Firefighter In Training- Non-experienced

City of Charleston

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Charleston Fire Department is looking for candidates for Firefighter Recruit; no prior fire service experience necessary. The academy is scheduled to start July 21, 2025. Upon successful completion of the required Recruit academy, personnel will progress into the position of a probationary firefighter. Before applying, please read this guide in its entirety! Only fully completed online applications are accepted. If you do not submit all required documents, your application will not be accepted. If selected to move forward: You will need to plan on participating in the in-person hiring process in Charleston, South Carolina from Saturday June 7, 2025 through Friday June 13, 2025. Applications are accepted through May 1, 2025. Applicants will be contacted between May 2 and May 7, 2025 of the next steps in the process. The schedule is as follows: Saturday June 7, 2025: Pre-orientation, written test, physical ability test. Sunday June 8, 2025: Physical ability test continued and interviews. Monday June 9, 2025: Physical ability test and interviews if needed. Tuesday June 10, 2025: Job offers and gear fitting. Wednesday June 11, through Friday June 13, 2025: Physicals and background checks. The Charleston Fire Department will be hosting two Pre-Academy sessions. They will be held on March 1, 2025 and April 12, 2025. All applicants who have submitted COMPLETE applications will receive an invitation to participate. This is voluntary and optional and will be limited to 45 people per session. You will be responsible for all travel expenses (airfare, hotel, etc). The Pre-Academy will consist of: An overview of the CFD Hiring Process A morning classroom session on written test skills and interview preparation In the afternoon, applicants will be given the opportunity to view a video on the Firefighter Physical Ability Test. You will receive a complete walkthrough with instruction and the opportunity to practice each event individually. You will also be given the opportunity to attend a question and answer session with firefighters who have just completed our 26 week Recruit School. If you complete the following, we will be offering 5 additional points to be added to your written test: Participation in the Pre-Academy (morning AND afternoon sessions) You MUST schedule and complete a Ride-Along with the CFD (Ride-alongs will not be conducted the same day as the Pre-Academy) In order to receive the additional points, you must complete each section. Partial credit will not be given. Please monitor your email for more information and the link to sign up. The first 45 people to sign up will be reserved a space. The recruit academy will focus on training and preparing the candidate to meet specific standards of the CFD. The program includes classroom instruction and hands on training in firefighter techniques, search and rescue, vehicle extrication, emergency medical services, firefighter survival, and the use of various firefighting tools and equipment. The candidate will work a 10-hour shift and upon completion will move to a 24 on, 48 off standard firefighter shift schedule. The CFD recruit academy program uses Peer Fitness and Practical Skill fitness training. Our Peer Fitness Instructors are certified ACE trainers. The Peer Fitness and Practical Skill methodology has shown it is effective in increasing the work capacity of military personnel, police officers, and firefighters.

Requirements

18 years of age or older at time of the job offer.
High school diploma, GED equivalent, or College diploma/transcript with degree awarded.
Valid state issued driver’s license.
Must get a South Carolina Driver’s License within 90 days of hire date.
Applications without ALL required documents are not accepted.
If prior military, a copy of your DD214 (copy 4)
A copy of your high school diploma OR GED equivalent OR College diploma/transcript with degree awarded.
A copy of your state issued driver’s license.
Resume
EMS certification status (i.e.. SC EMS, NREMT, or another state EMT certification) – if applicable.
Selected candidates must successfully pass the written test.
Applicant must pass the CFD administered Physical Ability Test (PAT) or have passed the CFD administered PAT within the past 12 months from the date this application process closes.