DESCRIPTION
*****UPCOMING RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT*****
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) will be accepting applications to fill multiple Reserve Firefighter positions beginning Wednesday, October 1, 2025 through Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Please read this entire announcement to learn about this exciting opportunity.
Interested applicants are encouraged to:
- Complete a OCFA Job Interest Card to receive an email notification when the recruitment opens
- Visit www.joinocfa.org for more information
- Visit the station of interest during its weekly drill nights
HOW TO BECOME A RESERVE FIREFIGHTER:
- Verify that you live within 15 minutes of a Reserve Fire Station or 45 minutes of a Wildland Support Unit or Helicopter Support Crew Station.
- List of Reserve Stations - Click Here
- After verifying that you live within the response area, visit the station of interest during its weekly drill nights. Introduce yourself to the Senior Reserve Office and other Reserve Firefighters to learn more about the program to learn whether you have the desire and ability to commit your time as a volunteer.
- Drill Night Schedule - Click Here
- After attending at least five (5) drill nights, you will be eligible to submit an online application for Reserve Firefighter during the recruitment period listed above.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
- Recruitment Opens: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
- Last day to apply: Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM
- Oral Interviews: December 2025 - January 2026
- Pack Test: February 9, 2026 - February 11, 2026 (Weekday only)
- Last day to submit Biddle results (for all Level 1 Reserve Applicants): Friday, February 13, 2026
- Live-Scan, Background Investigation, Pre-Employment Medical Examination: February 17, 2026 – April 30, 2026
- PPE Fitting: TBD
- Expected Hire date: June 2026
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
A Reserve Firefighter is provided a pager that alerts him/her of an emergency call for help. When a Reserve Firefighter is able to volunteer his/her time, he/she reports to the station and responds on an assigned fire apparatus. The OCFA has three levels of service needed:
Level 1: Reserve Firefighters are assigned to an Engine Company and receive training to respond to: structure fires, wildland fires, traffic collisions, incident support, and medical aid emergencies. They may also operate a patrol and/or water tender. (Fire Stations: 11, 14, 16)
Level 2: Reserve Firefighters are assigned to Patrols and receive training to respond to: wildland fires, traffic collisions, incident support, and medical aid emergencies. They may also operate a water tender and/or air utility unit. (Fire Stations: 7, 10, 18, 26, 30)
Wildland Support Unit or Helicopter Support Crew: Wildland Support Unit or Helicopter Support Crew are assigned to Fire Station 26 (Irvine) or Fire Station 41 (Fullerton Airport) and receive training in wildland firefighting and special equipment operations.
Reserve Firefighters must be able to commit to attending mandatory training meetings and weekly station drill nights at their respective stations. Reserve Firefighters also must commit to responding to a minimum of 30% of all pages for response and complete all mandatory training.
More information regarding the position of Reserve Firefighter can be found in Reserve Firefighter Handbook.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application submittal.
- Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at time of appointment. This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program, which periodically provides Risk Management with the incumbent's Driver License record and status.
- Must live within 15 minutes of a Reserve Fire Station or within 45 minutes of a Wildland Support Unit or Helicopter Support Crew Station. (Fire Station 18 or 41)
- Must obtain an Emergency Medical Technician License within 18 months of completion of the Reserve Firefighter Trainee training.
- Must be of good health and pass OCFA's physical requirements.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Physical Ability Testing - Pass/Fail
Candidates must pass a physical ability test as part of the selection process for Reserve Firefighter. The OCFA conducts three different tests depending on the Level requirements:
Candidates must pass a physical ability test as part of the selection process for Reserve Firefighter. The OCFA conducts three different tests depending on the Level requirements:
Level 1 Stations: Biddle Physical Ability Test - This test is comprised of several physical tasks consistent with the duties of a firefighter. This test must be completed within 9 minutes and 34 seconds. Possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificated completed on or after November 30, 2024 WILL be substituted for this portion of the selection process. The OCFA does NOT accept a CPAT in lieu of participation in the Biddle Physical Ability Test. Biddle tests are scheduled and administered through Santa Ana, Rio Hondo, and Mt. San Antonio Community Colleges. All Level 1 candidates must schedule and complete the Biddle Physical Ability Test by February 13, 2026.
For information about the Central Net Training Center (through Santa Ana College), please visit Santa Ana College - Physical Ability Test (Biddle)
For information about the Rio Hondo College Biddle Examination, please visit Rio Hondo College - Physical Ability Test (Biddle)
Level 2 Stations: Pack Test (Arduous) - The Pack Test is a 3-mile hike over level terrain carrying a 45 lb. pack within 45 minutes or less. The Pack Test is administered by the OCFA.
Wildland Support Unit and Helicopter Support Crew: Pack Test (Arduous) - The Pack Test is a 3-mile hike over level terrain carrying a 45 lb. pack within 45 minutes or less. The Pack Test is administered by the OCFA.
Additional information regarding the selection process will be available on the recruitment announcement when the recruitment opens on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
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