Firefighter Recruitment Information and Frequently Asked Questions
The current window for accepting applications for the position of Firefighter has closed.
For more information please visit our online employment center at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/gilbert/default.cfm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is Gilbert Fire currently recruiting?
- How old do I have to be in order to become a firefighter?
- What type of education do I need to have?
- What is the written test like?
- What is an intern academy?
- What is a recruit academy?
- Will I be reimbursed for travel expenses during the selection process?
- Is there an opportunity for a ride-along?
- Here is some additional information we hope is beneficial
Is Gilbert Fire currently recruiting?
To view current job opportunities, please go to our on-line employment center web page.
How old do I have to be in order to become a firefighter?
You must be at least eighteen years of age at the time of application.
What type of education do I need to have?
At the time of application you must posses a high school diploma or GED. The Gilbert Fire Department also encourages those who are applying to enroll in college courses related to the fire service. Applicants are not required to have their State Certification for Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2. This will be obtained during the Recruit Academy. Another job requirement for full-time firefighters is to be certified in the State of Arizona as an Emergency Medical Technician or EMT. At the time a conditional job offer is made for full-time employment, candidates must posses and maintain a current Arizona State Emergency Medical Technician(EMT) certification. Job offers are completed during pre-employment screening, this occurs after the Intern Academy and before the Recruit Academy. Candidates from out of state need to contact the Arizona Department of Health Services to obtain information on “challenging” the Arizona test to obtain the necessary certification. The main number to ADHS is (602) 542-1000.
After the interviews are complete, a list of candidates is formed and invitations are made to these individuals to attend an Intern Academy. The current Intern Academy is a two-day-a-week commitment that lasts three weeks. Those who are selected and accept, volunteer their time for three hours on Tuesday night and all day on Saturdays. The Intern Academy is a useful selection tool, enabling the Town of Gilbert to select the best candidates for our regular Academies.
Once selected for the Recruit Academy a conditional job offer is made pending background investigations and a thorough medical evaluation (a two-month process). Upon successful completion of these steps an individual becomes a full-time employee with the Gilbert Fire Department. Recruits will then begin a Monday-Friday, twelve-week full-time academy. After completing the academy, the firefighter will be assigned to either an engine or ladder company. The firefighter is rotated 3 times over this next year to give him/her exposure to different stations and Captains.
Here is some additional information we hope is beneficial
Firefighting is a very physically demanding profession. We encourage those who are interested in a career in the fire service to maintain the highest level of physical fitness possible. This will not only be beneficial during the testing process but it will be of benefit throughout your career. Information is power. Seek every opportunity to speak with those in the field, those who teach and those who are testing right beside you. The knowledge you gain can take you far in the testing process.
Will I be reimbursed for travel expenses during the selection process?
Please note that the Town of Gilbert will not reimburse candidates for any travel related costs incurred during the recruitment/hiring process.
Is there an opportunity for a ride-along?
The Fire Department simply doesn’t have the resources to offer ride-alongs to those involved in the recruitment and selection process, so unfortunately the answer is “no.”
Hopefully, the information given above has answered your questions about the firefighter recruiting and selection process. If you have questions not covered here, feel free to call or e-mail. Good luck to all those who apply with the Town of Gilbert Fire Department.
Mark Boynton, Employment Coordinator
Phone: (480) 503-6823
e-mail: Mark.Boynton@gilbertaz.gov