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Ambulance Operator

City of Orange
Orange, CA Temporary
POSTED ON 1/28/2026 CLOSED ON 2/8/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ambulance Operator position at City of Orange?

JOIN THE CITY OF ORANGE FIRE DEPARTMENT AS AN AMBULANCE OPERATOR!


The Position: Ambulance Operators are at-will, limited-term employees whose term may not exceed three (3) years. Ambulance Operators perform a variety of duties in support of the City’s emergency ambulance transport; operate a City-owned ambulance responding to medical aid calls; provide basic medical care to the ill and injured within scope and accordance with established policies, procedures, and protocols; provide patient transport services; prepare reports and necessary paperwork while adhering to confidentiality and privacy rules; perform a variety of general support duties in support of the Fire Department; and perform related work as required. 

The Work Schedule: Full-time Ambulance Operators work a 48/96 work schedule comprised of two (2) consecutive 24-hour shifts, followed by four (4) days off. Part-time Ambulance Operators work on-call, assigned as needed. To the extent required by Federal and State labor laws and/or regulations, the City agrees to provide Ambulance Operators with overtime pay based upon a 40-hour work week, which, in general, results in eight (8) hours of overtime pay (time and one-half of the Ambulance Operator's FLSA regular rate of pay) per work week.

The Vacancies: The eligibility list established by this recruitment will be used to fill multiple full-time/benefited and part-time/non-benefited Ambulance Operator vacancies. Part-time Ambulance Operators may move into full-time positions as vacancies occur. All Ambulance Operators are employed as at-will, temporary employees, with a limited-term of employment not to exceed three (3) years.

The Application Process:  Interested candidates must submit a complete and thorough online employment application via governmentjobs.com. Along with the application, candidates must include all and only the following three (3) PDF documents attached to their application. Do not include attachments with your application that are not requested below. Failure to follow these application instructions may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.

  1. Proof of your valid CA EMT-1 certification. (If you have a CA EMT-P license, attach proof this license instead of your a CA EMT-1 certificate.)
  2. Proof of your valid CPR/AED certification.
  3. Proof of your valid CA DMV issued Ambulance Driver Certificate. 
The Selection Process: Those candidates who, based upon their submitted application, meet the requirements, and most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the selection process. This process will consist of an in-person appraisal interview. The appraisal interview may also include performance testing to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Candidates who complete the selection process with acceptable results will be placed on the eligibility list for the Ambulance Operator classification, and the top scoring candidates will be referred to the hiring department for consideration of suitability.  The eligibility listed established for this recruitment will be valid for six (6) months, unless extended by mutual approval of the Fire Chief and Human Resources Director. For additional highlights of the position, please view the recruitment flyer here
The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of various positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 
  • Operates City-owned ambulances and other assigned vehicles as directed to and from medical emergencies as part of the emergency ambulance transport; may drive ambulance or other department vehicles during non-emergencies; responsible for safe operation of vehicles and adhering to related laws, regulations, and department policy; communicates with dispatch, emergency services staff, and hospital medical personnel.
  • Assists paramedics within the Orange County Emergency Medical Services Emergency Medical Technician (OCEMS EMT) scope of duties by providing basic medical care and treatment to individuals requiring medical attention.
  • Lifts, carries, and pushes/pulls ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients to transport.
  • Prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records, and reports including ambulance billing, patient care reports, and equipment and station logs; maintains confidentiality by following all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
  • Learns and develops an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; uses fire and medical terminology.
  • Oversees maintenance and cleanliness of the City’s ambulance and adjacent areas; inventories, orders, and stocks necessary supplies.
  • Interprets, applies, explains, and ensures compliance with complex Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Assists various City personnel in program functions assigned, including, but not limited to, community events and similar activities.
  • Provides logistical support for the department’s facilities and fleet.
  • May perform a variety of non-sworn, non-firefighter duties as needed to assist the Fire Department in support of various activities and duties.
  • Performs other duties as required. 
Knowledge of:
  • Basic functions, principles, and practices of fire service agencies and emergency ambulance transport services.
  • Principles of safe emergency work practices including emergency ambulance and transportation procedures and gurney operations.
  • Fire terminology and law enforcement codes, including emergency radio communication procedures.
  • Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and regulations, including administrative policies and procedures relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.
  • Basic medical terminology and documentation.
  • Basic first aid techniques and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures.
  • Emergency vehicle operations and vehicle maintenance.
  • Basic arithmetic and statistical techniques.
  • English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
  • Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.
  • Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work, including, but not limited to, specialized and standard database, word processing, spreadsheet software, and report generation computer software packages.
  • Record keeping principles and procedures.
  • Techniques for providing a high-level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
  • General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
  • Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned department.
  • Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the assigned area.
  • Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
Ability to: 
  • Safely drive an ambulance and other assigned vehicles.
  • Work effectively in difficult and/or hazardous emergency situations and environments carrying out work assignments as instructed.
  • Read electronic and incident maps, follow map directions, learn City geography and street layout.
  • Understand the functions, principles, and practices of municipal emergency ambulance transport services within a Fire Department.
  • Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
  • Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Analyze situations and identify pertinent problems and/or issues; collect relevant information to determine realistic options; recommend and implement appropriate course of action.
  • Recognize individuals who may be experiencing medical emergencies and respond accordingly.
  • Prepare clear and effective reports, correspondence, and other written material.
  • Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
  • File materials alphabetically, chronologically, and numerically.
  • Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions independently.
  • Ensure tracking and audit systems are followed and maintained.
  • Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
  • Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
  • Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
  • Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
  • Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, in writing, and on the radio.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism in handling and processing of critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
  • Provide quality customer service.

