Salt Lake City

Fire Department

833-SLC-FIRE (833-752-3473)

  1. SLC.gov
  2. Fire Department
  3. Careers

Careers

We are currently accepting applications for Recruit School 54 (August 2024)

Application window closes January 31st, 2024

Click HERE start an application

Positions

FIREFIGHTER I (ENTRY-LEVEL FIREFIGHTER)

We administer an entry-level testing process every six (6) months to establish a list of qualified candidates for our bi-annual recruit schools. 

The process begins with a completed job application, the National Testing Network (NTN) written exam, AND online pre-recorded video interview. Top-scoring candidates will be invited to an oral board assessment. The written exam (20%), online pre-recorded video interview (30%), and oral board assessment (50%) scores are weighed and combined to create a ranked hiring list. Ranked candidates will be invited to the Task Performance Assessment for Candidates (TPAC), our pass/fail physical agility exam. Candidates may submit a current Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) certification in place of performing the TPAC. After passing the TPAC/CPAT and background investigation, candidates will be invited to a final interview with Salt Lake City’s Fire Chief. 

Individuals who are offered employment will be required to successfully complete our 15-week recruit school. Pay & benefits for the employee starts on day 1 of recruit school. The composition of the class will depend upon the needs of the department. 

If you have a concern with the written exam, online video recorded interview, oral board assessment, or TPAC, you may contact the SLCFD HR Consultant at (801) 799‐4109. 

Schedule of Events 

August 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024: Application period for Recruit School #54 (August 2024) 

  • Submit completed application (include any relevant certifications and/or documents). 
  • Candidates who score 85% and above on the FireTEAM written exam will be considered. 
  • NTN online tasks are self-scheduled and completed by the candidate. The amount of open testing slots vary by day. Candidates should plan accordingly and schedule their exam ahead of time.

February 2024 

  • Week 1 & 2: SLCFD scores NTN online pre-recorded video interviews.
  • Week 3: SLCFD Human Resources schedules oral board interviews for the top 30 candidates.(combination of written exam and online pre-recorded video interview).
  • Week 4: SLCFD oral board panel interviews. Interviews may be in-person or online at the request of the candidate.
  • A final ranked list is created based on all testing components.
  • TPAC to be held on 3rd and 4th Saturday of February 2024

March – May 2024 

  • Background check and process. 

May 2024 

  • Final Interview with Salt Lake City Fire Chief.

June & July 2024 

  • Medical exams, conditional offers of employment, recruit orientation.

August 2024 

  • Candidate begins recruit school #54.

Hiring Preparation

WRITTEN EXAM

We administer the National Testing Network-Ergometrics (test-provider) FireTEAM written exam. There is no study guide for the FireTEAM test, however there are two sets of practice tests (basic & extended) available for purchase on www.fireteamtest.com. 

For remote testing, click here. For a free downloadable resume template, click here. 

Reasonable accommodations are available for disabilities or financial hardship including in-person testing. For free computer access, please locate your nearest county library here.

ONLINE PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEW

We administer the National Testing Network-Ergometrics (test-provider) online pre-recorded video interview. At their convenience, candidates will log in to their NTN account where they will respond to pre-selected interview questions. Candidate responses are video recorded and saved on NTN’s testing platform. SLCFD reviewers will watch and evaluate the candidate’s interview. 

Dimensional areas covered by the online pre-recorded video interview: 

  • Professional/personal history 
  • Customer/community relations 
  • Working with coworkers 
  • Integrity/ethics 

ORAL BOARD ASSESSMENT

The oral board assessment will consist of structured interview questions. Download the SLC Fire Practice Oral Board Sample Interview Questions, Tips, & Behavioral Interview Overview here to gain a better understanding of the types of questions asked during the assessment and our recommended tips for success. 

Task Performance Assessment for Candidates (TPAC)

The TPAC consists of seven (7) separate events, including: a stair climb, hose carry up three flights of stairs, ladder raise and extension, firefighter crawl, rescue dummy drag, ceiling breach and pull, and tire drag (hose drag simulation). This is a pass/fail physical agility test based on a validated maximum total time of 10 minutes. 

A valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Agility Test) certificate will be accepted in place of performing the TPAC. 

Click here to view a video walkthrough of the TPAC

Click here for full details and instructions of the TPAC

Click here to view an exercise program to prepare for the TPAC

For an extended overview of the following areas, click on each link:

Utah’s Capital City Fire Department

At the Salt Lake City Fire Department (SLC Fire), our firefighters take great pride in serving Utah’s capital city.

We strive to provide exceptional emergency services by focusing on progression, efficiency, and adaptability.

We are the first Class 1 ISO designated fire department in the state of Utah. Currently, only 270 departments, of roughly 44,000 nationwide, have such a rating.

