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NOW HIRING:  FIREFIGHTER/EMT RECRUITS AND EXPEREINCED FIREFIGHTER/EMTS.
 

* * * SALARY INFORMATION * * *

Initial recruit salary of $45,320 annually with an increase to Firefighter salary of $53,930 annually after successful completion of recruit training.  Annual increases based on date of hire. 

HIRING PROCESS:  To be considered for a Firefighter/EMT Recruit or Experienced Firefighter/EMT position, you will be asked to participate in and must successfully pass all of the following phases:

**A resume is recommended with the submission of application.**

RECRUITS ONLY PHASE 1: Test Score Requirements.  Click here (works best with Internet Explorer.  If document displays gray, scroll down) for the Application instructions and Test Score Requirements.  You must submit one or more of the following by your PAT date to continue in the process:

• A copy of your current National Registry (NR); OR 
• A copy of your current State of Georgia EMT Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Cards; OR  
• An Official transcript* for any Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college; OR  
• An Official copy* of qualifying entrance exam scores as described in the attached instructions. Click here (same link as above) to access application instructions that include qualifying exam types and passing test scores for each.

* Official transcripts from post-secondary educational institutions or qualifying entrance exam scores are signed and sealed by either the Registrar’s Office or certified testing personnel (“the issuer”) and delivered directly to Human Resources personnel. These documents can either be (1) hand-delivered on the day of your PAT appointment, or (2) electronically delivered to stacie.norris@accgov.com by the issuer before the day of your PAT appointment. Transcripts or qualifying entrance exam scores that are attached to your application are copies and cannot be accepted as official transcripts or exam score records. High school transcripts showing qualifying entrance exam scores cannot be accepted.

EXPERIENCED APPLICANTS ONLY PHASE 1:  
Certification Requirements –  Click here (works best with Internet Explorer; if document displays gray, scroll down) for the Application instructions. You must submit all of the following by your PAT date to continue in the process:

• A copy of your current National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) certifications for Firefighter I and Firefighter II; AND
• A copy of your current State of Georgia or National Registry EMT certification.

RECRUITS & EXPEREINCED APPLICANTS PHASE 2: Physical Agility Test (PAT) – Scheduled for the week of September 28, 2026. Application review will begin September 15, 2026.  All applicants who meet the minimum position requirements will receive an e-mail invitation to self-schedule for the PAT on September 15. You must provide a release form (Medical Affidavit) signed by your personal physician stating you may participate in the physical agility test prior to participating in the test.

Click here (works best with Internet Explorer. If document displays gray, scroll down) for your physician release form / Medical Affidavit and information about the PAT.

Click here (works best with Internet Explorer. If document displays gray, scroll down) to view a firefighter recruitment video and a video of a sample PAT.

NOTE: The Athens-Clarke County Fire Department (ACCFD) Medical Affidavit is valid for six months from the date of the doctor’s signature. If you have a valid ACCFD Medical Affidavit from a previous application (May 2026), you must bring a copy of this Affidavit to the PAT in order to participate.

RECRUITS & EXPEREINCED APPLICANTS PHASE 3: Oral Interviews will be held for candidates who successfully complete Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the hiring process as listed above and are selected to move to the interview phase. Dates for oral interviews will be announced via e-mail after the Physical Agility Testing is completed and are tentatively scheduled for the week of November 2, 2026.

Eligibility:
You must pass all phases of testing to be placed on the eligibility list. An eligibility list will be developed after all testing is complete.  If selected for hire, you will be required to have your fingerprints processed, and participate in further pre-employment testing, i.e., medical examination, routine drug test, and a psychological examination.  You must successfully complete all phases of pre-employment testing. The next recruit/new hire class is tentatively scheduled to start December 31, 2026.

REPORTS TO: Fire Sergeant or Fire Lieutenant, depending on the job assignment
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System – Requires satisfactory completion of a 12-month probationary period.
RECRUIT PAY GRADE: FD01 — $45,320
FIREFIGHTER/EMT PAY GRADE:  FD02 — $53,930
SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes – Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.

Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to learn and master the skills required to protect lives and property endangered by fire and other emergency situations, to promote fire prevention and safety activities, and to educate the public. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, performing fire suppression activities, performing rescue, salvage and overhaul operations, driving and operating apparatus, administering first response emergency medical care, inspecting and maintaining fire apparatus equipment, conducting station tours, and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Job Related Requirements

WORK SCHEDULE: While assigned to Training: 40-hour work week. While assigned to Shift: On duty 24 hours (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. the following day), off duty 48 hours. Weekends, holidays and overtime are included and required in the scheduled work assignments.

May be required to work on religious holidays.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Must work cooperatively with others.

When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC’s safe driving policy.

Emergency Position
This position is designated as an emergency position that requires your attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, utility failure, fire or other forced evacuations or as determined by the Manager.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Firefighter/EMT Recruit  — $45,320

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Must obtain the following within twelve months of date of hire:

• NPQ Firefighter I
• NPQ Firefighter II
• NPQ Hazardous Materials- Awareness and Operations
• Georgia EMT-Basic

These certifications must be maintained throughout employment with Fire and Emergency Services.

Must meet and maintain the requirements set forth by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council for Firefighters within twelve months of date of hire.
 
Must have no felony convictions within the past 10 years.

Proof of vaccinations for the following are recommended by the Georgia Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services.

• MMR
• TB test
• Hep B
• Tdap (within last 5 years)

Experienced Firefighter/EMT–$53,930.
High School diploma or equivalent. Comparable career (full time) fire and rescue experience along with equivalent firefighter recruit training (NPQ Firefighter II, NPQ Hazardous Materials – Awareness and Operations, and EMT certification).

These certifications must be maintained throughout employment with Fire and Emergency Services.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Must be able to meet the current requirements set forth by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Act.

Must have no felony convictions within the past 10 years.

Proof of vaccinations for the following are recommended by the Georgia Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services.

• MMR
• TB test
• Hep B
• Tdap (within last 5 years)

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs fire suppression and life rescue utilizing a variety of equipment to contain and extinguish fire or mitigate other emergencies such as hazardous materials’ incidents and technical rescues.

Assesses emergency situations and determines appropriate actions to minimize or prevent negative impacts to life and property.

Provides emergency medical care including patient assessments and basic life support following departmental guidelines.

Communicates critical medical information from patient assessments and treatment to other medical professionals.

Performs salvage and overhaul operations to minimize property damage.

Operates, inspects, and performs routine maintenance on a variety of fire apparatus and equipment.

Delivers fire and life safety prevention programs to educate the public.

Prepares reports related to incidents, equipment, and patients.

Performs duties to maintain the fire station and equipment.

Participates in training programs for maintaining basic knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Prepares pre-fire incident plans according to departmental guidelines.

Participates in mandatory physical fitness program.

Performs other related duties as required.