Firefighter Trainee

About This Role

Dallas Fire-Rescue is hiring Firefighter Trainees to serve North Texas's largest city. DFR handles over 280,000 incidents annually from 58 fire stations, covering everything from high-rise fires in downtown Dallas to residential emergencies in sprawling suburban neighborhoods.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Firefighter Trainee
• Company: Dallas Fire-Rescue
• Location: Dallas, TX (multi-station assignments)
• 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

Dallas Fire-Rescue trainees complete a 22-week academy covering fire suppression, EMS, haz-mat operations, and technical rescue. DFR is a combination fire-EMS department — every firefighter holds EMT certification and many advance to paramedic through the department's sponsored training program. Trainees are assigned to engine or ladder companies following academy graduation.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to residential, commercial, and high-rise fire incidents across Dallas
• Deliver emergency medical care at the EMT or Paramedic level
• Perform vehicle extrication and technical rescue operations
• Support haz-mat response and decontamination at industrial and transportation incidents
• Conduct fire prevention inspections and public safety education events
• Maintain apparatus, personal protective equipment, and station facilities

Requirements & Skills

• High school diploma or GED; 30 college credit hours preferred
• Valid Texas driver's license and clean driving record
• Pass DFR written exam, physical agility test, and CPAT
• EMT-Basic certification is a strong advantage
• Pass medical exam, psychological evaluation, and background investigation
• Must be 18 years of age at time of application

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $18–$26/hr base pay with step increases and specialty pay
• Dallas Fire and Police Pension System (defined benefit)
• Health, dental, and vision coverage for employee and family
• 24-on/48-off shift rotation
• Department-sponsored paramedic training available after probationary period

Who Should Apply

Individuals committed to a long-term public safety career in a fast-growing Texas metro. Dallas Fire-Rescue is an excellent entry point for those seeking EMS advancement — the department actively sponsors paramedic licensing for qualified firefighters within their first few years of service.

About the Company

Dallas Fire-Rescue is one of the largest fire departments in Texas, operating 58 fire stations with over 1,900 uniformed personnel. The department serves Dallas's diverse mix of downtown high-rises, mixed-use districts, residential neighborhoods, and major transportation corridors.

How to Apply

Apply at dallasfire.org/careers. Monitor the site for open exam announcements. The hiring process includes a written entrance exam, physical agility evaluation, CPAT, oral interview, medical exam, psychological screen, and full background investigation.