Overview
**Pursue a Legacy of Service: EMT & Paramedic Careers with the San Francisco Fire Department**
Join a historic force dedicated to protecting one of America’s most iconic cities. For over 150 years, the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) has been at the forefront of emergency response, evolving from the ashes of the 1906 earthquake to meet modern challenges. Today, we provide critical fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical services to 1.5 million residents and visitors across 49 square miles. We are now recruiting dedicated professionals for our **EMT job in San Francisco**, offering a unique opportunity to build a meaningful career within a respected institution.
**Your Role: A Lifesaving Career Path**
This position encompasses a structured three-level classification, allowing for career growth from entry-level to advanced first-response roles.
* **Level I – Emergency Medical Technician (EMT):** Serve as the frontline of emergency medical care. Under general supervision, you will respond to 911 calls, perform basic life support (BLS), administer emergency first aid, and safely transport patients. Duties include operating and staffing ambulances, providing CPR, and upholding strict patient privacy standards under HIPAA. This role requires superior physical fitness and the ability to work a 40-hour week across all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
* **Level II – Paramedic:** Provide advanced life support (ALS) in high-stakes situations. Building on EMT duties, you will perform complex medical procedures, including cardiac monitoring, defibrillation, IV access, and medication administration. You will conduct patient triage, establish medical command posts, and support rescue operations. Paramedics also participate in community safety by assessing potential hazards in various settings.
* **Level III – Firefighter Paramedic:** The pinnacle of the pathway, combining the skills of an advanced paramedic with the duties of a firefighter, including responding to fire alarms and engaging in fire suppression.
***Note:*** *The current recruitment may fill vacancies at Level I (EMT) and Level II (Paramedic).*
**Are You Qualified to Serve San Francisco?**
All candidates must meet these **H003 Minimum Qualifications**:
* **Age:** At least 19 at application and 20 at appointment.
* **Education:** High school diploma or equivalent (GED, CHSPE).
* **Driving Record:** Valid driver’s license with a clean 7-year record. A valid California Class A, B, or C Driver License with an Ambulance Driver certificate is required by appointment. Specific violations or patterns within defined periods prior to appointment will result in disqualification.
* **Criminal Record:** No felony convictions. Misdemeanor convictions and probation history are closely evaluated.
**Additional Requirements:**
* **For Level I (EMT) Job in San Francisco:**
1. Current, valid California EMT Certification.
2. 500 hours of verifiable EMT work experience or documented SFFD Reserve ride-along hours within the last 3 years *OR* 1,000 hours within the last 5 years.
* **For Level II (Paramedic) Consideration:**
1. Current, valid California Paramedic License.
2. 1,000 hours of verifiable Paramedic work experience within the last 3 years *OR* 1,500 hours within the last 5 years.
**The Selection Process**
1. **Application:** Submit via the San Francisco careers portal at [https://careers.sf.gov/](https://careers.sf.gov/).
2. **Written Examination:** A pass/fail, multiple-choice test on emergency medicine procedures and EMT/Paramedic knowledge.
3. **Background Investigation:** Thorough verification of driving history, criminal record, certifications, and work experience.
4. **Eligible List:** Successful candidates are placed on a 2-year list. Placement on the list does not guarantee employment, as the SFFD hires under the “Rule of the List.”
**How to Apply for This EMT Job in San Francisco**
All applications must be filed online. For assistance, computers are available at the Department of Human Resources (1 South Van Ness Ave) or the City Career Center (City Hall, Room 110).
**Recruitment Contact:** Deana Kwan, email | **Recruitment ID:** 904505
The City and County of San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. We encourage women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
—
### **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
**1. I am certified as an EMT/Paramedic in another state. Can I apply for this EMT job in San Francisco?**
You must possess a *current and valid* California EMT Certification or Paramedic License by the application filing deadline. If you are certified elsewhere, you must contact the State of California’s EMS Authority to initiate the reciprocity process to obtain your California credential before applying.
**2. What does “verifiable work experience” mean for the hour requirements?**
Experience must be formally verified upon request. Acceptable documentation is an official letter on employer letterhead detailing your job title, duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week. Pay stubs may supplement this but cannot replace the official employer letter.
**3. If I pass the written exam and get placed on the eligible list, am I guaranteed a job offer?**
No. The SFFD uses a “Rule of the List” certification rule, which means the Department has the authority to hire any candidate from the list. Placement on the list makes you eligible for hire but does not imply a guarantee of an offer. Candidates may only waive an offer of employment once; a second waiver results in ineligibility.
