Salary: $8,704.45 - $10,580.27 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number:
Department: FIRE
Opening Date: 07/27/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

For more information about the duties of the Fire Recruit position, click here,or the Firefighter position,click here.
The title of Fire Recruit is utilized during the 14 week Torrance Fire Department training program. The salary during the 14 week training program is $8,169.20/month (eff. 1/10/2027). Upon successful completion of the training program, the Fire Recruit will transition to the position of Firefighter (eff. 1/10/2027 starting pay $9,010.21). The training program will begin in February 2027.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Age: Must be 21 years of age.

Smoking: Must be a non-smoker; smoking on/off duty is prohibited.

EMT: Candidates must possess a current CA EMT-1 certification.

Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by college level coursework and/or specialized training in fire science.

Completion of a State of California Fire Academy or possession of a California Fire Fighter-1 Certification. Industrial, wildland or military fire-fighting experience is highly desirable.

License: Valid California driver's license. Must obtain a CA DMV Firefighter Edorsement prior to the completion of probation.

Medical: Must meet NFPA Standard 1582, "Medical Requirements for Firefighters".

In addition to the minimum requirements, the certification/training listed below is highly desirable:

• Possession of a valid Paramedic License (Los Angeles County preferred) or completion of a paramedic school;
• Experience as a volunteer or auxiliary Firefighter or Ambulance Operator;
• Certification such as Rescue Systems 1 & 2, HazMat First Responder, and other fire courses offered through the State Fire Marshal's Office or an accredited college or university;
• Low Angle Rope Rescue Operation (LARRO).
• Paramedics are highly desirable.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS

Interested candidates must submit an online City of Torrance application, supplemental questionnaire, and physical ability certification at Application filing period will open Monday, July 27, 2026 and close on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

The testing process will consist of a written test (40%) and a panel interview (60%).

Written Test: The written test (FireTEAM) is administered through National Testing Network (NTN). FireTEAM Scores must be submitted through NTN during the application filing period which starts Monday, July 27, 2026 and will close Sunday, August 24, 2026. Scores will only be accepted through NTN. For more information regarding the FireTEAM testing process through NTN, go to https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/.

You must pass the written test in order for your application to be reviewed. After review of the application packets received, only those candidates whose training and experience best meet the City and Department's needs as defined by the candidate profile will be invited to participate in the testing process.

Panel Interview: Tentatively scheduled September 9-11, 2026 The interview process will be conducted in-person.

Physical Ability Certification: A current CPAT or Biddle standardized physical abilities certification is required of all candidates and must be dated within one year of August 24, 2026. Certification must be current throughout the complete examination and Fire Department hiring process. YOU MUST ATTACH AND SUBMIT A CPAT OR BIDDLE AT TIME OF APPLICATION.
SPECIAL NOTES

Successful candidates must qualify in a Department interview(s), background investigation (including polygraph), psychological exam, and medical exam prior to selection.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s).

Visitto find out more information about our community.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

To view the current benefits for Police and Fire Trainees bargaining unit, visit::

For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01

The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?

• Yes
• No

02

I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history.I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job.I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application.I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application.I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.

• Yes
• No

03

Have you completed a Fire Academy?

• Yes
• in Progress
• No

04

Provide the name of Academy if answered yes or in progress.
05

If in progress, provide anticipated Academy completion date (mo/yr).
06

Do you have a Fire Fighter 1 Certification?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have a current EMT-1 Certification?

• Yes
• No

08

If yes, please list any agencies you have been employed and the dates of employment. If no, please type N/A.
09

Have you completed training as a Paramedic?

• Yes
• In Progress
• No

10

If in progress, when will you complete the training? If checked yes/no, please type N/A.
11

Do you have a Paramedic License?

• Yes
• In Progress
• No

12

If yes, list the County/State that issued the Paramedic License and the effective date (month/year). If in progress, when will you obtain your Paramedic License (month/year)? If no, please type N/A.
13

Do you have experience as a paramedic?

• Yes
• No

14

If yes, list agency and dates of employment (month/year). If no, type N/A.
15

Do you have experience as a Torrance Fire Department Auxiliary Firefighter?

• Yes
• No

16

If yes, list dates of experience/employment (month/year)? If no, type N/A.
17

Do you have experience as a volunteer, Explorer, Cadet or Auxiliary Firefighter with another agency?

• Yes
• No

18

If yes, list Title of Position, Agency & dates of experience/employment (include # of hours and/or shifts worked). If no, type N/A.
19

Have you obtained additional certification related to the position of Firefighter?

• None
• Rescue Systems
• HazMat
• CPR
• First Aid
• Other

20

If checked other certification, please list.
21

Do you have a valid CA DMV Firefighter Endorsement?

• Yes
• No

22

I understand I am required to submit the PAT certification to remain in the hiring process.

• The CPAT or Biddle certification is attached to my application.
• I am not able to submit my CPAT or Biddle with the application, however I will email the certification to [email protected].
• I am scheduled to take the CPAT or Biddle no later than September 14, 2026.

Required Question