“Dedicated to Service”
The Akron Fire Department provides Firefighter/Medics with paid training during the Fire Academy, excellent benefits, and skill advancement throughout their careers. Firefighter/Medics work 8-9 days a month (after training) alongside an inclusive team! After graduation from the academy, Firefighter/Medics earn $34.60/hour.
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Click here to view the AFD Removal Standards: Akron Fire Removal Standards
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Qualified applicants will receive a test voucher from the Department of Human Resources to take the National Testing Network (NTN) written test.
NTN WRITTEN EXAMINATION: Applicants must take the Firefighter Fire TEAM exam administered by the National Testing Network (NTN). Qualified applicants will be emailed the registration link and a test voucher from the City of Akron's Department of Human Resources to take the NTN test. Only one voucher will be provided to each qualified applicant. Candidates must meet the requirements for passing as established by the City of Akron. THE EXAMINATION PERIOD WILL END SEPTEMBER 14, 2026. NTN TESTING MUST BE COMPLETED BY THIS DATE.
If you have taken the NTN test within the past 12 months, you can have your score reported to the City of Akron. You will be charged a transfer fee by NTN to have your score transferred to the City of Akron.
Candidates who take the NTN test without a City of Akron issued voucher and those who have their NTN scores transferred will NOT be reimbursed by the City of Akron.
This is general duty firefighting, rescue, salvage, fire prevention, and emergency medical work.
An employee in this class serves as a member of a fire/medical company responsible for acting at fires, medical, and other emergencies to protect and preserve life and property through the use of a wide variety of skilled manual, mechanical, and basic and advanced life support techniques.
Engages in regular citizen contact. Participates in required training, discussions, and demonstrations. Reads, studies, and comprehends firefighting training materials; keeps up to date on pertinent firefighting and emergency medical information. Studies and comprehends maps and diagrams. Locates, inspects, cleans, replenishes, and properly secures firefighting tools, medical supplies, and other equipment. Responds to fires and other service calls, and takes appropriate action. Drives apparatus using sirens, lights, and other warning devices according to state and local regulations governing operation of emergency vehicles. Makes forced entries into grounds and buildings. Cuts, lifts or pries open vehicles, machinery, etc. Selects, removes, carries, maneuvers, raises, and lowers ladders. Creates ventilation by opening or forcing doors, ceilings, and windows and by cutting or breaking walls, ceilings and roofs. Climbs, works from, and descends ladders carrying people or equipment. Walks, climbs or crawls through confined spaces and smoke-filled areas. Locates fire source and extinguishes fire using appropriate agent. Carries or drags hose lines and equipment to and from fire scene, around obstacles, up stairs or up ladders. Prepares hose line lays using various appliances. Calculates pump pressure and friction loss. Manipulates nozzle for application of water stream. Rescues trapped victims. Calms emotionally distressed or distraught persons and gathers relevant information. Receives and follows orders and oral instructions under conditions of stress, noise, heat, and confusion. Wears full protective clothing and equipment, including self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Performs close-up activities including securing windows and doors. Explains and demonstrates fire prevention methods and common fire hazards. Questions patients or others to determine nature and extent of medical emergency and begin emergency medical treatment and/or transport protocol. Carries patient on stair chair, backboard, or improvised stretcher up or down stairs, around turns, and through openings. Administers and records appropriate medication and dosage. Observes, records, and reports patient's condition and treatment. Uses a computer or other mobile device to complete, print, and electronically distribute records and reports. Enters medical reports into computerized systems. Recognizes indications of potential Weapons of Mass Destruction or hazardous materials incidents and implements appropriate procedures. Communicates with coworkers, supervisors, dispatchers, or other units in person or via radios or cell phone. Maintains effective working relationships with coworkers under conditions of monotony and extreme stress for prolonged periods. Typically works 24 hour shifts. Performs related duties as assigned.
Graduation from an accredited high school or G.E.D. Candidate must be within the ages of 17 years through 40 years by August 31, 2026. Candidate must meet current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) medical standards, which include vision and hearing requirements. NFPA vision standards include but are not limited to: Minimum visual acuity uncorrected - 20/100 using both eyes; corrected visual acuity with contact lenses or glasses - 20/40; binocular vision; and color perception. Possession of a valid Ohio driver's license. Candidate must have the ability to safely perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations. Candidate must meet established physical agility standards.
Ability to learn a wide variety of firefighting and paramedic duties and methods, including the inspection and operation of specialized apparatus, equipment, and tools. Ability to acquire a knowledge of the street system and physical layout of the City response areas. Ability to interpret maps and street guides. Ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights. Ability to work effectively and make effective decisions under high stress, during traumatic events and during critical incidents. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to use both computerized and manual records systems to effectively record, update, and organize information. Ability to process large amounts of written, verbal, and/or visual information in short periods of time. Mechanical aptitude, mature judgment, honesty, personal integrity and emotional stability. Ability to successfully complete accredited Firefighter I & II, EMT-Basic, and EMT-Paramedic training programs and meet all the requirements to secure certifications. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly. Ability to communicate effectively with others during both emergency and non-emergency conditions. Ability to extract important information during oral communication. Ability to prepare brief reports accurately, legibly, and concisely. Ability to maintain effective working relationships and work with others as a team. Ability to safely operate and drive emergency response vehicles. List of essential job functions available upon request.
This is a classified position.
The selection process will consist of the NTN test, a physical ability test, and an extensive background investigation including a polygraph. A passing score must be obtained on the competitive examination in order to move forward in the selection process. Applicants may be disqualified or terminated after appointment for providing false or incomplete information during any phase of the selection process. Final appointment is contingent upon the candidate passing a comprehensive medical examination and psychological evaluation after receiving a conditional job offer of employment.
Candidates who pass the written examination may be eligible for bonus credits. However, bonus credit cannot exceed a total of 20 points added to the candidate's passing written examination grade. All bonus credits awarded will be verified to be considered for bonus points. All required documents must be submitted with your application. If documents are not received timely, no bonus credit will be awarded.
RESIDENCY: Candidates who have been resident citizens within the corporate limits of the City of Akron for at least one year immediately prior to the examination and who continue to reside within the corporate limits of the City of Akron throughout the remainder of the selection process will have 15 points added to their passing written exam grade. To be considered for residency credit, you must list on your application all addresses where you have resided in the previous 13 months including the dates you resided at each address. If the City is unable to determine your residency, no credit will be awarded.
VETERANS: Candidates who have served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of America for more than one hundred eighty (180) days and submit proof of being honorably discharged from active duty will have a bonus of 5 points added to their passing grade in conformance with the Akron City Charter. Proof of honorable discharge and dates served must be submitted with the completed application.
EDUCATION: A candidate who has successfully completed a minimum of 32 semester hours or 48 quarter hours at an accredited college may be awarded education credit of up to 5 points added to their passing grade. Candidates must submit proof of college course work in the form of degrees or copies of official transcripts with their completed application.
GRADUATION FROM AN AKRON HIGH SCHOOL - Candidates who have graduated from a high school within the corporate limits of the City of Akron may be awarded additional credit of 5 points added to their passing grade. Candidates wishing to apply for this credit must submit proof in the form of a copy of an official high school transcript or diploma with their completed application.
CURRENT CITY EMPLOYMENT - Employees of the City of Akron who are on the payroll on the last day to take the NTN test (September 14, 2026) may be awarded additional credit of 5 points added to their passing grade.
CERTIFIED EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS – Candidates must submit proof of their EMT-B (basic) or their EMT-P (paramedic) certification with their completed application in order to receive bonus points. Candidates certified EMT-B by the State of Ohio or out-of-state with National Registry may have 5 points added to their passing grade. Candidates who are certified EMT-P by the State of Ohio or out-of-state with National Registry may have 15 points added to their passing grade.
DRIVER'S LICENSE: Candidates must possess a valid Ohio driver's license free of revocation or suspension. An applicant having a valid driver's license from another state will be accepted conditionally provided that, if selected, an Ohio driver's license must be obtained prior to appointment. Candidates having six or more points on their driving record at the time of certification or appointment will be disqualified from further consideration.
Candidates must meet all minimum qualifications and requirements listed in this announcement and must pass all components of the selection process to be considered for full-time appointments as probationary Firefighter/Medics. The position is subject to random drug testing.
NOTE: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR NOTIFYING THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT OF ANY CHANGES IN ADDRESS OR CONTACT INFORMATION AND CHECKING YOUR APPLICATION STATUS THROUGHOUT THE STEPS IN THE SELECTION PROCESS BY VIEWING YOUR GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM ACCOUNT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE UNABLE TO CHECK YOUR STATUS ON LINE, YOU MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT 330-375-2720.
Email correspondence generated from our system will be sent from [email protected]. To ensure you receive important communication from our office, be sure to make this address a safe sender.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the City realize its full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation. The City adheres to these policies in both our hiring and employment practices.
Applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications for the position with or without an accommodation. If you are a qualified applicant with a disability, please notify the Department of Human Resources at least one week prior to testing if requesting a reasonable accommodation for the testing process.
The City of Akron is committed to protecting the safety, health and well-being of all employees in our workplace and providing the community with the highest quality municipal services possible. Alcohol, marijuana, and drug abuse in the workplace pose a significant threat to these goals. In furtherance of its goal to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace, the City conducts pre-employment drug screening for illegal drugs, marijuana, and the illegal, unauthorized use, or intentional misuse of prescription drugs. Any candidate who tests positive for marijuana or the illegal use of drugs will not be hired.
