Fire Department · Career
Evansville Fire Department
Evansville, IN · Vanderburgh County
“Your future starts here.”
Indiana's third-largest city
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Evansville Fire Department (EFD) serves the City of Evansville in southwestern Indiana's Vanderburgh County, protecting a population of 116,253 across 44.6 square miles. As Indiana's third-largest city, Evansville anchors a busy river-city region, and EFD provides fire protection, emergency medical response, and a full slate of fire-related services within the city limits.
The department is composed of 273 sworn firefighters, with 250 assigned to the Suppression Division: 6 Battalion Chiefs, 51 Captains, 38 Lieutenants, and 155 firefighters. Crews work one of three 24-hour shifts (A, B, and C), staffing 14 fire stations and 2 district chief offices with roughly 83 personnel on duty each shift. All first-line apparatus run a minimum of four firefighters.
EFD's fleet includes 11 engines, 3 quints, 2 aerial ladder trucks, a rescue squad, and 6 chief vehicles, backed by a reserve fleet and specialized rigs for water rescue, HazMat, and confined-space operations. Special Operations coordinates Hazardous Materials, Dive, Rope, Confined Space, and Technical Rescue teams; Station #3 serves as the Water Rescue and Dive station, while Stations #1 and #10 anchor HazMat response.
As of July 1, 2026, EFD assumed emergency medical services for the city. Its new EMS Division fields 16 Basic Life Support and 9 Advanced Life Support units staffed by 44 full-time providers (22 paramedics and 22 EMTs) plus part-time support, deployed citywide around the clock.
MissionTo protect and serve our community by providing professional and compassionate emergency response, fire prevention, and public safety education, with a commitment to excellence, integrity, and community partnership.
EFD hires entry-level firefighters from an eligibility list built through a testing process held every two years on odd years (e.g., 2025, 2027). Each list stays in effect for two years, and the department offers employment from it as vacancies occur. No prior experience is required; new hires complete a minimum 16-week fire and EMS academy before being assigned to a shift.
The examination process includes written test(s), an oral interview, the IAFF-licensed Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), and a 75-foot aerial ladder climb. Employment is contingent on a background check and drug screen. Applications are currently closed; the next cycle opens in 2027. Direct questions to EFDemployment@evansvillefiredepartment.com or the department administration at 812-435-6235.
Requirements
- U.S. Citizen
- High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
- 21 to 40 years of age (must be 21 when eligibility takes effect; eligibility ends on the applicant's 40th birthday)
- Valid driver's license
- Not convicted of a felony that has not been expunged or sealed
- No offensive, inappropriate, or unprofessional body art (per EFD Policy 222.4)
- Military discharge not categorized as 'Other Than Honorable', 'Bad Conduct', or 'Dishonorable' (if applicable)
- Qualified to perform the essential functions in the Firefighter Job Description
- Meet all statutory requirements and any Merit Commission requirements for appointment
Hiring process
- Submit application to test for the eligibility list (accepted every two years on odd years)
- Written test(s)
- Oral interview
- CPAT - Candidate Physical Ability Test (IAFF-developed)
- 75-foot aerial ladder climb (acrophobia assessment)
- Additional Fire Merit Commission assessments as adopted
- Background check and drug screen
- Placement on ranked eligibility list; employment offered as vacancies occur
Benefits
Health, vision, dental, and life insurance; State Pension Plan and deferred compensation retirement plans; and advancement opportunities within the department.
New hires complete a minimum of 16 weeks of initial fire and EMS training before shift assignment; Firefighter I and II certification and EMT certification are minimum qualifications, with at least 20 hours of ongoing monthly training thereafter.
How do I apply to become an Evansville firefighter?
Applications to test for the eligibility list are accepted every two years on odd years (e.g., 2025, 2027). Applications are currently closed; check back in 2027. Email questions to EFDemployment@evansvillefiredepartment.com.
What are the basic requirements?
You must be a U.S. citizen with a high school diploma or equivalent, hold a valid driver's license, be 21 to 40 years of age, and have no unexpunged felony conviction. No prior firefighting experience is required.
What does the hiring process involve?
The examination includes written test(s), an oral interview, the IAFF-licensed CPAT, and a 75-foot aerial ladder climb, followed by a background check and drug screen. Ranked applicants are placed on a two-year eligibility list and hired as vacancies occur.
What is the pay?
For 2026, a first-year probationary firefighter earns $67,132, rising to $70,132 in the second year and $75,066 at five years.
What is the schedule?
Suppression firefighters work 24-hour shifts (0700 to 0700) on one of three rotating shifts, A, B, or C.
Is there an academy for new hires?
Yes. All firefighters complete a minimum of 16 weeks of initial fire and EMS training before being assigned to a shift, and must maintain Firefighter I/II and EMT certifications plus ongoing monthly training.