Fire Department · Career
Newark Fire Division
Newark, NJ · Essex County
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Newark Fire Division is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗The Newark Fire Division (NFD) is part of the City of Newark's consolidated Department of Public Safety, which was unified in 2015 under Mayor Ras J. Baraka to make police and fire operations more efficient. It is led by Fire Chief Del Ortiz, a lifelong Newarker, under Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr.
Operationally, NFD fields 16 Engine Companies, 8 Ladder Companies, and 2 Rescue Companies across 16 fire stations organized into 4 battalions. Roughly 650 firefighters staff the division, which answers more than 16,720 calls a year.
The division carries a deep bench of specialized capabilities: hazardous-materials response with decontamination and mobile lab units, urban search and rescue, high-angle rope and confined-space rescue, a 24/7 Arson Squad, a Marine Division with two fire boats, and a role in New Jersey Task Force One, the state's federal US&R team.
Beyond emergency response, NFD runs a Fire Prevention Bureau enforcing the New Jersey Uniform Code, plus Community Relations and Special Services divisions serving Newark, the state's most populous city.
MissionTo protect the lives and property of the citizens and visitors of the City of Newark during all emergencies and disasters, whether natural or man-made.
All firefighter applications for the Newark Fire Division must go through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission, not the city directly. Candidates take the state's written firefighter entrance exam, with testing scheduled and administered through the NJ Civil Service Commission.
To stay in the loop, prospective firefighters complete NFD's interest questionnaire to receive updates and watch their email for test-scheduling links. Recruitment questions can be sent to candidate@ci.newark.nj.us; testing questions go to the state Civil Service Commission.
Requirements
- Apply through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission only
- Pass the NJ Civil Service Commission written firefighter entrance exam
Hiring process
- Complete the NFD interest questionnaire to receive updates
- Apply through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission
- Take the written firefighter entrance exam administered by the NJ Civil Service Commission
- Monitor email for test-scheduling links from the NJ Civil Service Commission
Benefits
The division advertises a great salary and impressive benefits, but specific figures are not published on its site.
How do I apply to become a Newark firefighter?
All applications must be made through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission only, not the city directly. You should also complete NFD's interest questionnaire to receive updates.
What exam do I have to take?
Candidates take the written firefighter entrance exam administered by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Testing is scheduled through the Commission's website.
Is Newark Fire Division currently hiring?
Yes, the division is accepting interest submissions. Complete the NFD interest questionnaire and watch your email for test-scheduling links from the NJ Civil Service Commission.
Who do I contact with recruitment questions?
Recruitment questions can be emailed to candidate@ci.newark.nj.us. Testing questions should go to the NJ Civil Service Commission at nj.gov/csc/jobs/publicsafety/firefighters.shtml.
What kind of specialized units does NFD have?
NFD includes hazardous-materials response, urban search and rescue, high-angle rope and confined-space rescue, a 24/7 Arson Squad, and a Marine Division with two fire boats.