Fire Cadet

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Join the City of Chattanooga Team Chattanooga , a vibrant and growing community of over 180,000 residents, is known as the "Scenic City" for a reason. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, we are a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. Home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College Our Organization 2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service. Our team ensures the community thrives through a wide range of municipal services, including: Public Safety: Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments. Infrastructure & Utilities: Public Works, Waste Resources, and specialized Stormwater management. Quality of Life: An award-winning Parks and Outdoors system and the Chattanooga Public Library. Transportation: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and citywide transit initiatives. Innovation: Leading-edge digital equity and smart-city programs. Why Choose Chattanooga? The City of Chattanooga’s workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose. We are committed to being the premier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing: Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff. Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible. Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck. Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization. The Great Outdoors: Your Backyard Playground: Chattanooga isn't just near nature, it's immersed in it. As one of the most biodiverse cities in North America, the "Scenic City" offers an ecological richness that few places on earth can claim. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a weekend wanderer, world-class adventure is always less than an hour away. Vertical Adventures: Scale legendary sandstone cliffs in what is widely considered the premier rock climbing hub of the Southeast. Water & Rapids: From the high-octane whitewater kayaking of the Ocoee River to world-class bass fishing and peaceful paddling on the Tennessee River. Trails for Miles: Explore a massive network of mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through lush ridges, hidden waterfalls, and deep river gorges. In Chattanooga, "work-life balance" means you can finish your shift and be at a trailhead or on the water before the sun sets. Our mission is to work together to build a safe, revitalized, and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. To do that, it takes a team of skilled and passionate individuals. So, if you’d like to call Chattanooga home – or maybe you already do! – and want to further your career through meaningful work that makes a true impact where you live, we’d love to talk to you. This is a NON-EXEMPT Position Grade FD.0C $50,421.30 The Chattanooga Fire Department is excited to announce the opening of the application window for the 2027 CFD Fire Academy! Applications will be accepted March 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Physical ability testing will take place during the month of May; dates will be published soon. The written test will be given during the month of June; dates will be published soon. If you currently hold an active EMT Certification, an Associates or Bachelors Degree you will be able to be exempt from the written test - documentation must be provided with your application. The 2027 CFD Fire Academy will begin on October 2, 2026. Graduation will tentatively be April 1, 2027. Please contact [email protected] with any questions. Please review the Minimum Qualifications for this position before you apply. CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY Incumbents in this classification are responsible for participating in the Fire Training Academy. Duties include attending class, taking exams, and integrating classroom training during hands-on training exercises. Cadets will attend up to a minimum of twenty-two (22) week Fire Training Academy. Successful completion of the academy is required to perform Firefighter duties. Training will take place primarily at 3200 Amnicola Highway. Workdays and hours will be determined by Fire Training Staff. SERIES LEVEL: The Fire Cadet is the first level in a ten-level fire series.

Requirements

• Must be a high school graduate or possess GED equivalency.
• Be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old and not have reached the age of 40 by academy completion date.
• Be honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces (if applicable).
• Must be able to pass written exam, physical ability test, post-offer medical examination and complete a CFD Applicant Questionnaire. If you currently hold an active EMT Certification, an Associates or Bachelors Degree you will be able to be exempt from the written test. Documentation must be provided with your application.
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Must not have been convicted of any felony charge, have not pleaded guilty to any felony charge, or have not entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge, and meet any other standards as set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated.
• Valid Class D Driver's License (will be required to obtain an F endorsement prior to graduating the academy).
• Skill in reading and interpreting classroom training materials and communication, and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Responsibilities

• Participates in fire academy training sessions, including academic and theory classes related to fire suppression, emergency medical care, vehicle extrication, and hazardous materials. This training includes weekly exams and integrating classroom training with hands-on application.
• Participates in all hands-on training activities in the classroom, on the drill ground, and other venues. This includes labor-intensive work before, during, and after the training exercises.
• Participates in frequent, high-intensity physical training, including but not limited to, jogging up to 3 miles, calisthenics, strength exercises, and exercising in turnout gear.
• With guidance, may participate in real large-scale fire or emergency scenes in supervised roles outside of IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) environments.
• Adheres to all Fire Academy Rules throughout training.
• Responding to all types of fires and other emergencies, including by not limited to fire suppression, emergency medical care to the basic life support level and assisting transport agencies with advanced life support level, hazardous materials, vehicle extrications, and rescue.
• Participating in on-going training and educational sessions.
• Assisting in preparing and ensuring emergency vehicles and apparatus are stocked and ready for immediate response.
• Participating in the daily functions of the fire station which may include housekeeping, cooking, maintenance activities, and/or performing other related duties.
• Assisting in completing and maintaining records related to personnel, incidents, and/or other related items.
• Participating in fire department programs such as pre-fire planning, fire prevention programs, and/or fire hydrant checks.
• Participating in and/or facilitating educational sessions and station tours to the public on fire related topics.
• Working twenty-four (24) hour shifts.
• Must meet regular attendance requirements.
• Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck.
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED