DRAFT - H3 Job Ad

Apply Online

All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process.  

Applicants may review our minimum requirements here: 

Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110.

Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@smartrecruiters.com that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

Written Exam

  • The SFFD is currently using a multiple choice exam.
  • There is no clinical skills testing in this portion of the hiring process.
  • No NTN exam required.
  • H3 Level 2 Paramedics: For candidates who would like to be considered for hire as an H3 Level 2 Paramedic, you will need to follow the below steps before moving to Step 3.
    • Pass the initial H3 Level 1 EMT exam so you can be placed on an eligibility list.
    • If you meet the minimum qualifications for the H3 Level 2 Paramedic position, notify dhr-publicsafety@sfgov.org so you can be scheduled to take the next available H3 Level 2 Paramedic exam.

*** If you successfully pass the H3 Level 1 EMT exam, you will be placed on an H3 eligibility list that is valid for two years. You will not need to repeat Steps 1 and 2 in order to proceed through to Step 3. If you are removed from the eligibility list or the eligibility list expires, you will need to repeat Steps 1 and 2. ***

Physical Ability Test (Pass/Fail) [L1 and L2]

Candidates must also complete and pass the SFFD physical ability test [PAT] in order to be considered for hire. The test will consist of job task simulation components designed to measure a candidate’s ability to lift and carry 70 lbs. of equipment up and down six flights of stairs, drag a 165 lb dummy 15 ft, and unload/reload a 165 lb. stretcher in and out of an ambulance. Candidates on the eligible list will be placed under waiver until they have passed this PAT.

As of September 2025, a FCTC CPAT card will be accepted in lieu of a PAT. 

Skills and Structured Oral Interview

Skills Assessment

The Skills Assessment will require candidates to demonstrate their relative knowledge, skill, and ability in job-related areas, which may include, but are not limited to: Basic Life Support (BLS) procedures, practices & techniques; administration of first aid, basic life support and life saving measures; recognition of signs & symptoms and knowledge of appropriate treatment action for various medical conditions & situations.

Structured Oral Interview

The SOI will assess relative knowledge, skill, and ability in job-related areas, which may include, but are not limited to current MCI standards & practice; common logistical issues; customer service; interpersonal skills; and verbal communication skills.

Chief's Interview

The Chief’s Interview will be a “fit” interview including competencies such as problem solving, customer service, interpersonal skills, and verbal communication skills.

If candidates are offered a provisional job offer, candidates will proceed to a pre-employment background investigation by SFFD personnel.  

Pre-employment Background Investigation

Applicants who are extended provisional offers of employment as an H-3 Level 1 EMT will be required to submit the following documents:

  • Verification of EMT work hours to meet minimum qualifications
  • High school diploma/GED or higher
  • California State Driver's License with Ambulance Driver Certificate
  • California State Emergency Medical Technician Certificate (EMT) or California State Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P) License
  • Current CPR card (American Red Cross Healthcare Provider, American Health Association Health Care Provider, or American Safety and Health Institute) 
    • CPR classes including Professional Rescuer or AED/First Aid are not accepted 
  • FEMA ICS 100, 200 and 700 Course Completion Certificates
  • FCTC CPAT card if used in lieu of PAT

Applicants who are extended provisional offers of employment as an H-3 Level 2 Paramedic will be required to submit the following documents:

  • Verification of paramedic work hours to meet minimum qualifications
  • High school diploma/GED or higher
  • California State Driver's License with Ambulance Driver Certificate
  • California State Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P) License
  • Current CPR card (American Red Cross Healthcare Provider, American Health Association Health Care Provider, or American Safety and Health Institute)
    • CPR classes including Professional Rescuer or AED/First Aid are not accepted 
  • Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Card
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Pediatric Education for Prehospital Care Professionals (PEPP) 
  • Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) or International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Card
  • FEMA ICS 100, 200 and 700 Course Completion Certificates
  • FCTC CPAT card if used in lieu of PAT

Driving Record

Applicants must not have been convicted of any of the following during the period from three years prior to application up to the date of appointment: drunk driving; reckless driving; or hit and run with personal injury or property damage over $25.00. Applicants will be disqualified if any of the following occurred or is in effect at any time during the period from one year prior to application up to the date of appointment: probation as a result of a driving-related offense; license suspension or revocation; three moving violations in 12 months; or five moving violations in 24 months.

Local Accreditation

Applicants who are extended conditional offers of employment will undergo County EMT accreditation from the SF EMS Agency prior to their appointment to any SFFD Academy. The local accreditation will include an extensive background investigation by the SF EMS Agency. Failure to pass the local accreditation process will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer or removal from the respective SFFD Academy.

FEMA ICS Certificates

Applicants who are extended conditional offers of employment will be required to submit Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)ICS 100, 200 and 700 Course Completion Certificates prior to the start of the Academy. These courses can be taken online at https://training.fema.gov/is/

Verification of Employment

Additional minimum qualifications:

 
Requirement Level 1 Level 2
Experience Option 1 500 hours minimum (within last 3 years) 1,000 hours minimum (within last 3 years)
Experience Option 2 1,000 hours minimum (within last 5 years) 1,500 hours minimum (within last 5 years)

Criminal Background

Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony in this state, or in any other state or in any federal or other jurisdiction, of an act that would be considered a felony if committed in this state. Applicants must not have been on probation for a misdemeanor offense from one year prior to application through the time of appointment. Convictions for misdemeanors within one year prior to application will be evaluated individually and may result in disqualification.

[Note: Applicants who proceed to the Background Investigation phase of the selection process must provide on their background forms a full and complete listing of all convictions. Applicants must disclose if they have ever been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor offense in California or in any other state or place, including entering a plea of nolo contendere or no contest, and including any conviction which has been expunged (set aside) under Penal Code Section 1203.4.]

If candidates are offered a conditional job offer, candidates will proceed to a medical exam by SFFD Office of Employee Health. 

Conditional Offer of Employment

Medical Exam/Toxicology Screening

Applicants will be required to pass a medical evaluation given by the SFFD Office of Employee Health.  The medical exam will include the following components:

  • Medical history questionnaire
  • Drug and alcohol screening
  • Physical examination
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Hearing assessment
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Vision and color vision screening
  • Tuberculosis (TB) blood test
  • Verification of vaccination status for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and documentation of a tetanus vaccine within the past 10 years

Note: If any test results are abnormal, you will need to follow up with your personal healthcare provider for further testing. To avoid delays in your application process, please make sure to inform your Primary Care Provider about your application or establish care with one in advance.

Applicants will be evaluated in accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) medical standards outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Medical Examiner’s Handbook, which is available through the DOT.

Each applicant’s medical condition will be assessed individually by the Office of Employee Health to determine suitability for employment. Candidates advancing to the Medical Examination stage will be required to complete a Medical History Statement. Any false statements or omissions on this form, as determined by the Chief of the Fire Department, will result in disqualification.

Final Offer of Employment

If a candidate successfully completes the requirements within the conditional offer of employment, the candidate will receive a final offer.

An Academy Orientation will take place before the EMS Academy begins.