FIRE FIGHTER TRAINEE

POSITION OVERVIEW

FIRE FIGHTERS’ AND POLICE OFFICERS’ CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION CITY OF HOUSTON EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE POSITION OF NON-CERTIFIED FIRE FIGHTER/ EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN TRAINEE HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT Opening Date: July 2, 2025 Closing Date: June 1, 2027

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The Houston Fire Department is the 3rd largest municipal fire department in the United States and the World’s largest accredited municipal fire agency!

Per Chapter 143.023 of the Tex. Loc. Gov’t code, ‘A person may not take an entrance examination for a beginning position in the fire department unless the person is at least 18 years of age but not 36 years of age or older. A person may not be certified as eligible for a beginning position in the fire department if the person is 36 years of age or older.  Below are the minimum requirements:

1. Fifteen (15) accredited college credit hours OR
2. Two (2) years of full-time active military service with an honorable discharge as stipulated on a DD214 Member 4

Applicant must meet the above requirements by the Civil Service Exam date. Participates in classroom lectures, seminars, and practical training sessions as directed by the Houston Fire Department.

• Receives and participates in various types of training in fire suppression and emergency medical services up to and including paramedic certification. • Participates in drills, demonstrations, and instruction in hydraulics, pump operation, maintenance, fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services.

PREFERENCES

ONLY “on-line” applications will be accepted. To apply, go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/houston. On-line applications will be accepted until all testing slots are filled.

Exam Dates:02/24/2026;06/05/2026; 01/15/2027; 06/11/2027 Exam Time: 9:30am Exam Location: Harris County Department of Education Bldg., 6300 Irvington Blvd, Houston, TX 77022

• Bring your driver’s license or other photo ID. • Due to the high volume of applications received, you will be contacted directly via email, should you qualify to take the exam. You will receive an email with the date to report to the testing site for the exam.

GENERAL INFORMATION

NOTES:

1. Immunizations/shot records will be required prior to starting the training academy
2. The minimum passing score is 70 percent on the written examination before the extra five (5) points for qualified veterans are added.
3. Per Chapter 143.025 of the Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code, an additional five points shall be added to the examination grade of an applicant who served in the United States armed forces, received an honorable discharge, and made a passing grade on the examination. Applicants who are eligible for extra military points must scan and attach a copy of their DD214 (Member-4) to their electronic application or send a copy to hfdhiringprocess@houstontx.gov The last day to submit a DD214 is the date of the Civil Service Exam. No DD214s will be accepted at the test site.
4. Texas Commission of Fire Protection State Fire Fighters Certification and Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Emergency Medical Technician Certification(s) will be subject to verification by the Human Resources Department.
5. Texas Department of State Health Services Emergency Medical Technicians Certification as a Paramedic will be subject to verification by the Human Resources Department.
6. An applicant may not take the examination for an eligibility list more than once.
7. The eligibility list created as a result of this examination will be effective for a period of not less than 6 months or more than 12 months as determined by the Civil Service Commission.
8. Passing applicants will be referred to the Human Resources Department Classified Careers & Services Division to continue processing. Any falsification in the application process will result in disqualification. Applicants must pass and complete all phases of the hiring process (civil service exam, physical ability test, interview, background, psychological exam, immunizations, drug screen, medical examination).
9. HFD reserves the right to discontinue consideration in the hiring process based on an applicant conduct or verification of certain disqualifying factors.
10. Must not have ever been convicted of or received community supervision or probation for a Felony or a Class A Misdemeanor.
11. Any Misdemeanor charge or divert/deferred adjudication or similar program may require an active TDSHS EMT certification prior to job offer.
12. Applicants’ eligibility for hiring will be determined in rank order from the eligibility list.

Special Accommodations: Please email Classified Testing at HFDCST@houstontx.gov. You must submit the necessary documents 2 weeks before the exam date.

**Date of announcement: December 20, 2025

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F**

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include: - Medical - Dental - Vision - Wellness - Supplemental Insurance - Life insurance - Long-term disability - Retirement pension - 457 deferred compensation plan - Employee Assistance Program - 10 days of vacation each year - 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday - Compensable Sick Leave - Personal Leave - Flexible schedules - Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions - Professional development opportunities - Transportation/parking plan - Section 125 pretax deductions - Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan - Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves - Healthcare Flexible Spending Account For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html