Fire Department · Career
Tulsa Fire Department
Tulsa, OK · Osage County
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Department careers page ↗The Tulsa Fire Department protects approximately 400,000 citizens across about 201 square miles, operating out of 30 fire stations organized into five districts. It is a large, full-service metropolitan department with 676 authorized members and an annual operating budget of about $66.9 million.
The department responds to more than 57,000 incidents annually, roughly 33,000 of which are EMS-related, reflecting how central emergency medical response is to its day-to-day mission. Beyond fire suppression, TFD provides fire prevention, community risk reduction, and hazardous-materials services.
Firefighters work a 24-hour on / 48-hour off schedule and are supported by a dedicated Safety Training Center where new cadets complete their academy training.
MissionDedicated to the protection of life, health, property and the environment by delivering quality life and fire safety services.
Hiring at TFD runs on a continuous testing model: prospective candidates schedule an entry-level written exam by calling the City of Tulsa Employment Office at (918) 596-7427, with testing held at City Hall. The entry-level exam is free, contains 240 questions, and takes about 2.5 hours; candidates then progress through a Physical Ability Test, a structured oral assessment, a background questionnaire, and a Chief's interview to earn placement on the hiring list.
Selected candidates attend a roughly 20-week cadet academy at the TFD Safety Training Center, and are paid a salary during training. National and State of Oklahoma EMT certification is required before a conditional offer, and applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old at time of hire.
Requirements
- Between 18 and 45 years of age at time of hire
- High School Diploma or GED
- National and State of Oklahoma Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification (required before a conditional employment offer)
- No felony convictions or convictions involving a crime of moral turpitude; misdemeanors evaluated case-by-case
- Not dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces
- Pass the entry-level written exam, Physical Ability Test, oral assessment, and background/Chief's interview
- Final medical approval by the City of Tulsa Physician and the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System
Hiring process
- Call the City of Tulsa Employment Office at (918) 596-7427 to schedule the entry-level written exam
- Take the free entry-level written exam (240 questions, about 2.5 hours) at City Hall
- Complete the Physical Ability Test (PAT)
- Complete the structured oral assessment
- Complete the background interview questionnaire and Chief's interview
- Earn a passing score for placement on the Chief's hiring list
- Provide active National and Oklahoma EMT certification before a conditional employment offer
- Pass final medical review and complete the roughly 20-week paid cadet academy
Benefits
Retirement at 50 percent of pay after 20 years of service and age 50, through the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System. Medical, dental, and life insurance plans are provided through union-administered programs covering individuals and families. Sick leave accrues at 12 hours per month for 24-hour shift employees. Longevity pay begins after 3 years of service (from $28.80/month up to $240/month after 20 years). Incentive pay is available for education ($50-$100/month; $100/month for a bachelor's degree) and for Spanish, Vietnamese, or Sign Language proficiency ($50/month).
Cadet academy runs roughly 20 weeks at the TFD Safety Training Center, Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; training is free and cadets are paid. The PAT must be completed within 12 months of the academy start date.
How do I apply to become a Tulsa firefighter?
Applications run on a continuous testing basis. Call the City of Tulsa Employment Office at (918) 596-7427 to schedule the free entry-level written exam, which is held at City Hall.
What are the age and education requirements?
You must be between 18 and 45 years of age on your hire date and hold a High School Diploma or GED.
Do I need EMT certification?
Yes. National and State of Oklahoma EMT certification is mandatory. You can begin the initial testing phases without it, but you must provide active certification before receiving a conditional employment offer.
What is the work schedule?
Tulsa firefighters work 24 hours on duty followed by 48 hours off duty. Stations include kitchens, exercise equipment, sleeping areas, and restrooms.
How long is the academy and do I get paid?
The cadet academy lasts about 20 weeks at the TFD Safety Training Center, Monday-Friday. The training is free and TFD pays you a salary during the academy.
Are lateral (experienced) firefighters given a shortcut?
No. Already-certified firefighters must complete the full hiring process and academy training; prior firefighting experience does not provide an advantage.