Fire Department · Career
City of Yuma Fire Department
Yuma, AZ · Yuma County
The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) is a career, full-service, all-hazards department serving the City of Yuma in the far southwest corner of Arizona. It provides structural fire suppression, emergency medical response with ambulance transport, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and fire prevention and public-education services.
The department staffs five stations with about 91 career personnel. It carries a strong ISO Public Protection Classification (Class 2, from a 2017 audit), reflecting a well-resourced suppression and response system for a desert border community.
YFD frames its culture around four values it abbreviates as PAIR: Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness, emphasizing team-oriented, adaptable, and dependable members dedicated to serving the community.
Yuma hires most firefighters at the entry level as Fire Fighter Recruits, requiring only a high-school diploma or GED and age 18 (with a valid Arizona driver's license by hire). Recruits are paid through a roughly 22-week paramilitary academy that certifies them to Firefighter I and II, Arizona EMT (or Paramedic), and Hazmat First Responder Operations, then promote to Fire Fighter/EMT. The full process typically runs about five to six months from application to academy start.
Selection includes a written exam, CPAT physical ability test (with prep sessions offered), panel interviews, chiefs' interviews, and a medical exam. The department recruits in cohorts announced on the City's GovernmentJobs portal; prospective candidates can also submit job-interest cards and call to arrange a ride-along.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Valid Arizona State driver's license required at hire
- Must meet Fire Department medical and physical ability standards
- Pass written and oral/skills testing, CPAT physical ability test, and medical examination
- Fire Fighter/EMT applicants must hold Fire Fighter I and II (NFPA 1001) certification
Hiring process
- Submit application via the City's GovernmentJobs portal
- Written exam
- CPAT physical ability testing (preparation sessions offered)
- Panel interviews
- Chiefs' interviews
- Medical examination
- Hire and begin academy
Benefits
Arizona State Retirement System (shared employer/employee contribution); medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance with accidental-death rider; 12 paid holidays; sick and general leave; up to 4 weeks paid parental leave; short- and long-term disability; employee assistance program; flexible spending account; and tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 per year.
Approximately 22-week paid paramilitary academy certifying recruits to Firefighter I and II, Arizona EMT/Paramedic, and Hazmat First Responder Operations.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Yuma firefighter?
For the entry-level Fire Fighter Recruit, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and hold a valid Arizona driver's license by your hire date. You must also pass written and physical testing and a medical exam. No prior fire certification is required at the recruit level.
How much do Yuma firefighters earn?
Fire Fighter Recruits start at about $49,748 per year (roughly $23.92/hour). After completing the academy, firefighters promote to Fire Fighter/EMT at about $57,134 per year.
Do I need to be certified before applying?
No. The department hires Fire Fighter Recruits with only a high school diploma or GED and puts them through a roughly 22-week paid academy that certifies them to Firefighter I and II, Arizona EMT (or Paramedic), and Hazmat First Responder Operations. Certified candidates may apply for Fire Fighter/EMT roles requiring NFPA 1001 Firefighter II.
What does the hiring process involve and how long does it take?
The process includes a written exam, CPAT physical ability test (with prep sessions offered), panel interviews, chiefs' interviews, and a medical exam. It typically takes about five to six months from application to the start of the academy.
What schedule do Yuma firefighters work?
After the academy, firefighters work a 56-hour work week (about 2,912 hours annually). Recruits during the academy work an 80-hour biweekly (40-hour week) schedule.
How do I find out when Yuma is hiring?
Firefighter openings are posted on the City of Yuma's GovernmentJobs careers portal, where you can also submit a job-interest card to be notified. You can call the department at (928) 373-4850 to arrange a ride-along and learn about the job.