Lateral Firefighter Paramedic
CHECK OUT OUR LATERAL FAQ’S HERE
Unified Fire Authority is offering opportunities for Firefighter/Paramedics to join our organization through our lateral process. With compensation potentially starting up to step 10 based on UFA’s firefighter pay plan.
Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license in good standing at the time of employment.
Lateral Firefighter Paramedic Spring Recruitment Timeline (2025)
DATES AND TIMES MAY BE CHANGED OR ADDED IF NEEDED
Registration (link coming soon) | February 1-15 |
EMS and Fire Skills Assessments, Oral Board Interview and Physical Performance Test (Will be required to attend only one of these dates) | March 3-7 |
Background Investigations | April-May |
Final Job Offers | April-May |
New Hire Orientation | May 12 |
Start of 4-week Orientation | June 2 |
STEP 1: APPLY ONLINE
Click here to apply for the Lateral Firefighter Paramedic process. Our primary means of contacting you throughout the process will be by email. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email address is correct and any change to your email is updated with the Human Resources Division.
STEP 2: SKILLS ASSESSMENT/ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW/PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE TEST
Applicants will be notified by email, of the date, time, and location for this portion of the process.
SKILLS ASSESSMENT
Applicants must successfully pass the paramedic skills assessment process conducted by the UFA EMS Division (per NREMT guidelines). Paramedic Skills Assessment
Applicants must successfully pass the firefighter skills assessment process conducted by the UFA Fire Training Division. Fire Skills Assessment
ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW
The oral board interview will consist of a structured, behaviorally-based interview questions. Your responses will be evaluated by fire officers and other firefighters or firefighter specialists.
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE TEST
The physical performance test is a pass/fail test. This test is strenuous and is based on the general firefighting duties performed by firefighter employees. The exam will be comprised of components in which you will have to lift, carry, pull and climb. Each exercise will demonstrate one of the specific physical abilities listed below.
The physical performance test is designed as an obstacle course to closely simulate the endurance a firefighter employee must possess at the scene of a fire. There are seven events in the obstacle course. For information on each event related to the performance test, please click below:
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOU SHOULD BE IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE EXAM AND TO PREVENT INJURY OR AGGRAVATION OF ANY EXISTING CONDITION THAT YOU MAY HAVE. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A RELEASE OF LIABILITY.
View Our Physical Performance Test
STEP 3: REFERENCE, BACKGROUND CHECK, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
STEP 4: NEW-HIRE MEDICAL PHYSICAL AND DRUG SCREENING
Applicants must meet NFPA-1582 standards.
STEP 5: 4-WEEK ORIENTATION
Orientation is anticipated to begin May 12, 2025. Applicants will be required to successfully complete a 4-week orientation and 10 shifts of field orientation as an extra crewmember in Operations.
Firefighter Pay Plan
Per policy, applicants will be placed appropriately on the Firefighter Pay Plan based on years of service and qualifications.
Paramedic Lateral Process Policy
Full details for the Paramedic Lateral Process can be found in our Paramedic Lateral Process policy.