Job Information

COSTA MESA CITY OF
77 FAIR DRIVE
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA 92626
(714)754-4966
http://www.costamesaca.gov

Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=765&jobid=2&agentid=528

Updated: January 09, 2026

Job Classification: Firefighter & Firefighter/Paramedic

The City of Costa Mesa is currently recruiting for the Firefighter & Firefighter Paramedic classification. Interested applicants should transfer a FireTeam entry-level, firefighter examination test score dated between January 24, 2025 - January 24, 2026 to the City of Costa Mesa or submit an application with National Testing Network and take the Fire Team test by January 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Applicants who successfully pass the National Testing Network/FireTeam Testing will be invited to submit a City application along with a supplemental application on-line between February 4 - 6, 2026. Applicants are requested to provide thorough and specific information to ensure the correct evaluation of their qualifications. Applicants are required to submit proof of the required certificates with their on-line City application.

Invited applicants MUST complete the On-line City application. On-line City applications and required documentation must be submitted by February 6, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. The official job flyer and detailed application instructions are on the City’s website at www.costamesaca.gov/firefighter .

*NOTE* Failure to complete CPAT or Biddle AND an On-line City application will result in disqualification from the process. NTN FireTEAM test scores are considered valid with the City of Costa Mesa if obtained within the dates of January 24, 2025 - January 24, 2026. CPAT and Biddle certifications are considered valid with the City if obtained on or after July 1, 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school graduation or equivalent. Associates degree or higher is desirable.
Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

Successful completion from a Fire Academy accredited by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office by February 6, 2026.

OR
Currently enrolled in a Fire Academy accredited by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office with graduation on or before June 13, 2026. Proof of enrollment must be attached.

OR
Successful completion of a California local academy (320 hours or longer) or an Out of State nationally recognized academy with at least one year of paid full-time firefighter experience at a single agency and current employment as a full-time firefighter.

OR
Possession of Firefighter I & Firefighter II Certifications with at least one year of paid full-time firefighter experience at a single agency and current employment as a full-time firefighter.

NOTE: IFSAC and PROBOARD FIREFIGHTER Certifications will be considered for out of state and DOD firefighters.

NOTE: Qualifying experience must be with a military, federal, state or municipal Fire agency.

Successful completion of the Biddle Physical Ability Examination or Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) on or after July 1, 2025.
Completion of the FireTEAM entry-level, firefighter examination will be required. All testing must be completed through National Testing Network (NTN) within dates of January 24, 2025 - January 24, 2026.
Valid CA Class “C” Driver’s License at the time of appointment with a CA Class “C” Driver’s License with “F” endorsement at the end of the probationary period.
State of California certification as an Emergency Medical Technician or higher*
Possession of a valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider card*
Current CA State Paramedic License is highly desirable*
Weight: Proportional to height, age and frame
Vision: 20/30 corrected (with soft contact lenses)
Hearing: Normal audiometric hearing exam

*Equivalent certifications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis

For questions specific to the written test process, please directly contact National Testing Network at 855-821-3761 or www.nationaltestingnetwork.com.

For all questions regarding the City of Costa Mesa’s recruitment process, please email firerecruitment@costamesaca.gov for call the Fire Recruitment Hotline at (714) 754-4966.

Salary Information:

Firefighter - $6,984- $9,359 per month, depending on qualifications.
Firefighter/Paramedic - $7,682 - $10,295 per month, depending on qualifications.

Benefit Information:

Retirement—Employees contribute 14% of their salary on a pre-tax basis to the 2%@50 (Classic) or 2.7@57 (PEPRA) CalPERS retirement formula depending on eligiblity. The city does not participate in the Social Security system; however, the federal mandate requires new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare.

Health Insurance – $2,119 per month flexible benefit contribution towards payment of medical, dental, and long-term disability (LTD) insurance within a flexible benefits plan. Dependent care and medical reimbursement programs are also available. Up to $1,060 is available as cash for employees who can provide proof of minimum essential coverage.

Life Insurance— The City provides a $50,000 term life insurance policy.

AD & D Insurance – The City provides a $50,000 accidental death & dismemberment insurance policy.

Voluntary Benefits - Supplemental life, short-term disability, critical illness insurance and other voluntary benefits are also available.

Holidays – This position requires scheduled staffing without regard to holidays. Employees receive a cash payment equivalent to 145.6 hours per year.

Vacation – Accrued in accordance with tenure ranging from 128.8 hours per year to 296.8 hours per year (based on a 56 hour work schedule).

Sick Leave – 174.72 hours per year based on a 56-hour work schedule.

Recruitment and Retention Incentive Pay – The City provides additional incentive pay of 2.5% - 10% for employees who have been employed in a full-time sworn firefighting position in a municipal, state or federal fire department for 10 or more years.

Education Pay –The City provides 2.5% of top step base salary of Fire Captain classification for completion of a Bachelor’s degree.

Certification Pay –The City provides additional incentive pay of up to 7.5% of top step Fire Captain for qualifying certifications. Please refer to Article 24 of the MOU for specific provisions.

Bilingual Pay—The City compensates 2.5% or 5% of the top step Fire Engineer's base salary based on proficiency after qualifying upon management approval.

Deferred Compensation – Voluntary contributions up to $24,500 for 2026.

Tuition Reimbursement – A tuition reimbursement program of up to $1,500 per fiscal year is available after completing a 12-month probation period.

The Department:
The Fire & Rescue Department has been led by Fire Chief Dan Stefano since December 2013. The department is budgeted for of 97 full-time employees; 12 non-sworn positions, and volunteers. The department comprises of three divisions: Administration, Fire/Rescue/Emergency Medical Services, and Community Risk Reduction. The department’s FY 24-25 adopted budget is $37.7 million. Annual emergency responses for the department are over 14,000 annually, and medical aid and rescue responses account for approximately 75% of calls for service.

Fire & Rescue is a comprehensive public safety function that protects life, property, and the environment through its mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery services. The Fire/Rescue/Emergency Medical Services Division provides response services and staffs six fire stations, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The Community Risk Reduction Division provides life and fire safety planning, inspection, preparedness, and overall community risk reduction. The Fire Administration division supports both divisions.

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