Fire Department · Career
City Of Sparks Fire Department
Sparks, NV · Washoe County
Fleet includes Type 1 structure engines, an aerial ladder truck, two quints, wildland brush trucks, a water tender, hazmat truck and trailer, a technical rescue unit, water rescue boats, and two ambulances, run out of six stations.
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when City Of Sparks Fire Department is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Founded in May 1905 when Fred W. Steiner recruited volunteers through a newspaper notice, the Sparks Fire Department has grown from a bucket brigade into a full-service, all-risk fire department serving the City of Sparks. William R. Shaber became the department's first paid chief in 1917 and ordered its first mechanical fire engine that same year; the department's headquarters station at 1605 Victorian Avenue opened in 1982, and its sixth and newest station rounds out coverage of the city's 37 square miles today.
Today the department runs a fleet built around Rosenbauer and American LaFrance Type 1 structure engines, an aerial ladder truck, two quints, wildland brush trucks, a hazmat truck and trailer, a technical rescue unit, water rescue boats, and two Braun Northstar ambulances, reflecting a department that trains across fire suppression, EMS, hazmat, wildland, and water rescue disciplines for the more than 111,000 residents and visitors who rely on it.
MissionThe Sparks Fire Department will strive to provide the highest level of fire prevention, fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical care, and related services to the citizens, businesses, and visitors of the City of Sparks, through continuous improvement, professional development, and dedication to the community.
Hiring begins with a review of minimum eligibility requirements, followed by application submission, a written examination, an interview, background investigation and polygraph, psychological evaluation, and a medical exam with drug and alcohol screening. Candidates who receive an offer attend the Fire Academy before serving a one-year probationary period.
Hiring process
- Minimum eligibility requirements review
- Application submission
- Written examination
- Interview
- Background investigation & polygraph examination
- Psychological evaluation
- Medical examination / drug & alcohol screening
- Offer of employment
- Fire Academy
- One-year probationary period
Benefits
Competitive wages plus city-funded medical, dental, prescription, vision, and life insurance for employees and families; Nevada PERS retirement (city-paid); tuition reimbursement; special assignment, longevity, and bilingual pay differentials; deferred compensation plans; promotional advancement opportunities; no Nevada state income tax; and IAFF Local 1265 union membership.
New hires who receive an offer of employment attend the Fire Academy, followed by a one-year probationary period.
How do I become a firefighter with the Sparks Fire Department?
Candidates go through minimum eligibility review, an application, a written exam, an interview, background investigation and polygraph, psychological evaluation, and a medical exam, then receive an offer of employment and attend the Fire Academy before completing a one-year probationary period.
What benefits does the Sparks Fire Department offer new hires?
Benefits include competitive wages, city-funded medical/dental/vision/life insurance for employees and family, Nevada PERS retirement, tuition reimbursement, pay differentials for special assignments, longevity, and bilingual skills, and no Nevada state income tax.
How many fire stations does the Sparks Fire Department operate and how large is its service area?
The department runs six fire stations covering 37 square miles and serves more than 111,000 residents of the City of Sparks.
What union represents Sparks firefighters?
Sparks firefighters are represented by IAFF Local 1265.