Fire Cadet (Closes 9/10/25 at 4pm)

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

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• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
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• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
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• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Under close supervision, participate in assigned training and formal academic programs of instruction designed to qualify for certification as a Firefighter in accordance with Chapter 143.023 of the Texas State Statutes.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under close supervision, this position participates in assigned training and formal academic programs of instruction designed to qualify for certification as a Firefighter in accordance with Chapter 143.023 of the Texas State Statutes.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Attends and successfully completes Fire Department classes and other formal fire training programs to qualify for certification as a Firefighter and an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic).
  
• Participates in mandatory physical training to include running 1 ½ to 6 miles, uphill running, calisthenics, hose and dummy drags, grass drills, and weight training.
  
• Participates in drills, demonstrations, firefighting training evolutions, and courses in hydraulics, pump operation and maintenance, and firefighting techniques.
  
• Trains in the operation of rescue tools.
  
• Trains in the administration of emergency medical care to fire or accident victims and assists EMS personnel as needed.
  
• Trains in the locating, controlling, and extinguishing of fires using applicable extinguishing agents.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Skill in operating and maintaining fire apparatus and equipment.
  
• Skill in operating various hand and power tools to create openings in structures and vehicles for smoke ventilation, forcible entry, and rescue.
  
• Skill in performing life support techniques and emergency medical care.
  
• Skill in maintaining accurate records and preparing reports.
  
• Ability to become knowledgeable of city geography, streets, and highways in Austin/Travis County.
  
• Ability to become knowledgeable of fire fighting principles and techniques, hydraulics, hydrants, and location/operation of sprinkler and house line systems.
  
• Ability to become knowledgeable of departmental policy, practice, and procedure, emergency medical techniques, and good safety practice in the use of equipment.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively in stressful and /or hazardous environments.
  
• Ability to perform strenuous work under all weather conditions including emergency situations.
  
• Ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak English.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from High School or equivalent.
  
• Must be at least 18 years of age, and not to exceed age 35, on the date of written exam.
  
• Meet the requirements of Local Government Code, Title 5 Chapter 143.
  
• Meet the requirements for certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Standards and Education.
  
• Meet the requirements of the Texas Department of State Health Services for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic).
  
• Meet the requirements set forth in NFPA 1582, Latest Edition, Standard on Medical Requirements for Firefighters.
  
• Two (2) years of service with any US Military Branch, including Reserves or National Guard may substitute for the required education.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Class C Driver License.
  

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to quickly respond to fire apparatus and be capable of entry and/or exit of any AFD vehicle.
  
• Must be able to quickly respond to fire apparatus and be capable of entry and/or exit of any AFD vehicle without assistance.
  
• Must be able to climb multiple flights of stairs while carrying firefighting equipment.
  
• Must be able to climb aerial ladders to a height of 100 feet.
  
• Must be able to carry and/or drag hose for the purpose of fire extinguishment.
  
• Must be able to carry, set, and climb ladders to accomplish firefighting and rescue evolutions.
  
• Must be able to crawl and kneel, wearing personal protective equipment and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), in extreme weather conditions, high environmental temperature and humidity, and confined, dark, or visually obscured environments.
  
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical activity for 20 continuous minutes.
  
• Must be able to perform CPR, lifting and moving of equipment and patients in a variety of environmental conditions.
  
• Must be comfortable in the water using a personal flotation device.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Notes To Candidate
Notes To Candidate

For more information about becoming an Austin Firefighter, visit JoinAFD.com

Application submissions close promptly at 4:00 PM (CST) on Sept 10, 2025.

The Application has a series of qualifying questions. Your response to these questions may disqualify you from continuing in the application process. Please read each question carefully and answer honestly.

If you DO NOT MEET the minimum qualifications, you will receive an email (post application submission) indicating such.

Veteran Preference Points
Austin Fire extends veteran preference points to eligible applicants. To qualify, applicants must submit a DD214 form showing an honorable discharge and a minimum of 180 consecutive days of active duty service. The DD214 must be submitted by October 10, 2025.

Written Exam and Structural Oral Process

Eligible applicants are required to participate in the Written Exam and Structured Oral Process in person on the mandatory testing day. Failure to participate will result in disqualification.

Test Dates: October 25-26, 2025.

Between September 10 and September 23, 2025, eligible applicants will receive an email with instructions for the Written Exam and Structured Oral Process, as well as guidance on submitting the DD214.

Applicants who are moving forward in the hiring process will be required to submit additional documentation between December 2025 and January 2026.

Additional documentation includes, but is not limited to, Personal History Information (PHI), Diplomas, DD214’s, and signed letters referencing conditional employment offers.

This position will require a criminal background investigation. This investigation is based on the Texas Penal Code (out-of-state criminal arrests or convictions are based upon the Texas equivalency).

Candidates must not be in default of student loans or behind on any payments for any student loan.

Candidates must possess a current, valid driver’s license or obtain one before the scheduled written examination date.

The Austin Fire Department may verify any information provided on the application form. Any wrong or incomplete information can result in disqualification from the hiring process.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-09-11

• 

• City of Austin

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