Fire Department · Career
Chatham County Fire Department
Savannah, GA · Chatham County
“To Protect and Save”
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Chatham County Fire Department is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Chatham County Fire Department protects approximately 196 square miles of unincorporated Chatham County, Georgia, from headquarters at 1249 Eisenhower Drive in Savannah. The department operates 14 fire stations staffed around the clock on three shifts.
The agency traces its roots to Southside Communities Fire Protection Inc., organized on August 28, 1961, which over the decades absorbed several volunteer departments and later became Chatham Emergency Services. On July 1, 2024, fire operations transitioned to county government as the Chatham County Fire Department, which launched with 152 members.
Beyond fire and emergency medical services, the department is notable for its behavioral health focus, including a Behavioral Health Unit and a deputy chief recognized with a Mental Health Innovation Award. It also runs community programs such as youth fire camps and a Company Officer Academy.
MissionEnsure community safety by reducing fire risks through education and inspections, providing rapid and effective emergency response, and expanding behavioral healthcare services
The department hires on a continuous basis, directing candidates to apply online through the county jobs portal at jobs.chathamcounty.org and to complete an interest form. Baseline requirements are minimal (18 years old, high school diploma or equivalent, valid driver's license, U.S. citizenship), with the department running its own physical agility test rather than accepting outside testing cards.
The process moves from online application through a physical agility test and oral board, an NFPA 1582/1583 medical and fitness evaluation, a conditional offer, orientation, and placement into either the Recruit Academy or a Fast Track session. A thorough national background investigation follows Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council rules.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old at time of application
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid state driver's license
- U.S. citizen
- Meet all certification and licensing requirements for the position
- Pass the department's own physical agility test (outside testing cards not accepted)
- Pass an extensive national background investigation per Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council rules
Hiring process
- Submit online application and required documentation
- Physical Agility Test and Oral Board interview
- NFPA 1582/1583 medical evaluation and fitness assessment
- Conditional offer of employment
- First day and orientation
- Assignment to Recruit Academy or Fast Track session
Benefits
The department advertises competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package, and a team-oriented environment. Specific figures were not stated on the site.
New hires are placed into either the Recruit Academy or a Fast Track session depending on prior certification.
What are the basic requirements to apply?
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application, have a high school diploma or equivalent, hold a valid driver's license, and be a U.S. citizen, while meeting all certification and licensing requirements for the position.
How do I apply and is the department currently hiring?
The department accepts applications on a continuous basis. Apply online through the county jobs portal at jobs.chathamcounty.org and complete the interest form on the careers page.
What does the hiring process involve?
After the online application, candidates complete a physical agility test and oral board interview, an NFPA 1582/1583 medical and fitness evaluation, a conditional offer, orientation, and assignment to the Recruit Academy or a Fast Track session, plus a national background investigation.
Do you accept an outside physical agility test card?
No. The department conducts its own physical agility test of six events commonly performed in the fire service, and outside testing cards are not accepted.
What is the work schedule?
The department staffs 14 stations around the clock using a rotating 24/48 schedule (24 hours on duty followed by 48 hours off) across three shifts.
What specialty roles are available?
Opportunities include HazMat, technical and water rescue, marine response, wildland firefighting, community paramedic, all-hazards incident management, SWAT/EOD medic, honor guard, and youth or citizen academy programs.