Find active firefighter recruitment opportunities across the United States. Search by state, department, and position. Get test dates, application deadlines, and requirements for departments actively hiring.
8 departments hiring now
3 opening soon
Hiring Dashboard
Real-time firefighter job opportunities
Aggregated from official department websites, civil service boards, and municipal job portals.
Active departments hiring
127
States with openings
38
Positions available
2,450+
Last updated
Jan 15, 2025
Search & Filter Job Openings
Showing 12 of 12 opportunities
Hiring
CA
Los Angeles Fire Department
Los Angeles, California
Firefighter IFirefighter/Paramedic
Salary:$68,000 - $95,000/year
Deadline:March 15, 2025
Test Date:April 10-12, 2025
LAFD is seeking motivated individuals to join one of the nation's largest and most respected fire departments. Comprehensive benefits and academy training provided.
HFD seeks dedicated individuals for firefighter positions. Competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for advancement in America's 4th largest city.
Never miss a firefighter job opening. Subscribe to receive email notifications when new positions open in your state or region.
Frequently Asked Hiring Questions
Common questions about firefighter recruitment, application processes, and hiring requirements.
How often do fire departments open recruitment?
Most large fire departments open recruitment every 1-3 years, depending on staffing needs, retirements, and budget cycles. Some smaller departments hire annually or as needed. Check this page regularly or subscribe to our job alerts for the latest openings.
What is the typical firefighter application process?
The standard process includes: (1) Submit online application, (2) Written exam (civil service or department-specific), (3) Physical agility test (CPAT or equivalent), (4) Oral interview/assessment center, (5) Background investigation, (6) Medical exam and drug screening, (7) Conditional job offer, (8) Fire academy training. The entire process can take 6-18 months.
Do I need to be certified before applying?
Requirements vary by department. Some hire non-certified recruits and provide academy training. Others require Firefighter I/II and EMT certifications before application. Major metro departments (LAFD, FDNY, Chicago) typically provide academy training after hiring. Always check specific department requirements.
Can I apply to multiple fire departments at once?
Yes! Many candidates apply to multiple departments simultaneously to maximize their chances. Be prepared to travel for testing and interviews. Keep track of deadlines and test dates to avoid conflicts. Some departments have residency requirements, so verify eligibility before applying.
What is CPAT and do I need it to apply?
CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) is a standardized physical agility test used by many fire departments. It simulates fireground tasks and must be completed in under 10:20 while wearing a 50-pound vest. Some departments require CPAT before application, others test during the hiring process. Check individual department requirements.
Are lateral transfers accepted?
Many departments accept lateral transfers from certified firefighters with experience. Lateral candidates may skip some testing steps or academy training. Some departments offer signing bonuses for lateral hires, especially those with paramedic certification. Check job postings for “lateral” or “experienced firefighter” opportunities.
How can I stay updated on new job openings?
Subscribe to our job alerts (form below) to receive email notifications when new positions open in your state. Also bookmark department websites and check their recruitment pages regularly. Follow fire departments on social media for announcements. Some cities use centralized hiring portals like governmentjobs.com or neogov.com.
Related Career Resources
Prepare for your firefighter application with these helpful guides.
