Firefighter I

About This Role

The San Antonio Fire Department is hiring Firefighter I candidates to serve Texas's second-largest city and seventh-largest in the U.S. SAFD handles over 200,000 incidents annually across a 465-square-mile service area, combining structural firefighting, ALS-level EMS, haz-mat response, and technical rescue services.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Firefighter I
• Company: San Antonio Fire Department
• Location: San Antonio, TX
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level
• Salary Range: $18–$26/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-06-01
• Application Deadline: 2026-07-01

Role Context

SAFD is a full-service fire and EMS department — every firefighter earns EMT certification during the academy, and the department actively supports paramedic advancement. The 18-week recruit academy integrates structural fire, wildland awareness, and EMS training. Recruits are assigned to one of 55 fire stations in a growing city that adds new stations regularly to keep pace with development.

Key Responsibilities

• Suppress residential, commercial, and industrial fires across San Antonio's large service area
• Deliver emergency medical care as a Texas-certified EMT
• Operate pumper and aerial apparatus on urban and suburban response zones
• Perform vehicle extrication and swift water rescue during flash flood events
• Support haz-mat response operations at transportation and industrial incidents
• Conduct community fire prevention inspections and safety education programs

Requirements & Skills

• Texas resident at time of application; U.S. citizen
• High school diploma or GED; 12 college credit hours preferred
• Pass SAFD written exam and physical ability test
• CPAT certification required
• Valid Texas driver's license; CDL preferred
• Pass background investigation, medical exam, and psychological evaluation

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $18–$26/hr with San Antonio Fire & Police Pension Fund (defined benefit)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• 24-on/48-off shift schedule
• EMT and paramedic certification pay supplements
• Strong promotional pathway to Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain

Who Should Apply

Texas residents who want a career in a large, growing department with a genuine commitment to employee development and EMS excellence. San Antonio Fire is a department where motivated recruits can advance quickly — the city's growth means new stations and promotional opportunities open regularly.

About the Company

San Antonio Fire Department operates 55 fire stations with over 1,700 uniformed personnel. It is one of the most active fire-EMS departments in Texas, serving a diverse metropolitan area that spans historic downtown districts, military installations, and rapidly expanding suburban corridors.

How to Apply

Apply at sanantonio.gov/Fire/Careers. Written exams and recruitment cycles are announced on the careers page. The hiring process includes a written entrance exam, physical ability test, CPAT, oral interview, background investigation, and medical and psychological evaluations.