VISION: To redefine the standard in emergency response, community engagement, and firefighter wellness

MISSION: To provide unparalleled fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to our community

MOTTO: Prepare Effectively. Respond Professionally. Impact Positively

VALUES: Trust; Community; Respect; Excellence; Leadership

About Our Department

  • SLC Fire has over 350 members serving 200,00 residents, with a business and tourism population that nearly doubles this number, within the city’s 110 square miles.
  • We are an all-hazards response department with over 80% of our annual 31,000 (2022) calls involving a medical situation.
  • We operate 14 fire stations which include: 12 engines, 3 trucks, 2 quints, and 5 aircraft rescue vehicles, 3 light response vehicles, 6 Type VI, and 1 Type III wildland apparatus.
  • We operate on a three-platoon system with crews rotating every 48 hours at the fire stations.
  • Our crews provide structural protection to high-rise, industrial, commercial, and residential areas. Additionally, we service two major freeway intersections and wildland urban-interface.
  • Our specialty certifications include Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF), Engineer, Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Technician, Heavy Rescue Technician (HRT), Fire Investigation, Paramedic, and Swift Water Rescue. 
  • In addition to emergency response, our firefighters’ daily routine involves vehicle maintenance, equipment checks, job-related training, physical fitness, community outreach, and public education.

Hiring Eligibility & FAQs

In order to be considered for employment, a candidate must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Ability to legally work in the US
  2. At least 18 years of age by the date of the written exam
  3. Possess a high school diploma or GED by date of the written exam
  4. Possess a valid driver license by the time of employment

Q: Do you need previous firefighting, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Paramedic certification to be considered for employment? A: We do not require previous firefighting, EMT, or Paramedic certification prior to entry-level employment. Preference points may be awarded each hiring process (see Preference Points below). Additionally, our department will cover the cost of basic EMT certification for Entry-Level Firefighters who do not possess a certificate at the time of hire.

Q: Does SLC Fire require a college degree to become a firefighter? A: No, however a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required by the date of the written exam.

Q: Are there age, height, and weight requirements to be an SLC firefighter? A: Interested candidates must be 18 years old by the date of the written exam. There are no height or weight requirements.

Q: Does SLC Fire allow tattoos? A: Yes. Visible Tattoos or decals cannot be obscene, offensive, distract from the professional appearance, or interfere with on-duty actions and responsibilities; excessive tattoos/decals shall not be exposed or visible. Excessive is defined as any tattoo/decal that extends to the neck (above the collarbone), head, or hands with the exception of a single banded tattoo on the ring finger.

Click on each link below for additional insight regarding:

Perks & Benefits

BENEFITS

  • PTO (including sick and vacation)
  • Health insurance (includes medical, dental, and vision)
  • Retirement plan (through Utah Retirement Systems)
  • Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000 per year)
  • Incentive pay for specialty certifications
  • Uniform allowance
  • Regular wage increases
  • Starting pay around $45,000 annually

A CAREER THAT GIVES BACK

Before we are firefighters we are people. One of the greatest draws to this profession is the ability to connect on a human level, and make a meaningful difference in potentially the worst moment of a person’ s life. When 911 is activated, it is normally due to circumstances that are beyond the normal scope of control. It is profoundly rewarding to have the opportunity to positively impact a frightening situation and help return a chaotic event to some level of normalcy.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

In addition to emergency response, we believe in strengthening the fabric of our community through providing fire safety education and demonstrations, participating in local events, creating platforms to interact with and develop the youth in our neighborhoods, and fostering relationships with key community advocates.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

We believe that quality time spent off-duty is essential to the happiness and wellbeing of our employees. That’s why our full‐time firefighters are scheduled to work one 48-hour consecutive shift and then are scheduled off for 96 hours. We believe adequate time off encourages our firefighters to relax and recharge so they are ready to serve the residents of Salt Lake City upon their return.

PEER SUPPORT

Given the nature of this career, our firefighters are often exposed to traumatic experiences which can have a detrimental impact on their mental health. We have made it a priority to take care of our own, so we offer internal health and wellness programs addressing physical, emotional, and mental relief. The department also has a chaplain who serves to provide the spiritual needs of all department members, regardless of religious affiliation or background.

For more on whether you should choose firefighting as a career, click here.

Join Our Team

Questions?

Primary contact for questions related to general recruitment, the SLC Fire interest list, and test-preparation events:

Fire Community Relations Division |P: 801-799-4688 E: firecommunityrelations@slcgov.com

Primary contact for questions related to the testing process, employment, and the Civil Service Commission:

Austin Clark | SLC Fire Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator | P: 801-231-0160 | E: Austin.Clark@slcgov.com

Jennifer Sykes | SLC Corporation HR Business Partner | P: 801-799-4109 | E: Jennifer.Sykes@slcgov.com

Candace Roberts | SLC Corporation Senior HR Recruiter | P: 801-535-6623 | E: Candace.Roberts@slcgov.com

DISCLAIMER: The preceding information is intended to be a guide for prospective firefighter candidates. The testing procedures and hiring requirements are subject to change at any time without prior notice. (Last update: May 1, 2023)

Share "Careers" to your social network: