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.
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A copy of your current National Registry (NR); OR
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A copy of your current State of Georgia EMT Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Cards; OR
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An Official transcript* for any Associate's degree or higher from an accredited college; OR
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An Official copy* of qualifying entrance exam scores as described in the attached instructions.
- 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 [email protected] 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 --
A copy of your current National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) certifications for Firefighter I and Firefighter II; AND
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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.
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.
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:
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NPQ Firefighter I
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NPQ Firefighter II
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NPQ Hazardous Materials- Awareness and Operations
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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.
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MMR
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TB test
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Hep B
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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.
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MMR
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TB test
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Hep B
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Tdap (within last 5 years)
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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Fire Department as they pertain to the performance of duties for the position of Firefighter.
Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
Knowledge of fire-fighting techniques, fire-fighting apparatus and equipment, hydraulics, local, state and federal fire codes, NFPA guidelines, local geography, streets and buildings, hazardous materials, emergency medical care, building construction, and basic mechanical procedures as required in the performance of duties.
Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, emergency medical procedures, patient assessment, and treatment protocols for medical and trauma emergencies.
Skill in the use of firefighting, rescue, and medical equipment provided by the department to fulfill Firefighter job duties.
Skill in the application of tactical procedures associated with firefighting including but not limited to:
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Fire extinguishment
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Fire confinement/containment
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Ventilation
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Exposure protection
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Salvage
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Overhaul
Skill in the application of tactical procedures associate with rescue including but not limited to:
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Interior search and rescue
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Vehicle extrication and rescue
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Basic rope operations and knots
Skill in the application of procedures associated with emergency medical care including but not limited to:
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Patient assessment
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Treatment of medical emergencies
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Treatment of trauma emergencies
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Patient care reporting to medical professionals
Ability to perform strenuous tasks in hazardous conditions.
Ability to respond quickly and logically to emergency and/or stressful situations.
Ability to foster a team environment by supporting cohesive work relationships and providing effective conflict resolution.
Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports, and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, other staff members and customers..
Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.
Ability to plan, organize, and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert over one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to fifty pounds force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for very heavy work. Must be able to endure high heat conditions and sub-freezing temperatures. Must be able to work in tight and closed spaces for extended periods of time. Must be able to work in situations of low visibility.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving / receiving assignments and/or directions to co-workers / from supervisors.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of firefighting techniques, fire-fighting apparatus and equipment manuals, local, state and federal fire codes, NFPA guidelines, maps of streets, hazardous materials manual, pre-fire plans, water supply layouts, architectural drawings, IFSTA handbooks, first aid manuals and other informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare vehicle maintenance reports, training reports, workstation schedules, rescue reports, fire loss reports, incident reports, tour reports, water usage reports, gas reports and pre-fire plans using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgments in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including fire, radio signal, medical, electrical and mechanics terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; interpret graphs; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots, and polynomials; and perform algebraic operations.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with fire, mechanics, electrical and medical equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using fire, mechanical, electrical and medical equipment. Requires the ability to lift, push, bend and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates. Requires skilled movements coordinating eyes, hands and fingers accurately and making precise movements with speed.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as firefighting apparatus and equipment such as: pumper, ladder truck, snorkel, power tools, ladders, positive pressure blower fan, electrical power generator, pick-head axe, K-12 saw, spanner wrench, AED, oxygen delivery devices, airway devices, stretcher, medical supplies, and other firefighting, medical, mechanics, and electrical equipment. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR/VISUAL DISCRIMINATION: Position requires binocular vision with good depth perception and peripheral vision, motion detection, high acuity, and light adaptation, as well as the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency including those related to fire, medical situations or other type of emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio.
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or [email protected].
