Emergency Medical Technician I

The Emergency Medical Technician* (EMT) responds to emergency medical calls and other emergencies and provides basic life support services to ill or injured persons in accordance with established policies and procedures.

The Vista Fire Rescue maintains three (3) EMT work schedules as follows:

• Full-time:  These positions are benefitted and work a 56-hour a week rotating schedule.
• Part-time: These positions are benefitted and work a 24-hour a week rotating schedule.
• Part-time/Float: These positions are temporary, paid an hourly rate, and work as needed.  

An individual may only serve 6,240 (the hourly equivalent of 36 months) in total in this classification. Paid leave hours count towards this total, but overtime hours do not.
The Emergency Medical Technician I: 

• Responds to medical emergencies. 
• Renders aid to injured parties. 
• Assists at non-medical emergency scenes with support related activities.
• Operates ambulances and other related medical equipment. 
• Participates in station, equipment and apparatus maintenance. 
• Attends training classes and drills. 
• Assesses medical problems and performs first-aid and resuscitator functions.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  

Emergency Medical Technician I
A typical combination would include a high school diploma, or equivalent, and six (6) months of full-time field experience as an Emergency Medical Technician either driving an ambulance or employment as an EMT with a fire department is preferred.  Completion of or enrollment in a Fire Academy, Paramedic School or a paramedic preparation class is highly desirable.  

License/Certificate 
Candidates must possess and maintain, as a condition of employment, the following:

• A current State of California Class C driver’s license with an ambulance driver’s endorsement
• A current EMT-I certification as defined by the State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA)
• Accreditation as an EMT in the County of San Diego
• A current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

Knowledge of: 

• First aid methods
• A basic understanding of fire-based Emergency Medical Services (EMS) delivery system
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• EMT scope of practice 
• EMS procedures and equipment
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Principles and practices of customer service

 
Ability to: 

• Perform EMT duties and maintain EMT certification
• Perform competently under extreme pressure and in stressful situations
• Understand and act in accordance with departmental polices, rules, instructions and written material
• Retain presence of mind in emergency situations
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Establish effective working relationships with staff and the general public
• Maintain physical endurance and agility
• Make accurate observations and rapid judgements
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community

Environmental Conditions: 
Exposure to varying inside temperatures, correspondent with seasonal climate outside; exposure to the hazards of emergency medical services, to smoke and hazardous material fumes, to heat from fires, seasonal elements at emergency sites; exposure to communicable diseases (HIV, HBV, HCV, tuberculosis, meningococcal meningitis, various parasites, etc.)
 
Physical Conditions: 
Essential and marginal functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for minimal to frequent bending, turning, reaching, grasping, kneeling, standing, sitting, and walking; and moderate to heavy pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying. Physical strength and agility to lift and carry heavy objects, such as a gurney while transporting patients; lift, pull and operate gurney; climb ladders and stairs; bend, stoop, kneel, and crawl in tight spaces.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.vista.gov.  All other employment inquiries can be directed to the City of Vista, Human Resources Office, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, CA 92084. Telephone: (760) 643-5376 or Fire Administration at (760) 643-5341.  

SELECTION PROCESS:
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which will include live scan fingerprinting and/or a background exam and a medical exam including a drug screen.  

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. Recruitment Closes:  Tuesday, July 30th, 2026 or 200 applications 
Written Exam: Week of  August 10th
Oral Board: Week of August 17th
Chiefs Interviews: Week of August 31st
Please note, all dates are subject to change.