Are you ready to lead with courage, serve with heart, and thrive in a department that values excellence?
Firefighter Trainee (Entry): $6,692 - $7,276 monthly
Firefighter (Lateral): $7,035 - $8,978 monthly
The City of Corona Fire Department is seeking both entry-level and seasoned professionals for the role of Firefighter, and this isn't just another job, it's a chance to elevate your career in a city that's growing, dynamic, and deeply committed to public safety. This role isn't just about putting out fires, it's about leadership, community impact, and being part of a department that's always evolving. You'll work alongside highly trained professionals, contribute to public education and fire prevention, and help shape the future of emergency services in Corona.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
- High school diploma or equivalent (completion of the twelfth (12th) grade).
- Completion of a Fire Academy accredited by the California State Fire Marshal.
- Entry-Level: No prior experience required.
- Lateral: Must have at least twenty-four (24) months of full-time experience and have completed probation as a paid Firefighter or Firefighter Paramedic with a municipal fire agency as recognized by NFPA and CPSE standards.
Licenses and Certifications:
Examination Requirements (Entry-Level Applicants Only)
Applicants who do not meet the 24-month Lateral experience requirement must meet the following:
- Be listed on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List.
- Visit www.FCTConline.org for information on eligibility, CPAT/written test registration, study materials, and grant opportunities.
- FCTC Written Exam: Must have a passing score of at least 70%, taken within the past 12 months.
- Physical Ability: Must possess a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Biddle Physical Ability Test certificate dated within one year of application.
Examination Requirements (Lateral Applicants Only)
- Lateral candidates are exempt from FCTC testing and CPAT/Biddle certification requirements.
- If selected for employment Lateral Candidates will be offered Step 3 in the pay range. This is non-negotiable.
To view the full job class specification, please click here.
Application and Selection Process:
Applications will be accepted until Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as the recruitment may close at any time without notice.
Candidates that successfully pass the screening process and are deemed to possess the most desirable qualifications may be invited to participate in a HireVue (virtual), followed by the steps below:
| Selection Component |
Selection Component Description |
Tentative Dates |
| Oral Interview |
Candidates who pass the oral interview will be invited to continue onto the Chief's Interviews. If the candidate possesses a Paramedic License they will also be required to conduct a skills test. |
Month of October |
| Chief's Interview & Skills Test |
Candidates who pass both the Chief's interview and Skills Test will be placed on an eligibility list. Candidates will be contacted by the department in ranked order to start the background process as vacancies arise. |
Month of October |
Candidates that are placed onto the eligibility list will undergo a thorough background investigation, medical exam, and psychological evaluation. Candidates must successfully pass all components of the hiring process. The eligibility list established from this recruitment will be good for one (1) year with the possibility to extend for an additional 6 months.
Background Investigation - Candidates selected for further consideration, including alternates, will be referred to a background investigation. The background investigation includes, but is not limited to, Personal History Statement, Psychological Examination, Department of Justice/FBI criminal records check, civil records check, consumer credit check, employment and personal reference checks, DMV check, etc.
Medical Exam - Those candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must pass a comprehensive medical examination including drug and alcohol screening. The medical exam is conducted through the City of Corona's designated physician and the initial exam costs are paid by the City of Corona.
Psychological Exam- Candidates will also be required to submit to a psychological examination. The exam is conducted through the city of Corona's designated psychologist and the initial exam costs are paid by the City of Corona.
The Department
The City of Corona Fire Department has proudly served its community for over a century, delivering exceptional emergency services with professionalism and compassion. Its mission is to prevent or minimize the loss of life, property, and environmental damage caused by fires, medical emergencies, and hazardous conditions. With expertly trained, well-equipped, and healthy firefighters, the department prioritizes rapid response and community safety. Known for its progressive approach, the Corona Fire Department sets the standard for excellence through unwavering dedication and service to the people of Corona. The department also actively engages in public education, community outreach, and fire prevention programs to build a safer and more resilient Corona.
The Community
A City whose heritage spans more than a century, the City of Corona, located in Riverside County, California, encompasses around 40 square miles and has a vibrant, culturally diverse population of approximately 168,100 residents. Residents of Corona enjoy a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities that provide a first-rate quality of life for its residents and visitors. Within an hour's travel time, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy such winter activities as snowboarding and skiing and such summer activities as surfing, boating, or simply relaxing on a beach. Corona's economy is strong and getting stronger; more than 84,000 people work here. Our retail, commercial, and housing areas are expanding, and office development continues to be strong.
The Organization
The City of Corona is a General Law city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. Policymaking and legislative authority is vested in the City Council, consisting of a Mayor and four Council Members. Members of the City Council are elected by District to a four-year term. The Mayor is selected by the Council and serves as the presiding officer for one year.
The City is organized into the following departments/organizational units: Community Services, City Manager's Office, Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Risk Management, Police, Planning & Development, Public Works and Utilities. Oversight of these departments is divided between the City Manager and two Assistant City Managers.
The City's total operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is $ 422.7 million with a General Fund operating budget of $ 231.3 million. Corona enjoys a workforce of 935 dedicated employees who provide high quality services to its residents and visitors each day.
City of Corona, CA
$80,304.00 - $107,736.00 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, retirement plan
Sep 15, 2025