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AC
Athens-Clarke County Unified Government
Firefighter/EMT Recruit & Experienced Firefighter/EMT
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What they do
A Firefighter responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls. Puts out fires and rescues people from buildings. Responds to medical emergencies and assists with search and rescue efforts and industrial or hazardous waste accidents. Provides fire prevention programs or inspections in the community. May be specially trained to fight forest fires.
$50,833 / year median in Georgia
+9% projected growth
Job Description
Firefighter/EMT Recruit & Experienced Firefighter/EMT Athens-Clarke County Unified Government
- 3.8 Athens, GA Job Details Full-time $45,320
- $53,930 a year 7 hours ago Benefits Wellness program Health savings account 457(b) Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Tuition reimbursement Pension plan Employee assistance program Vision insurance Loan forgiveness Free health screenings Life insurance Pet insurance Qualifications High school diploma or GED Driver's License Full Job Description Purpose & Job Related Requirements
NOW HIRING
FIREFIGHTER/EMTRECRUITS AND EXPEREINCED FIREFIGHTER/EMTS.
SALARY INFORMATION
- Initial recruit salary of $45,320 annually with an increase to Firefighter salary of $53,930 annually after successful completion of recruit training.
HIRING PROCESS
To be considered for a Firefighter/EMT Recruit or Experienced Firefighter/EMT position, you will be asked to participate in and must successfully pass all of the following phases:- A resume is recommended with the submission of application.
RECRUITS ONLY PHASE 1
Test Score Requirements. A copy of your current National Registry (NR); OR A copy of your current State of Georgia EMT Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Cards; OR An Official transcript- for any Associate's degree or higher from an accredited college; OR An Official copy
- of qualifying entrance exam scores as described in the attached instructions.
EXPERIENCED APPLICANTS ONLY PHASE 1
Certification Requirements- A copy of your current National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) certifications for Firefighter I and Firefighter II; AND A copy of your current State of Georgia or National Registry EMT certification.
RECRUITS & EXPEREINCED APPLICANTS PHASE 2
Physical Agility Test (PAT)- Scheduled for the week of September 28, 2026.
NOTE :
The Athens-Clarke County Fire Department (ACCFD) Medical Affidavit is valid for six months from the date of the doctor's signature. If you have a valid ACCFD Medical Affidavit from a previous application (May 2026), you must bring a copy of this Affidavit to the PAT in order to participate.RECRUITS & EXPEREINCED APPLICANTS PHASE 3
Oral Interviews will be held for candidates who successfully complete Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the hiring process as listed above and are selected to move to the interview phase. Dates for oral interviews will be announced via e-mail after the Physical Agility Testing is completed and are tentatively scheduled for the week of November 2, 2026.Eligibility:
You must pass all phases of testing to be placed on the eligibility list. An eligibility list will be developed after all testing is complete. If selected for hire, you will be required to have your fingerprints processed, and participate in further pre-employment testing, i.e., medical examination, routine drug test, and a psychological examination. You must successfully complete all phases of pre-employment testing. The next recruit/new hire class is tentatively scheduled to start December 31, 2026.REPORTS TO
Fire Sergeant or Fire Lieutenant, depending on the job assignmentFLSA STATUS
Non-exemptCLASSIFICATION
Personnel System- Requires satisfactory completion of a 12-month probationary period.
RECRUIT PAY GRADE
: FD01- $45,320 FIREFIGHTER/EMT
PAY GRADE
FD02- $53,930 SAFETY
SENSITIVE
Yes- Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.
WORK SCHEDULE
While assigned toTraining:
40-hour work week. While assigned toShift:
On duty 24 hours (8:00 a.m.- 8:00 a.
- $45,320 High school diploma or equivalent required. Must possess a valid driver's license. Must obtain the following within twelve months of date of hire: NPQ Firefighter I NPQ Firefighter II NPQ Hazardous Materials
- Awareness and Operations Georgia EMT-Basic These certifications must be maintained throughout employment with Fire and Emergency Services.
