Firefighter Recruit

About This Role

The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department is accepting applications for Firefighter Recruits. AFRD serves Georgia's capital city — a fast-growing metro with a diverse mix of historic neighborhoods, modern high-rises, a major international airport, and large convention and sports facilities that present varied and demanding fire and EMS challenges.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Firefighter Recruit
• Company: Atlanta Fire Rescue Department
• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level
• Salary Range: $17–$24/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-06-01
• Application Deadline: 2026-07-01

Role Context

AFRD recruits complete a 16-week training academy that is among the most comprehensive in Georgia. The department responds to over 100,000 incidents annually from 35 fire stations. Special attention is given to airport standby operations at Hartsfield-Jackson, the world's busiest airport, and high-rise firefighting in Atlanta's growing Midtown and Buckhead districts.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to residential, commercial, and high-rise fire incidents across Atlanta
• Provide emergency medical first response while transport units are dispatched
• Support airport structural and aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF) operations
• Perform vehicle extrication and technical rescue operations
• Conduct fire prevention inspections and community education activities
• Maintain station apparatus and equipment in constant readiness

Requirements & Skills

• U.S. citizen; must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED required
• Pass AFRD written entrance examination and physical agility test
• CPAT certification required
• Valid Georgia driver's license with clean record
• Pass background investigation, drug screen, medical and psychological evaluation

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $17–$24/hr with annual pay step increases
• City of Atlanta Firefighters Pension Fund (defined benefit)
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• 24-on/48-off shift schedule
• Opportunity to advance to Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain

Who Should Apply

Georgia residents ready for a challenging career in one of the Southeast's most active fire departments. AFRD offers exposure to a uniquely diverse range of incidents — from neighborhood residential fires to major airport and high-rise operations — making it an excellent foundation for a long fire service career.

About the Company

Atlanta Fire Rescue Department operates 35 fire stations with over 1,000 uniformed personnel serving Atlanta's 135 square miles. The department covers Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport through a dedicated station and provides specialized technical rescue and haz-mat response across the metro area.

How to Apply

Apply at atlantaga.gov/fire/employment. Monitor the site for open recruitment announcements. The hiring process includes a written exam, physical agility test, CPAT, oral interview, medical exam, psychological evaluation, and background investigation.