Fire Department · Career
Jersey City Fire Department
Jersey City, NJ · Hudson County
largest municipal fire department in New Jersey
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Jersey City Fire Department (JCFD) traces organized fire protection in the city back to 1829, with the professional department forming in 1871 after volunteer companies from Jersey City, Hudson City, and the City of Bergen consolidated. Today it is the largest of New Jersey's 600-plus municipal fire departments and is at its greatest strength in over 25 years.
The department staffs about 680 uniformed firefighters alongside roughly 50 civilian personnel, running 28 companies each day from stations across the city. Its fleet of 28 front-line apparatus includes pumpers, ladder trucks, rescue trucks, a HAZMAT unit, and a mask service unit.
JCFD covers a busy, vertical urban environment that includes 142 high-rise buildings, answering close to 20,000-24,000 calls for service a year. Every apparatus is minimally staffed with an officer and three firefighters, and all personnel carry first responder training with defibrillator-equipped vehicles.
Beyond suppression, the department runs community safety programs including free home fire-protection inspections, smoke detector installation, and Child Finder and Pet Finder sticker distribution.
Hiring for the Jersey City Fire Department is administered through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Prospective firefighters apply online via the state civil service portal, where the current job specifications and applicant exceptions are posted.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens, Jersey City residents, generally between 18 and 35 years old, and hold a high school diploma or G.E.D. and a valid New Jersey driver's license. After passing a background investigation and being appointed, new hires complete the state-mandated firefighter training program.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship
- Jersey City residency
- Age 18 to 35 (exceptions available per state guidelines)
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Valid New Jersey driver's license
- Must pass a background investigation
Hiring process
- Apply online through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission
- Meet civil service eligibility requirements and job specifications
- Pass a background investigation
- Receive appointment
- Complete the state-mandated firefighter training program
After appointment, new firefighters must successfully complete the state-mandated training program.
What are the basic requirements to become a Jersey City firefighter?
You must be a U.S. citizen and a Jersey City resident, generally between 18 and 35 years old, with a high school diploma or G.E.D. and a valid New Jersey driver's license. You must also pass a background investigation.
How do I apply?
Applications are handled through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. You apply online via the state civil service portal, where the firefighter job specifications are posted.
Do I have to live in Jersey City to apply?
Yes. The department requires applicants to be Jersey City residents.
Is there an age limit?
The stated age range is 18 to 35, though exceptions may be available under state civil service guidelines. Check the state job specifications for details.
What training do new hires go through?
After appointment, new firefighters must successfully complete the state-mandated firefighter training program.
What kind of work does the department do?
JCFD is a busy urban department covering 142 high-rise buildings and answering roughly 20,000 to 24,000 calls a year. Companies run pumpers, ladders, rescue trucks, and a HAZMAT unit, and all personnel receive first responder training with defibrillator-equipped apparatus.