Lateral Firefighter Paramedic
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.
2026 Lateral Firefighter Paramedic FAQs
For additional information about the Lateral Firefighter Paramedic hiring process, please watch Chief Burchett’s informational recruitment video, which provides an overview of the application process, hiring timeline, and what to expect as a lateral candidate.
Lateral Firefighter Paramedic Recruitment Timeline (Summer 2026)
DATES AND TIMES MAY BE CHANGED OR ADDED IF NEEDED
| Registration (Apply here) | August 7 – September 4 |
| EMS and Fire Skills Assessments, Oral Board Interview and Firefighter Physical Agility Test (Will be required to attend only one of these dates) | September 21-25 |
| Background Investigations | October-November |
| Final Job Offers | November-January 2027 |
| New Hire Orientation | January 5, 2027 |
| Start of 4-week Orientation | February 1, 2027 |
STEP 1:
Apply for our Lateral Firefighter Paramedic Recruitment
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: ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW/SKILLS ASSESSMENT/PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE TEST
Applicants will be notified by email, of the date, time, and location for this portion of the process.
ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW
The oral board interview will consist of structured, behaviorally-based interview questions. Your responses will be evaluated by fire officers and other firefighters or firefighter specialists.
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. Firefighter Skills Assessment
FIREFIGHTER PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST
The Firefighter Physical Agility Test is based on general firefighting duties. This exam includes lifting, carrying, pulling, and climbing components.
The test is designed as an obstacle to closely simulate the endurance a firefighter employee must possess at the scene of a fire. For information on each event related to the test, please click below.
View the Firefighter Physical Agility Video
Applicants must pass the Firefighter Physical Agility Test with a cut-off time of at least 13:00 minutes.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOU SHOULD BE IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FIREFIGHTER PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST 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.
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 February 1, 2027. 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.
