Firefighter/ EMT - No Firefighter EMT Experience Required - CT Fire Academy Enrollment upon Hire

Position Title: Firefighter / EMT (Academy-Track Recruitment)

Employer: City of Groton Fire Department

Location: City of Groton, CT

Union: IAFF Local 1964 Union Contract

Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Earn While You Learn — No Prior Firefighting or EMT Experience Required!

Are you looking for a rewarding, high-impact career in public service? The City of Groton Fire Department is hiring entry-level Firefighters!

Under our official position requirements, Firefighters must hold certifications as a Connecticut Fire Fighter I, Connecticut EMT, and maintain a valid Connecticut Driver’s License with a Q endorsement. Through this unique recruitment track, we provide the fully paid training program to help you obtain all required certifications!

Selected candidates are full-time, paid employees from day one while attending the Connecticut Fire Academy and completing required emergency medical coursework.

What You’ll Do (Essential Duties)

Upon successful completion of the Fire Academy and onboarding, you will work under the general supervision of a Battalion Chief to protect life and property across the City of Groton:

• Emergency Response: Perform firefighting combat, containment, and extinguishment duties; operate pumps, lay hose, and drive specialized fire apparatus.
• Emergency Medical Care: Render medical aid and administer first aid as a certified EMT-B.
• Equipment & Station Maintenance: Inspect, wash, polish, test, and maintain departmental fire apparatus, gear, hoses, and station facilities.
• Community Outreach: Present public safety, fire prevention, and medical awareness programs to residents and groups.
• Continuous Training: Participate in regular drills and classes in firefighting strategies, hazardous materials handling, and specialized rescue techniques.

Certifications You Will Earn (Conditions of Employment)

While candidates do not need these credentials at the time of application, you will be required to obtain and maintain the following during your paid onboarding and probationary period as a condition of continued employment:

• Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Certification

This physical test measures a candidate's ability to perform essential firefighting tasks and must be passed prior to Fire Academy entry.

• Certified Connecticut Fire Fighter I

This entry-level professional certification is awarded upon successful completion of the Connecticut Fire Academy, covering core competencies in safety, equipment operation, and fire suppression techniques.

• Certified Connecticut Emergency Medical Technician (EMT / EMT-B).

This entry-level medical certification will be obtained through an accredited course and equips responders to deliver emergency medical care and life-saving interventions in pre-hospital settings.

• Valid State of Connecticut Driver’s License with a Class Q Endorsement

A specialized driver's license designation—obtained through vehicle operator training and testing that authorizes firefighters to safely drive and operate heavy fire apparatus and emergency equipment.

Minimum Qualifications to Apply

• High School Diploma or state/military equivalency diploma.
• Valid Driver’s License at time of application.
• Must successfully pass a post-offer medical examination, psychological evaluation, and background check.
• Ability to learn local street systems, firefighting tactics, and emergency equipment operations.
• Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical activities during emergency and training operations for prolonged periods under challenging conditions (e.g., extreme heat, smoke, cold, or heights).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a structured team environment.

For the full position description please visit this link: https://www.cityofgroton.com/DocumentCenter/View/3264/Firefighter-EMT--Position-Description---09-28-2026

To Review the IAFF Local 1964 Union Contract please visit this link: https://cityofgroton.com/DocumentCenter/View/2739/Local-1964-International-Association-of-Fire-Fighters-July-1-2025-to-June-30-2029-FINAL

Rate of Pay: $65,995.33 annually (Step 1)

Benefits Eligibility: All benefits will follow the guidelines set forth in the LOCAL 1964 IAFF collective bargaining agreement and included: medical insurance, dental insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and uniform allowances.

Interested or Have Questions? Visit Our Open House!

City of Groton Fire Department Open House

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Location: Company 2 Fire House, 416 Benham Road, Groton, CT 06340

Thinking about applying but not sure if you’re ready? Stop by our Community Open House!

Meet the Crew & Leadership: Speak directly with our Fire Chief, Battalion Chiefs, HR team, and active Firefighters about life on the job, the application process, and what to expect during paid training.

Application Process: Submit resume and completed https://cityofgroton.com/DocumentCenter/View/1376/Application-for-Employment?bidId= via Indeed

Application Deadline: Tuesday October 13, 2026 at 7:00 am

Key Dates for Recruitment Process

Candidates must make themselves available for the following mandatory recruitment milestones:

• Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 7:00 AM
• Written Exam Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 9:00AM
• Oral Panel-Style Interviews: 30 minutes, scheduled during the day on Thursday, October 22, 2026 -OR- Friday October 23, 2026. Specifics in advance.
• Group Agility & Physical Testing: Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 9:00AM
• Tentative Employment Start Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2026
• Tentative Academy Start Date: February 2027

Contact Information: City of Groton, Human Resources Department / hr@cityofgroton-ct.gov / 860-449-5504

Please reference: Firefighter / EMT (Academy-Track Recruitment)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,995.33 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance

Application Question(s):

• Selected hires will attend the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks, CT (a rigorous, approximately 14-week full-time program requiring weekday attendance, early morning physical training, and residential stay during training weeks). Are you committed and able to complete this full-time paid training program if hired?
• Upon graduation from the Fire Academy, firefighters transition to assigned shift work (including nights, weekends, and holidays). Are you available to work standard fire department shift rotations?
• Firefighting requires extreme physical exertion, including climbing stairs under load, carrying heavy equipment (~50–75 lbs), and operating in high-heat environments while wearing up to 50 lbs of personal protective gear. Are you physically capable and willing to perform these strenuous duties and participate in physical agility testing?
• All job offers for entry-level Firefighter / EMT are contingent upon the successful completion and acceptable results of background checks, reference checks, psychological evaluations, pre-employment physical examinations, and drug screenings.

Do you understand and agree to undergo these pre-employment background and medical evaluations if extended a conditional job offer?

• Candidates must participate in mandatory testing and interview phases on Oct 17 (Written Exam), Oct 22–23 (Oral Panels), and Oct 31 (Group Agility), leading to a tentative start date on our about Dec 8, 2026.

Do you foresee any scheduling conflicts with these recruitment dates? (If yes, please briefly explain below).

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Motor Vehicle Operator's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,995