- 53,930. High School diploma or equivalent. Comparable career (full time) fire and rescue experience along with equivalent firefighter recruit training (NPQ Firefighter II, NPQ Hazardous Materials
- Awareness and Operations, and EMT certification).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Fire Department as they pertain to the performance of duties for the position of Firefighter. Knowledge of the terminology used within the department. Knowledge of fire-fighting techniques, fire-fighting apparatus and equipment, hydraulics, local, state and federal fire codes, NFPA guidelines, local geography, streets and buildings, hazardous materials, emergency medical care, building construction, and basic mechanical procedures as required in the performance of duties. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, emergency medical procedures, patient assessment, and treatment protocols for medical and trauma emergencies. Skill in the use of firefighting, rescue, and medical equipment provided by the department to fulfill Firefighter job duties. Skill in the application of tactical procedures associated with firefighting including but not limited to: Fire extinguishment Fire confinement/containment Ventilation Exposure protection Salvage Overhaul Skill in the application of tactical procedures associate with rescue including but not limited to: Interior search and rescue Vehicle extrication and rescue Basic rope operations and knots Skill in the application of procedures associated with emergency medical care including but not limited to: Patient assessment Treatment of medical emergencies Treatment of trauma emergencies Patient care reporting to medical professionals Ability to perform strenuous tasks in hazardous conditions. Ability to respond quickly and logically to emergency and/or stressful situations. Ability to foster a team environment by supporting cohesive work relationships and providing effective conflict resolution. Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports, and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations. Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, other staff members and customers.. Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations. Ability to handle required mathematical calculations. Ability to plan, organize, and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department. Supplemental Information (ADA)MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials.This position requires:
climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert over one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to fifty pounds force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for very heavy work. Must be able to endure high heat conditions and sub-freezing temperatures. Must be able to work in tight and closed spaces for extended periods of time. Must be able to work in situations of low visibility.DATA CONCEPTION
Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving / receiving assignments and/or directions to co-workers / from supervisors.LANGUAGE ABILITY
Requires ability to read a variety of firefighting techniques, fire-fighting apparatus and equipment manuals, local, state and federal fire codes, NFPA guidelines, maps of streets, hazardous materials manual, pre-fire plans, water supply layouts, architectural drawings, IFSTA handbooks, first aid manuals and other informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare vehicle maintenance reports, training reports, workstation schedules, rescue reports, fire loss reports, incident reports, tour reports, water usage reports, gas reports and pre-fire plans using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.INTELLIGENCE
Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgments in the absence of management.VERBAL APTITUDE
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including fire, radio signal, medical, electrical and mechanics terminology.NUMERICAL APTITUDE
Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; interpret graphs; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots, and polynomials; and perform algebraic operations.FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with fire, mechanics, electrical and medical equipment.MOTOR COORDINATION
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using fire, mechanical, electrical and medical equipment. Requires the ability to lift, push, bend and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates. Requires skilled movements coordinating eyes, hands and fingers accurately and making precise movements with speed.MANUAL DEXTERITY
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as firefighting apparatus and equipment such as: pumper, ladder truck, snorkel, power tools, ladders, positive pressure blower fan, electrical power generator, pick-head axe, K-12 saw, spanner wrench, AED, oxygen delivery devices, airway devices, stretcher, medical supplies, and other firefighting, medical, mechanics, and electrical equipment. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.COLOR/VISUAL DISCRIMINATION
Position requires binocular vision with good depth perception and peripheral vision, motion detection, high acuity, and light adaptation, as well as the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency including those related to fire, medical situations or other type of emergency.PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION
Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking- expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing
- perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
- free for employees, spouse, and children 18+ Employee Assistance Program Wellness education and incentive programs Annual Wellness Fair Annual employee appreciation events Free onsite health screenings (to include hearing, skin cancer, biometric screening, flu shots) Safety & Risk training and job-related vaccinations Family and Career Training and professional development opportunities through the Organizational Development Department Opportunities and Career Development via the Government Wide Learning Management System Time Annual/Sick leave 13 paid holidays per calendar year Money Robust Wellness Program•earn up to $175 per quarter for participation Health Savings Account for medical and dependent care Employer Paid Pension Plan (10 years of service) 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Program with employer match Tuition Reimbursement Program Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employer•Federal Student Aid Financial education programs Uniforms provided (if applicable) Discount Admissions•ACCGov Parks, Georgia Aquarium Protection Group Accident insurance Critical Illness insurance MASA Medical Transportation Insurance Employer paid basic life insurance Whole life insurance Employer Paid Short Term Disability Long Term Disability Contributory term life insurance Pet Insurance To learn more about the Benefits offered at ACCGov, you may access them below.