The next testing process for Entry-Level Firefighters will take place Spring 2024
Click HERE to join our 2024 Entry-Level Firefighter interest list
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
Positions
FIREFIGHTER I (ENTRY-LEVEL FIREFIGHTER)
We administer an entry-level testing process every two (2) years, on even calendar years, to establish a list of qualified entry-level firefighter (Firefighter I) candidates. The next process will take place in Spring 2024.
The process begins with an entry-level Written Exam. After the Written Exam, the top-scoring candidates will be invited to the Oral Board Assessment (interview). Your Oral Board Assessment and Written Exam scores are combined to determine if you will receive an invitation to take the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT). The CPAT assessment is pass or fail. Successful candidates will then be ranked, based on overall performance, and placed on a hiring list.
Between 2022 and 2024, candidates will be selected from the hiring list for further testing and consideration, as positions become available. If the initial list becomes exhausted more candidates will be invited to participate in the remainder of the process.
Individuals who are offered employment will be required to successfully complete and pass Recruit School. The composition of the class will depend upon the needs of the department.
If you have a concern with the Written Exam, Oral Board Assessment, or CPAT, you may contact the SLC Fire Department HR Consultant at (801) 799‐4109.
For an extended overview of the following areas, click on each link:
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) currently available for purchase via www.fireteamtest.com.
For remote testing opportunities, click here. For a free downloadable resume template, click here.
ORAL BOARD ASSESSMENT
The Oral Board Assessment will consist of structured, behaviorally-based interview questions. Your responses will be evaluated by fire officers and other firefighters or firefighter specialists. Download the SLC Fire Practice Oral Board Sample Interview Questions, Tips, & Behavioral Interview Overview to gain a better understanding of the types of questions asked during the assessment and our recommended tips for success.
CANDIDATE PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST (CPAT)
Our department utilizes a Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) for our hiring process. The CPAT consists of eight (8) separate events, including: a stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach and pull. You are required to progress from event to event in a continuous manner. This is a pass/fail test based on a validated maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. This test was developed to allow fire departments to obtain pools of trainable candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at fire scenes.
YOU WILL NEED TO BE PHYSICALLY PREPARED FOR THIS EXAM.
THIS IS THE MOST COMMONLY FAILED COMPONENT OF THIS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TESTING STANDARD.
To review the full CPAT Orientation Guide, which lists event descriptions, equipment, evaluations, and failures, visit: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/cpat_info.cfm.
Further preparation for this event can be found in the following links;
Candidate Preparation Guide 3mb PDF
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 (2021) calls involving a medical situation.
- We operate 14 fire stations which include: 12 engines, 3 trucks, 2 quints, and 5 aircraft rescue vehicles.
- 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, 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:
- Ability to legally work in the US
- At least 18 years of age by the date of the written exam
- Possess a high school diploma or GED by date of the Oral Board Assessment
- 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 or GED is required by the date of the Oral Board Assessment.
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.
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:
- SLC Firefighter Hiring Standards
- SLC Firefighter Background Check
- Firefighter Medical Requirements
- Preference Points
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 $43,500 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: March 9, 2021)