What are the responsibilities and job description for the Firefighter (Recruit/Lateral) position at City of Avondale?
The City of Avondale's Fire and Medical Department is accepting applications for the position of Firefighter for the upcoming January 2027 Academy.
Please carefully review the entire job bulletin for complete instructions on how to apply. All steps must be completed to be considered.
Application/Testing Process:
1. Please submit your application by Sunday, August 16, 2026. Before submitting, please ensure the following are included in your application:
- Attach your valid CPAT in the Attachments section of the online application if you already possess one. Information on how to take the CPAT during the testing window can be found in Step 2.
- Attach your valid Arizona State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification in the Attachments section of the online application.
- Attach your valid Paramedic Certification in the Attachments section of the online application, if applicable.
- List all licenses and certifications in the Licenses/Certificates section of the online application.
- Incomplete applications will not be processed.
2. Complete the NTN FireTEAM Exam and Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) through the National Testing Network (NTN) at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com by Monday, August 24, 2026.
- After submitting your application, it will be reviewed within 48 business hours. Passing applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to take the written exam and/or CPAT.
- The City of Avondale will provide you with a voucher code to take the written exam at no cost via email. If you do not use the voucher code, you will be responsible for the full fee of the exam.
- If you have completed and passed the NTN FireTeam Exam within the past 12 months, you can transfer your scores to the City of Avondale through the NTN website for a fee at the applicant's expense.
- NTN FireTeam Exam and CPAT scores will automatically be sent to the City of Avondale within 3-5 business days.
All testing must be completed by Monday, August 24, 2026. After the testing window closes, candidates will not be permitted to register to test or submit existing scores. Individuals who do not complete both portions of the testing process will not be eligible to continue in the recruitment process.
This position protects life and property through emergency incident intervention and provides advanced life support emergency medical services. Conducts community service activities including community education, commercial inspection, and code enforcement. Ensures readiness through the facility, apparatus, equipment, and personal maintenance. Performs general administrative functions and completes special projects or tasks that further the Avondale File and Medical Department's mission.
Additional functions of the position include:
Protects life and property through emergency incident response; responds to and mitigates emergency 911 calls; performs firefighting and rescue incident scene activities; provides emergency medical care and patient transport; and drives and operates fire apparatus in the absence of a Fire Engineer.
Provides community services; represents community education and/or school-based education programs; provides emergency medical standby and public relations services at City special events; and provides a variety of non-emergency services including vehicle lockouts, smoke detector checks, and commercial fire safety inspections.
Performs facility, apparatus, and equipment maintenance; performs routine vehicle inspections and minor vehicle maintenance; performs daily station cleaning and grounds maintenance; and conducts routine maintenance and inspection of a variety of emergency service equipment.
Participates in scheduled skill-based training, medical and emergency service training, health and fitness training, and a variety of continuing education programs.
Provides general administrative documentation for emergency calls, patient encounter forms, hospital reports, incident response data entry, and various maintenance logs and request forms.
Interested candidates must meet the following criteria:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
A High School Diploma or GED equivalency is required.
A valid Arizona Driver's License is required at the time of hire.
A current Arizona State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification is required. Arizona State Certification must be obtained within six months of hire.
Preferred qualifications:
A valid Arizona State or National Registry Paramedic Certification is preferred.
The following dates may be subject to change:
- NTN FireTeam and CPAT Testing: 08/03/2026 - 08/24/2026
- Panel Interview (1st Round - Virtual): 09/08/2026
- Panel Interview (2nd Round - In Person): 09/22/2026
- Chief's Interview (3rd Round - In Person): 09/29/2026
Hiring Process
Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion and passing of:
- NeoGov Application
- National Testing Network (NTN) FireTEAM Exam
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Panel Interview
- Chief's Interview
- Comprehensive Background Investigation
- Psychological Examination
- Physical Examination and Drug Screen
Salary: Firefighter Recruits will begin at Step 0, earning $22.13 per hour, which corresponds to the starting rate on the APFFA MOU Wage Table. Unit Members with specialized certifications, such as paramedic and technical rescue, will be compensated at the applicable specialty pay rate associated with the certification.
Lateral probationary hires will be placed at the comparable step on the lateral hiring placement scale based on completed years of service following graduation from a recognized regional academy up to Step 3, rounded down to the closest year.
The complete APFFA MOU Wage Tables are available here.
Contact Information
Human Resources Department
hr-recruitment@avondaleaz.gov
Monday through Thursday
7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Salary : $22 - $31