Firefighter (Recruit/Lateral)

Applications are being accepted for the Firefighter position in the City of Avondale's Fire and Medical Department for the upcoming January 2027 Academy. All steps must be completed to be considered.

Application Requirements

• Submit your application by Sunday, August 16, 2026.
• Attach a valid CPAT in the Attachments section of the online application (if already possessed).
• Attach a valid Arizona State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification.
• Attach a valid Paramedic Certification, if applicable.
• List all licenses and certifications in the Licenses/Certificates section of the online application.
• Complete the NTN FireTEAM Exam and Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) through the National Testing Network (NTN) at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com by Monday, August 24, 2026.
• Passing applicants will receive an email with instructions for the written exam and/or CPAT within 48 business hours.
• NTN FireTEAM Exam and CPAT scores will automatically be sent to the City of Avondale within 3-5 business days.

Responsibilities

• Protect life and property through emergency incident intervention and provide advanced life support emergency medical services.
• Conduct community service activities, including community education, commercial inspections, and code enforcement.
• Ensure readiness through facility, apparatus, equipment, and personal maintenance.
• Perform general administrative functions and complete special projects or tasks that further the department's mission.
• Respond to and mitigate emergency 911 calls, perform firefighting and rescue activities, and provide emergency medical care and patient transport.
• Drive and operate fire apparatus in the absence of a Fire Engineer.
• Represent community education and/or school-based education programs, provide emergency medical standby, and perform public relations services at City special events.
• Provide non-emergency services, including vehicle lockouts, smoke detector checks, and commercial fire safety inspections.
• Perform routine vehicle inspections, minor vehicle maintenance, daily station cleaning, and grounds maintenance.
• Conduct routine maintenance and inspection of emergency service equipment.
• Participate in scheduled skill-based training, medical and emergency service training, health and fitness training, and continuing education programs.
• Complete general administrative documentation for emergency calls, patient encounter forms, hospital reports, incident response data entry, and various maintenance logs and request forms.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• A High School Diploma or GED equivalency is required.
• A valid Arizona Driver's License is required at the time of hire.
• A current Arizona State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification is required. Arizona State Certification must be obtained within six months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• A valid Arizona State or National Registry Paramedic Certification is preferred.

Testing Process

The following dates may be subject to change:

• NTN FireTeam and CPAT Testing: 08/03/2026 - 08/24/2026
• Panel Interview (1st Round - Virtual): 09/08/2026
• Panel Interview (2nd Round - In Person): 09/22/2026
• Chief's Interview (3rd Round - In Person): 09/29/2026

Hiring Process

Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion and passing of:

• NeoGov Application
• National Testing Network (NTN) FireTEAM Exam
• Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
• Panel Interview
• Chief's Interview
• Comprehensive Background Investigation
• Psychological Examination
• Physical Examination and Drug Screen

Pay

Firefighter Recruits will begin at Step 0, earning $22.13 per hour, corresponding to the starting rate on the APFFA MOU Wage Table. Unit Members with specialized certifications, such as paramedic and technical rescue, will be compensated at the applicable specialty pay rate. Lateral probationary hires will be placed at the comparable step on the lateral hiring placement scale based on completed years of service following graduation from a recognized regional academy up to Step 3, rounded down to the closest year.

Benefits

The City of Avondale offers a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding health and wellness benefits, financial perks, work-life balance, and more. Explore the Benefits Guide for full details.