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REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING TO AMEND THE CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION FOR FIREFIGHTER AND FIREFIGHTER ENGINEER FOR THE STOCKTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
Move to schedule a public hearing for December 18, 2025, to amend the classification specification for Firefighter and Firefighter Engineer.
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SUMMARY
The Fire Department has requested that Human Resources amend the classification specifications for Firefighter and Firefighter Engineer.
The amendment to the Firefighter classification specification is being made to reflect the removal of the polygraph examination from the pre-employment selection process. The modification ensures that the class specifications accurately represent the current hiring requirements and procedures.
Currently, the required qualifications for the Firefighter classification specification are as follows:
Firefighter (Current)
Education/Experience:
Graduation from high school or GED. Some college-level fire science course work and previous fire fighting experience in a volunteer or paid capacity is desirable.
Other Requirements:
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license.
• Must obtain a Firefighter Endorsement within seventeen (17) months of appointment.
• Must possess or be able to acquire and maintain, within one year of employment, current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician/Level I.
• If assigned to a transport unit, must also obtain and possess a valid Ambulance Certificate issued in San Joaquin County.
• Must be willing to work shifts as structured in the Fire Department.
• Must meet physical standards and successfully complete a background investigation, which shall include a polygraph and psychological examination, and a California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to work in hazardous situations; must maintain adequate physical strength, agility and stamina to carry out rescue duties in inclement weather, from heights, tunnels, water or other potentially risky conditions. Must possess strength and stamina sufficient to lift and carry equipment and patients weighing up to 165 pounds and be able to wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Must administer life support or life saving treatment to emergency patients or victims of fire.
Knowledge of:
• Basic principles and practices of fire suppression and prevention;
• Basic principles and practices of emergency medical care at the basic life support level; and
• Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work.
Skill in:
• Following oral and written directions;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of the work;
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing clear and concise reports and other written materials; and
• Remaining calm, making sound decisions, and responding appropriately to emergency situations.
The proposed required qualifications for the Firefighter classification specification is as follows:
Firefighter (Proposed)
Education:
Possession of a high school diploma or GED. Some college-level fire science course work is desirable.
Experience:
Successful completion of the Stockton Regional Fire Academy. Previous firefighting experience in a volunteer or paid capacity is desirable.
Other Requirements:
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license.
• Must obtain a Firefighter Endorsement within seventeen (17) months of appointment.
• Must possess or be able to acquire and maintain, within one year of employment, current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician/Level I.
• If assigned to a transport unit, must also obtain and possess a valid Ambulance Certificate issued in San Joaquin County.
• Must be willing to work shifts as structured in the Fire Department.
• Must meet physical standards and successfully complete a background investigation, which shall include criminal, employment, and reference checks, as well as a psychological evaluation, a medical examination, and obtain a California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
In addition, the Department added a physical/mental abilities section to the Firefighter classification specification.
The Department is proposing to amend the Firefighter Engineer classification specification to reinstate the three-year experience requirement, reflecting its commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, performance, and leadership within its ranks. This amendment ensures that candidates possess the depth of experience and understanding of emergency operations necessary to support operational readiness and public safety.
Currently the required qualifications for the Firefighter Engineer classification specification are as follows:
Firefighter Engineer (Current)
Equivalent to graduation from high school and two (2) years of experience as a Firefighter.
The Department is requesting to amend the minimum qualifications of the current classification specification for Firefighter Engineer as follows:
Firefighter Engineer (Proposed)
Possession of a high school diploma or GED. Some college-level fire science course work is desirable.
Experience:
Three years of experience as a Firefighter with the Stockton Fire Department.
In addition, the Department is updating the physical/mental abilities section of the Firefighter Engineer classification specification to reflect changes in operational needs.
AUTHORITY
Rule IV, Section 4 of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations for Police and Fire Employees state the following:
Whenever a change in organization, functions, or duties of an individual position makes necessary a revision of a class specification, the Personnel Officer, or any agency selected for that purpose, shall recommend to the Commission the new or revised class specification for the rank affected. The Commission shall hold a public hearing on the proposed new class specification or revision and shall incorporate the class specification into the position classification plan.