Fire Department · Career
Gwinnett County Department Of Fire & Emergency Services
Lawrenceville, GA · Gwinnett County
Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services protects one of the most populous counties in Georgia, serving well over one million residents from 31 strategically located fire stations. With 1,056 authorized personnel and an operating budget near $192 million, it is one of the larger fire agencies in the metro-Atlanta region.
The department is a full-service, all-hazards agency. Every response vehicle is staffed with EMTs and paramedics equipped for advanced life support, and the fleet includes 31 engine companies, 12 ladder trucks, 34 ambulances, and 4 rescue units. Annual call volume exceeds 107,000 requests for aid.
Beyond fire and EMS, the department fields specialized teams for technical rescue, hazardous materials, swift water rescue, and mass casualty response, along with a bike medic team, Honor Guard, and Critical Incident Stress Management team.
Gwinnett County F&ES has held Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International since 2017 (reaccredited 2022) and carries a strong ISO Public Protection Classification of 2/2X.
MissionSaving lives and protecting property
Gwinnett County hires firefighters through a two-phase process managed on the county careers portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/gwinnett. Candidates typically enter as a Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee, while already-certified paramedics can pursue the Firemedic track. Phase I is the online application with required documents; approved applicants advance through an oral interview to a conditional job offer, then Phase II background checks and assessments before a final offer.
The department offers lateral transfer incentives for both in-state and out-of-state transfers, specialized unit incentive pay, tuition reimbursement, and additional benefits for military candidates. Application periods open and close for specific roles, so candidates should watch the careers portal for the current posting.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Valid driver's license (GA Class C or equivalent)
- Social Security card
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization papers)
- High school diploma/transcripts or GED certificate/transcripts
- One of: current National Registry certification, Georgia EMT-Basic or Advanced license, or an associate degree or higher (otherwise qualifying SAT/ACT/COMPASS/Next-Generation ACCUPLACER scores from the past 5 years)
Hiring process
- Phase I: Submit online application with required documents
- Oral interview with department members (if application approved)
- Conditional job offer
- Phase II: Background check and assessments
- Final job offer
Benefits
- Lateral transfer incentives for in-state and out-of-state transfers
- Specialized unit incentive pay
- Retirement benefits program
- Tuition reimbursement and leadership development programs
- Additional benefits for military candidates
New hires complete training through the department's Fire Academy; the Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee role is the primary entry path.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Gwinnett County firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid Georgia Class C (or equivalent) driver's license, provide a Social Security card and proof of U.S. citizenship, and have a high school diploma or GED. You must also have one of the following: current National Registry certification, a Georgia EMT-Basic or Advanced license, or an associate degree or higher (or qualifying standardized test scores from the past five years).
What does the hiring process look like?
It runs in two phases. Phase I is an online application with required documents; approved applicants move to an oral interview with department members, then a conditional job offer. Phase II covers background checks and assessments, followed by a final job offer.
Does Gwinnett County accept lateral transfers?
Yes. The department offers lateral transfer incentives for both in-state and out-of-state transfers, and already-certified paramedics can apply for the Firemedic track.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the county careers portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/gwinnett. Postings open and close by role, so check the portal for the current Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee or Firemedic openings.
Do I need to be a paramedic to be hired?
Not for the entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee path, though EMT/paramedic credentials help satisfy the qualification requirement. The separate Firemedic role does require current paramedic certification. Every Gwinnett response vehicle is staffed with EMTs and paramedics for advanced life support.
Past postings, kept for reference. These are no longer accepting applications.