Education and Experience:

Completion of twelfth (12th) grade, or equivalent, is required. 


An Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in fire science, fire technology, or a closely related field is desirable. 


A passing CPAT or Biddle physical ability test dated within the last 18 months is highly desirable.


Completion of a 240-hour California Fire Academy program or possession of a California Firefighter 1 Certificate is highly desirable.  


Experience as an employee or a volunteer in fire service, emergency response, or closely related field is highly desirable.

 

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession and maintenance of the following current and/or valid licenses and certifications is required by date of application and throughout employment in the position with the City, is required:

  • A valid California Class C Driver's License with satisfactory driving record and proof of acceptable automobile insurance; and
  • A current CPR/AED Card; and
  • A current California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-1) Certificate or higher.
  • A current State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued Ambulance Driver Certificate.

Physical Demands:

Must possess mobility to work primarily in a standard fire station setting and in the field performing emergency ambulance transport; physical strength, stamina, agility, and mobility to lift, carry, push, and/or pull heavy objects, such as operating a gurney to transport patients; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 150 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance.

Working Conditions:


This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee’s physical presence at the workplace. May be required to work various shifts, including, but not limited to, early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, at a variety of City locations.


Environmental Elements:


Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions; but may occasionally work in the field and be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

 

Disaster Service Worker:


All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be “Disaster Service Workers.” In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.


Residency Requirement:
 
All personnel hired by the Orange City Fire Department shall be a permanent and full-time resident of the State of California and reside no further than one hundred (100) road miles from Fire Headquarters. This presumes that a substantial portion of that distance will be traveled at freeway speed and that personnel can report to Fire Headquarters within ninety (90) minutes of the request for call back.

  
City Mission, Vision, and Values:


Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors.  As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community.  The City's values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.


Questions regarding this employment opportunity can be directed to the Human Resources Department at (714) 744-7255. The Human Resources Department is located at  Orange City Hall, 300 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92866.  City Hall hours are Monday through Thursday and every other Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For information on the Orange City Fire Department visit https://orangecityfire.org/.

Salary : $2,940 - $3,248

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