Fire Department · Career
City of Roswell Fire Deparment
Roswell, NM · Chaves County
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Department careers page ↗The Roswell Fire Department (RFD) serves the city of Roswell in Chaves County, southeastern New Mexico. It operates from six fire stations plus the Louis Jones Training Center, coordinating EMS and fire services with Chaves County Emergency Management.
The department is organized around a leadership framework it calls "LEAD" (Leadership, Education, Action, Dedication) and core values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Honor. New recruits train at the Roswell Fire Training Academy and serve a one-year probationary period after graduation.
RFD runs its own in-house EMT-Basic course for recruits who are not yet certified, and provides community engagement programs alongside its emergency response mission.
Mission"LEAD" - Leadership, Education, Action, Dedication
Testing for firefighter positions is held roughly once a year, timed to the department's hiring needs. Candidates apply online during the open enrollment period, then progress through a physical ability test (a Firefighter Combat Challenge-style timed course), a written exam, a panel interview, a background investigation, and a post-offer physical and drug screen.
An EMT or Paramedic license is not required but is preferred and may earn hiring preference; current license holders also have the written exam waived. New hires attend a paid 16-week academy, and those without EMT certification complete a paid 8-week in-house EMT-Basic course.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Valid driver's license (out-of-state applicants must obtain a New Mexico Class E license within one month)
- Pass a written exam with a minimum score of 70% (waived for current EMT/Paramedic license holders)
- Pass a physical ability test (Firefighter Combat Challenge timed course)
- Out-of-state EMTs must complete New Mexico reciprocity and hold a state license by academy graduation
Hiring process
- Submit online application during the open enrollment period
- Physical ability test (Firefighter Combat Challenge timed course)
- Written exam covering verbal comprehension, deductive reasoning, and mechanical aptitude (70% minimum; waived for licensed EMT/Paramedics)
- Interview with a fire department panel
- Criminal background investigation (work history, records, driving history)
- Post-conditional-offer physical exam and drug screening
Paid 16-week academy at the Roswell Fire Training Academy, followed by a one-year probationary period. Recruits without EMT certification complete a paid 8-week in-house EMT-Basic course.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Roswell firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate or equivalent, and hold a valid driver's license. Out-of-state hires must obtain a New Mexico Class E license within one month.
Do I need to be an EMT or Paramedic to apply?
No, but it is preferred. Current EMT or Paramedic license holders may receive hiring preference and have the written exam waived. Recruits without certification complete a paid 8-week in-house EMT-Basic course.
What does the hiring process involve?
A physical ability test (Firefighter Combat Challenge timed course), a written exam requiring at least 70%, a panel interview, a criminal background investigation, and a post-offer physical exam and drug screen.
How often does Roswell Fire hire?
Testing is held approximately once a year, varying with the department's hiring needs. You apply online during the open enrollment period.
Is the fire academy paid, and how long is it?
Yes. New hires attend a paid 16-week academy at the Roswell Fire Training Academy, then serve a one-year probationary period after graduation.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the city's employee self-service portal (roswellnmemployees.munisselfservice.com) during the open enrollment period.