Fire Department · Career
Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services
Marietta, GA · Cobb County
Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services offers $18-$28 hourly for a Public Service Technician III role with customer service duties. Apply by July 8, 2026, and complete skills testing by July 7, 2026.
Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services offers $25-$32 hourly for a Truck Equipment Technician III with continuous hiring. Requires HS diploma/GED and 4 years as an auto technician.
Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services protects the residents and visitors of Cobb County, Georgia, part of the metro Atlanta region. The department delivers fire suppression, technical rescue, and emergency medical services alongside a strong emphasis on prevention, planning, and public education.
The department runs Safety Village programs, a Fire Marshal's Office handling inspections and plan reviews, and community risk-reduction education throughout the county. Its EMS program includes advanced life-saving trauma treatment such as field blood transfusion capability.
As a CPSE-accredited agency, the department is led by Fire Chief Dr. Michael Cunningham and operates from its administrative headquarters in Marietta.
MissionWe exist to provide superior fire, rescue, and emergency services to the citizens and visitors of Cobb County in a proficient, professional, and compassionate manner.
Cobb County hires both entry-level and lateral firefighters through a formal, multi-step process, with applications posted through the county's GovernmentJobs portal and a dedicated recruiting site at joincobbfire.com. Entry-level candidates must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license, and must earn NPQ Firefighter I and EMT certifications within their first 12 months.
The selection process is thorough and includes a Physical Agility Test (PAT), and may involve a written exam, polygraph, psychological evaluation, oral interview, medical exam, and drug screening. The background process alone averages about three months. Lateral applicants with at least two years of full-time certified experience and active Georgia credentials are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
- Minimum age 18
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- Entry-level: obtain NPQ Firefighter I and EMT certification within 12 months of hire
- Lateral: minimum 2 years consecutive full-time certified firefighter/EMT service (break in service no more than 1 year)
- Lateral: active Firefighter I and Georgia state EMS credentials (EMT-I, AEMT, or Paramedic)
Hiring process
- Submit application through the county GovernmentJobs portal
- Physical Agility Test (PAT)
- Written examination
- Oral interview
- Polygraph examination
- Psychological evaluation
- Medical examination and drug screening
- Background investigation (averages approximately three months)
Benefits
Health and dental coverage, retirement plan with access to the Georgia state firefighter pension fund, life and disability insurance. Paid time off starts at 13 vacation days per year (rising to 25 days at 20+ years of service), 12 paid holidays, and 6 weeks of paid parental leave. Education incentives up to $3,000 (Master's degree) plus paramedic and specialty-unit pay.
Department operates a recruit school; new entry-level hires must obtain NPQ Firefighter I and EMT certification within 12 months.
What are the basic requirements to become a Cobb County firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and hold a valid driver's license. Entry-level hires must obtain NPQ Firefighter I and EMT certification within 12 months of hire.
Does Cobb County accept lateral firefighters?
Yes. Lateral applicants need at least 2 years of consecutive full-time certified firefighter/EMT service with no more than a 1-year break, and must hold active Firefighter I and Georgia state EMS credentials (EMT-I, AEMT, or Paramedic).
What does the firefighter position pay?
The posted hourly range is $26.48 to $40.60, with a starting salary of $25.96/hour. Education incentives up to $3,000 and paramedic/specialty-unit pay are also available.
What does the hiring process involve?
Candidates complete a Physical Agility Test (PAT) and may go through a written exam, oral interview, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and a medical exam with drug screening. The background process alone averages about three months.
How do I apply?
Applications are posted through Cobb County's GovernmentJobs careers portal, linked from the recruiting site at joincobbfire.com. You can reach recruiting at (470) 756-5001.