Firefighter Trainee

About This Role

The Austin Fire Department is accepting applications for Firefighter Trainees. Austin is one of the fastest-growing large cities in the United States, and AFD is expanding its station count and personnel to keep pace. Recruits enter a department that balances a busy tech corridor, a major university, wildland-urban interface terrain, and a rapidly growing residential population along the Colorado River.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Firefighter Trainee
• Company: Austin Fire Department
• Location: Austin, TX
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level
• Salary Range: $19–$27/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-06-01
• Application Deadline: 2026-07-01

Role Context

AFD trainees complete a 20-week recruit academy that includes structural fire, EMS, wildland firefighting, and low-water crossing rescue training. All firefighters earn Texas EMT certification through the academy. The department operates 52 fire stations with plans for continued expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Suppress residential and commercial fires across Austin's diverse urban and suburban zones
• Respond to wildland and interface fires in Austin's greenbelt and Hill Country interface areas
• Conduct flood and low-water crossing rescue operations during Central Texas storm events
• Provide BLS emergency medical services as a Texas-certified EMT
• Perform vehicle extrication and technical rescue operations
• Support community risk reduction programs in Austin's rapidly changing neighborhoods

Requirements & Skills

• Texas residency; must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED; 30 college credit hours preferred
• Pass AFD written exam and physical fitness test
• CPAT certification required
• Valid Texas driver's license with clean record
• Pass background investigation, drug screen, and medical evaluation

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $19–$27/hr under Austin Fire Fighters Association (AFFA) agreement
• Austin Fire Fighters Relief and Retirement Fund (defined benefit pension)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• 24-on/48-off shift rotation
• Certification pay for wildland, swift water rescue, and paramedic qualifications

Who Should Apply

Texas residents interested in serving a fast-growing, progressive city with a multi-hazard fire environment. Austin FD actively recruits for diversity and offers clear pathways to specialty teams — swift water rescue, wildland, and haz-mat — for trainees who pursue additional certifications after probation.

About the Company

Austin Fire Department operates 52 fire stations with over 1,200 uniformed personnel. It is one of Texas's most rapidly expanding departments, driven by Austin's status as the country's fastest-growing major metro, and is known for its progressive culture and strong emphasis on firefighter safety and wellness.

How to Apply

Apply at austintexas.gov/fire/careers. Recruitment is ongoing due to department growth. The process includes a written exam, physical ability test, CPAT, oral board, background investigation, and medical and psychological evaluations.