Fire Department · Career
Tuscaloosa Fire And Rescue Service
Tuscaloosa, AL · Tuscaloosa County
Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue (TFR) protects a metropolitan area in West Alabama, serving more than 99,000 city residents plus roughly 8,400 University of Alabama students living on campus. As the fire and emergency service for one of the state's major cities, it runs a full-service operation spanning emergency response, EMS, and community risk reduction.
The department is organized into divisions that go well beyond the fire line, including Emergency Medical Services, Communications, Logistics, and Administration. That breadth gives firefighters room to specialize and build long careers in different corners of the organization.
TFR places heavy emphasis on technical response, fielding hazardous materials, dive, swiftwater, and collapse-rescue capabilities alongside its EMS and SRT medic programs.
MissionTuscaloosa Fire Rescue is making Tuscaloosa a safer community through the highest quality of emergency response, risk reduction and fiscal responsibility.
Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue accepts firefighter applications continuously through the City of Tuscaloosa's governmentjobs.com portal. Every applicant must submit a certificate showing successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within the prior 12 months, then pass a written examination (minimum 70% to advance).
After the written exam, candidates go through a background investigation, a department interview, and placement on the Roster of Eligibles. A conditional offer includes a physical exam, drug screening, and polygraph before the final offer. New hires must obtain Alabama Firefighter certification and National Registry EMT (Basic) certification.
Requirements
- United States citizen
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate
- Valid state driver's license
- No felony convictions or offenses involving dishonesty or false statements
- Certificate of successful CPAT completion within the prior 12 months (required even for those already holding Alabama Firefighter I/II certification)
- Must obtain Alabama Fire College Firefighter certification and National Registry EMT (Basic) certification
Hiring process
- Submit application with required documentation
- Written examination (minimum passing score 70%)
- Background investigation
- Fire Rescue Department interview
- Placement on the Roster of Eligibles
- Conditional offer of employment: physical exam, drug screening, and polygraph
- Final offer of employment upon successful completion
Benefits
Benefits include medical insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, EMT-Advanced and Paramedic incentive pay, ongoing training and continuing education, and enrollment in the Police & Fire Pension.
New hires must complete Alabama Fire College Firefighter certification (through the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission) and obtain National Registry EMT (Basic) certification.
What are the basic requirements to become a Tuscaloosa firefighter?
You must be a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or G.E.D. and a valid state driver's license, and have no felony convictions or offenses involving dishonesty or false statements.
Do I need to complete the CPAT before applying?
Yes. Applicants must submit a certificate documenting successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within the 12 months prior to the written exam. This applies even to candidates who already hold Alabama Firefighter I/II certification.
How and when can I apply?
Applications are accepted continuously through the City of Tuscaloosa's governmentjobs.com portal.
What is the hiring process?
After applying, candidates take a written exam (70% minimum to pass), then complete a background investigation and a department interview before being placed on the Roster of Eligibles. A conditional offer adds a physical exam, drug screening, and polygraph, followed by a final offer.
What certifications will I need?
Successful candidates must obtain Firefighter certification through the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission and National Registry EMT (Basic) certification.
Are lateral transfers considered?
Yes, lateral transfers have been considered. Contact the Training Division at (205) 248-5420 or firetraining@tuscaloosa.com for current details.