Fire Department · Career
Golder Ranch Fire District
Tucson, AZ · Pima County
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Department careers page ↗Golder Ranch Fire District began in November 1977 as an all-volunteer department serving Catalina, Arizona out of a single station. Through a series of mergers with the Catalina and Oracle Junction Fire Districts (1996) and Mountain Vista Fire District (2017), and a full transition to a career workforce completed by 2001, it grew into one of the larger fire districts in the greater Tucson metro area, formally dropping "volunteer" from its name in 2013.
Today the district covers 238 square miles across Oro Valley, Catalina, SaddleBrooke, SaddleBrooke Ranch, and unincorporated parts of northern Pima and southern Pinal counties, running 10 fire stations and more than 300 employees. It holds a Certificate of Necessity for ambulance transport (CON #56) and is accredited by both the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). The district maintains automatic aid agreements with neighboring Northwest Fire District and the City of Tucson Fire Department.
Golder Ranch is governed by an elected Governing Board and organized under a Fire Chief with three Assistant Chiefs overseeing EMS/fire response, community risk reduction, and support services. Its stated mission centers on providing community stability through compassionate service, guided by core P.R.I.D.E. values of professionalism, respect, integrity, dependability, and excellence.
MissionTo provide community stability through compassionate service.
Golder Ranch continuously accepts applications through its careers portal, which is updated regularly. Applicants need no prior fire certifications or EMT credentials to apply, though Fire I/II and EMT/paramedic certifications are preferred.
Requirements
- Age 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid Arizona driver's license with an acceptable driving record
- No fire certifications or EMT required to apply (preferred: Fire I/II, NREMT or Arizona EMT/Paramedic certification, AHA Basic Life Support)
Hiring process
- Application screening
- Online behavioral and cognitive skills exam
- Three-question video interview submitted online
- Credibility assessment
- In-person or Zoom interviews
- Pre-employment screenings: background check, physical exam, psychological evaluation, drug screening, and reference checks
Benefits
Health, eye, and dental insurance; paid time off; education reimbursement; employee awards and recognition; mental health support; career mentorship; paid training and conference attendance; and team-building activities.
New hires are paid during academy training, which covers fire and EMS skills; recruits earn EMT and Firefighter I or II certification during the academy.
Do I need to be certified as a firefighter or EMT to apply to Golder Ranch Fire District?
No. The district requires only that applicants be 18 or older, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid Arizona driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Fire I/II and EMT/paramedic certifications are preferred but not required to apply.
What schedule do Golder Ranch firefighters work?
Firefighters work 24-hour rotating shifts on a 3-4 schedule: 24 hours on, 24 hours off, followed by three consecutive 24-hour shifts and then four days off.
Is the academy paid?
Yes. Recruits are paid during academy training, where they train in fire and EMS skills and earn their EMT and Firefighter I or II certifications.
Is Golder Ranch Fire District currently hiring?
The district accepts applications on a continuous basis through its careers portal, which it says is updated regularly, so applicants are encouraged to keep checking back.
What area does Golder Ranch Fire District cover?
The district covers 238 square miles serving Oro Valley, Catalina, SaddleBrooke, SaddleBrooke Ranch, and parts of unincorporated northern Pima and southern Pinal counties, operating out of 10 fire stations.