Fire Department · Career
Tucson Fire Department
Tucson, AZ · Pima County
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Department careers page ↗Tucson Fire Department (TFD) protects Arizona's second-largest city, staffing 22 fire stations plus a Regional Public Safety Training Academy. It is organized into three bureaus: Operations, Business Services and Community Risk Reduction, and Administrative and Personnel Services.
Beyond structure fire and emergency medical services, TFD runs specialty units including a Technical Rescue Team that covers the City of Tucson and surrounding areas, along with wildland and hazardous-materials response capabilities.
The department operates its own ambulance transport program and emphasizes community risk reduction as a core function alongside emergency operations.
Mission"The goal of the Tucson Fire Department (TFD) is to minimize the loss of life and property from the effects of fire, medical, or other emergencies, and to render assistance as required."
Every prospective firefighter must first go through the City of Tucson Civil Service testing process, which typically includes a written examination, an oral board panel interview, the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), and a final hiring interview. Applications are submitted through the department's recruiting portal at tucsonfirejobs.tucsonaz.gov.
Selected recruits complete TFD's Recruit Training Program at the Regional Public Safety Training Academy, are promoted to firefighter upon graduation, and then finish the balance of an 18-month probationary period assigned to engine and ladder companies, with periodic written, practical, and oral board evaluations.
Requirements
- Must complete the City of Tucson Civil Service testing process
- Must pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Must complete the Recruit Training Program and an 18-month probationary period
Hiring process
- Written examination
- Oral board panel interview
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Final hiring interview
Benefits
Benefits include 11 paid holidays, 13 days of paid sick leave and 13 days of paid vacation per year, a $250 uniform allowance (turnouts provided at no cost), and up to $5,200 per year in tuition assistance. Commissioned fire employees participate in Arizona's Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) and may supplement retirement through a 457(b) deferred compensation plan or the IAFF/Nationwide deferred compensation plan.
Recruits train through TFD's Recruit Training Program at the Regional Public Safety Training Academy, are promoted to firefighter on graduation, and complete an 18-month probationary period on engine and ladder companies.
How do I apply to become a Tucson firefighter?
Apply through the department's recruiting portal at tucsonfirejobs.tucsonaz.gov. All candidates must first complete the City of Tucson Civil Service testing process.
What does the hiring/testing process involve?
The Civil Service process typically includes a written examination, an oral board panel interview, the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), and a final hiring interview.
How much do Tucson firefighter recruits earn?
Recruits earn $20.83 per hour during the academy, and pay increases to $50,983.20 annually upon completing the academy.
What benefits does TFD offer?
Benefits include 11 paid holidays, 13 sick days and 13 vacation days per year, a $250 uniform allowance with turnouts provided free, up to $5,200/year tuition assistance, and PSPRS pension plus optional 457(b) and IAFF deferred compensation plans.
What happens after I'm hired?
Recruits complete TFD's Recruit Training Program at the Regional Public Safety Training Academy, are promoted to firefighter on graduation, then finish an 18-month probationary period on engine and ladder companies with periodic evaluations.