E.D. or equivalent from a U.S. institution, or a California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate is required.
- A valid California Driver's License is required at the time of appointment. Once hired, Firefighters are required to obtain and maintain a California Class 'B' or a Firefighter's driver's license, in accordance with Fire Department Procedures, as a condition of employment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Firefighting and medical rescue work is physically demanding. Candidates must be in excellent health and have no conditions which would restrict their ability to safely do fire suppression and rescue work. Weight (body fat content) must be proportionate to height for men and women.
- Uncorrected distance visual acuity of at least 20/100 in the poorer eye and 20/40 in the better eye, correctable to at least 20/40 in one eye and 20/20 in the other eye is required. Regarding refractive surgery, most persons who have had these procedures will be passed. However, some may be deferred for several months or disqualified based on an individualized assessment of the surgical outcome. Regarding color vision, you must be able to accurately and quickly name colors and you must be free of other visual impairments that would restrict your ability to perform firefighter duties.
- Firefighters are required to refrain from all use of tobacco throughout their employment with the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Candidates are ranked on the hiring (eligible) list according to their Interview score. The final Interview score must be 70% or higher to place a candidate on the eligible list. Candidates will be processed further based on their interview score and City hiring needs. Names may be removed from the eligible list after one year unless the eligibility of candidates on the list is extended.
The examination process consists of the following steps:
STEP 1 - PRELIMINARY BACKGROUND APPLICATION (PBA) AND APPLICATION
Applications for the Firefighter examination are accepted only on-line. All candidates must complete a Preliminary Background Application (PBA) prior to completing a City application. After completing the PBA, a candidate will receive instantaneous information on issues that should be resolved before beginning the selection process and will be told if they have a realistic chance of success in some of the common areas of the background investigation portion of the selection process. If a candidate decides to continue in the selection process, he/she will be provided with the minimum requirements of the job. He/she will then be instructed to fill out additional application information. To complete a PBA, click here.STEP 2 - WRITTEN TEST
The written test consists of multiple-choice items that measure reading comprehension and mathematics such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, squares, and square roots; and the use and conversion of decimals, fractions, and percentages. The written test is administered monthly. To be scheduled for the written test candidates must complete the Preliminary Background Application (PBA) and submit an on-line application. After 1 year from the candidate’s written test date, an unsuccessful candidate may re-apply to re-take this test by submitting a new PBA and on-line application (a new user ID and password must be created.)
STEP 3 - CPAT
Proof of passing the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is required in order to be scheduled for the oral interview and at the time of certification for hiring consideration. The CPAT is valid for 12 months. Should your CPAT expire after taking the oral interview and you are continuing in the process you will need to re-take it before you can be considered for selection. The CPAT is not administered by the City of Los Angeles. You must schedule and pay for your own CPAT.STEP 4 - INTERVIEW
Candidates must pass the written test to be invited to a panel interview (consisting of representatives from the Fire and Personnel Departments and community). The interview is a behavior-based review of a candidate’s personal history, providing evaluation of job motivation, initiative in learning, practical problem solving ability, teamwork, respect for diversity, role adaptability, service orientation, and communication skill. The minimum passing score is 70. A candidate’s score will determine their rank on the hiring list. The interview score is good for the life of the eligible list. After one year from the candidate's interview date, a candidate may apply to be scheduled to retake the interview by submitting a new PBA and on-line application.STEP 5 - INITIAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An initial background investigation will be conducted based on a candidate’s ranking on the eligible list and the hiring needs of the Fire Department. Candidate’s scheduled for the preliminary background interview will be required to complete a comprehensive Personal History Form prior to their scheduled appointment. During the preliminary background interview, candidates will complete a lengthy questionnaire. Any issues identified on the Personal History Form or questionnaire will be reviewed by staff from the Personnel Department’s Background Investigation Division with the candidate. The preliminary background interview may take up to four hours.STEP 6 - INITIAL PANEL REVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS
After the Initial Background review, candidates will be considered for further processing during a review of qualifications by a panel consisting of a Fire Captain, a Personnel Department representative, and as needed, a Chief Officer. The number of candidates selected for further processing will depend on the Fire Department’s hiring needs. -
STEP 7 - FIELD INVESTIGATION
A Field Investigation of a candidate's background will be conducted for those selected at the Panel Review (Step 5). A Field Investigation may take from 30 to 180 days, depending on the complexity of investigation required.
Candidates must pass this background investigation, meeting the standards set by the Board of Civil Service Commissioners relevant to the duties of a Firefighter. These standards include: interpersonal skills, sensitivity, and respect for others; decision-making and judgment; maturity and discipline; honesty, integrity, and personal ethics; setting and achieving goals; and a records check. Click here for more information on the Background Standards. -
STEP 8 - FINAL PANEL REVIEW FOR TENTATIVE JOB OFFER
When the Field Investigation is completed, a final review of a candidate ’s qualifications will be completed by a panel consisting of a Chief Officer, a Fire Captain and a Personnel Department representative. Based on this review, candidates will be selected to receive a tentative job offer. -
STEP 9 - MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS
Selected candidates who receive a tentative job offer will be scheduled for medical and psychological evaluations by the Personnel Department's Medical Services Division. The medical examination, conducted by a City physician, determines whether the candidate is medically qualified to perform the full range of Firefighter duties, with no conditions which would affect the candidate’s ability to safely perform those duties. Firefighter has been designated a safety sensitive class; therefore, a drug and alcohol screening test maybe required prior to appointment. Additionally, a psychological evaluation, which consists of written tests and a clinical interview, will be required prior to appointment. The results of the examinations are valid for up to one year.
TRAINING AND PROBATION
Upon hire, candidates enter training at the Los Angeles Fire Department Recruit Training Academy as a Firefighter I, a temporary training position as defined by Rule 5.30 of the Rules of the Civil Service Commission. Employment in a temporary training position is limited to six months during which time candidates must successfully complete the comprehensive training program for Firefighter. A regular appointment to the position of Firefighter II is received upon completion of the Academy training program, at which time a twelve-month probationary period in the field begins.
The current starting salary for Firefighter I is $48,609. Upon the successful completion of Academy training, individuals advance to Firefighter II. Higher starting salaries for Firefighter II maybe available for those who have completed 60 semester/90 quarter units from an accredited college or university with an overall GPA of 2.0, or who have more than two years of acceptable experience as a Firefighter with another public agency.
In addition, a number of colleges offer Fire Technology programs and tutorials which include physical preparation guidance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (213)847-LAFD
Los Angeles Personnel Department
Public Safety Bureau
700 East Temple Street, Room 150
Los Angeles, CA 90012
An Equal Employment Opportunity
Personnel
Dept. Home Page
A Firefighter engages directly in Firefighting, Emergency Medical Services, fire prevention and rescue, and inspections of building and property to ensure compliance with fire codes. Firefighters are also trained as Emergency Medical Technicians and may be trained as paramedics.
Starting salary $48,609 - $67,275