What are the responsibilities and job description for the Firefighter position at HARRIS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES?
PLEASE READ THROUGH ALL DETAILS CAREFULLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE NOT COMPLETED PROPERLY, CORRECTLY, AND BY THE DEADLINE WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
APPLICATIONS ARE LOCKED UPON SIGNING. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL HR@HCESD13.ORG OR CALL 281-894-0151.
Position: Firefighter, two (2) open positions plus a one (1) year hiring eligibility list.
Status: Full-time Employee, Salaried Non-Exempt
Shift Schedule: Three shifts, 48/96 rotation (after 1-week orientation)
Compensation:
Including the 48/96 scheduled overtime, the annual salary is approximately $72,768.44 with built-in scheduled overtime.
Base salary is $62,437.68/yr.
Closing Date for Applications: Midnight Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Start Date: As soon as Possible
Minimum JOB Requirements: (required to test)
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Must be 21 years of age
- TCFP Basic Structural Firefighter Certification
- TDSHS Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) Certification
- Courage to be Safe Certificates
- Traffic Incident Management Certificate.
- Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) “Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service” Course
- NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800 Certificate.
- Driving records must comply with departmental driving guidelines and be verified at the background check.
Required Skills:
- Ability to execute all the skills required of a firefighter I and II as defined in the NFPA
- Ability to proficiently execute all the skills required of an EMT-B
- Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in English
- Strong team building, leadership, and interpersonal skills
- Able to work well without supervision
- Able to handle suddenly changing work conditions and assignments
- Working knowledge of emergency operations management and emergency tactics
- Ability to pass Departmental Physical and Respiratory Protection medical examinations
- Ability to pass a drug screen, physical, and background check.
- Ability to pass the Department’s physical ability test
Preferred or Desired Qualifications:
- Texas Drivers' License Class B (Firefighter Exempt)
- TCFP Intermediate, Advanced, Master Structural Firefighter Certification
- TDSHS EMT-A or EMT-P Certification by the Texas Department of Health
- TCFP Driver Operator Certification
- TCFP Driver Operator Aerial Certification
- TCFP Instructor I-III Certification
- TCFP Fire Officer I-IV Certification
- TCFP Fire Investigator Certification
- TCFP Fire Inspector Certification
- Blue Card Incident Command
- Current employment/membership in a career, combination, or volunteer fire department
- Current status as an engineer operator or officer with a career department
- Hazardous materials, rescue, or other special operations training and or certifications
- College Education: AS or BS degree in Fire Science or related field
Testing and Hiring Process Steps:
Testing Components
- Application Process:
- Submit your application, resume, and cover letter by the deadline. This step is a pass/fail.
- The application must document the above qualifications, with any employment history, contact information, and three work-related references outside the Cypress Creek Fire Department.
- Copies of certificates must be available upon request.
- All applications must be signed by the deadline, and required materials must be submitted online.
- Incomplete or late applications will be rejected without consideration.
Application Link
Applications will be reviewed, and applicants who meet the required qualifications and follow all directions will receive an invitation to the physical agility portion of this process no later than 1700 hours on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
- Physical Agility Test:
- The physical agility test will be scheduled for:
February 17, 2026, starting at 0900 hours. (Additional dates, if needed, due to the number of applicants, will be February 18 and February 19, 2026.
- The physical agility test will be held at Cypress Creek Station, 24 12073 Perry Rd, Houston, Tx 77070.
- The Physical Agility Test consists of the following:
- Stair Climb, Hose Drag, Equipment Carry, Ladder Raise and Extension, Forcible Entry, Ceiling Breach and Pull, and Rescue.
- See attached link for the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wsIDfyojms
- Upon successful completion of the physical agility test, the candidate will be invited to continue the selection process. This entails setting up an Oral Interview time.
- Oral Interview:
- The oral interviews will be scheduled for:
February 24, 2026, starting at 0900 hours (additional dates, if needed, due to the number of applicants, will be February 26 and February 27, 2026).
- The Interview Location is Harris County Emergency Services District #13/Cypress Creek Fire Station #22/Admin Office: 11900 Cypress N. Houston Rd. Cypress, Texas 77429.
- After the Interviews are completed, the candidates will be scored and graded. The candidates will be notified of the positions on the lists.
Current Benefits:
- TCDRS Retirement, 7% employee contributions, 2:1 employer match, 5-year vesting.
- Health Insurance, 100% employee coverage, 80% dependent coverage.
- Employee Life and ADD covered 100%.
- Vision, Dental, and Optional Life coverage available at employee expense.
- AFLAC available, first $100 paid by ESD, the employee selects plans and coverage.
- Flex Spending medical and dependent accounts available.
- Optional 457b pre and post-tax plans.
- Department paid for short-term and long-term disability.
- Certification, longevity, and degree pay.
Work Location & Conditions:
Most administrative duties will be in the office. Adverse or potentially hazardous environments will be routinely present during training exercises and/or emergency response operations. With protective clothing and SCBA, moderate to heavy lifting will be required.
Work environment characteristics described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to weather conditions. However, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
- Making observations
- Reading and writing
- Operating assigned equipment
- Communicating with others.
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include but are not limited to the following:
- Observing fire suppression activities
- Running, walking, crouching, or crawling during emergency operations
- Moving equipment and injured/deceased persons
- Climbing stairs/ladders
- Walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
- Performing lifesaving and rescue procedures
- Operating assigned equipment
- Wearing assigned protective clothing and equipment
Effectively deal with personal danger, which may include exposure to:
- Hazardous chemicals and materials
- Fumes and smoke
- Intense heat
- Electrical hazards
- Confined or high workplaces
Questions or Comments:
All communications streams shall be directed at the Human Resources Department:
- Harris County Emergency Services Department #13 / Cypress Creek Fire Department
Phone: (281) 894-0151
Email: hr@hcesd13.org
Disclaimer:
- The job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all employees' responsibilities, duties, skills, and behaviors in this job. It is intended to describe the position's essential functions that a qualified individual must be able to perform, either with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Harris County Emergency Services District 13 is an equal opportunity employer that promotes a drug-free workplace. Selection for this position will be based on job qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected category.
- Employment is contingent upon passing the Departmental physical, drug screens, and background check.
- If an applicant fails to notify of an inability to attend any part of the hiring process, they will be ineligible to reapply for future positions for one (1) year.
- Employment is contingent upon passing the Departmental physical, drug screens, and background check.
Salary : $62,438 - $72,768